***the World Factbook 1994 (part 2)

Header
Note:
Bosnia and Herzegovina is suffering from interethnic civil strife
which began in March 1992 after the Government of Bosnia and
Herzegovina held a referendum on independence. Bosnia's Serbs -
supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance
aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining
Serb-held areas to a "greater Serbia." Since the onset of the
conflict, which has driven approximately half of the pre-war
population of 4.4 million from their homes, both the Bosnian Serbs and
the Bosnian Croats have asserted control of more than three-quarters
of the territory formerly under the control of the Government of
Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UN and the EU are continuing to try to
mediate a plan for peace. In March 1994 Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian
Croats signed an agreement in Washington, DC, creating a Federation of
Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is to include territories in which
Muslims or Croats predominated, according to the 1991 census. Bosnian
Serbs refused to become a part of this Federation.

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, Geography

Location:
Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, between
Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro
Map references:
Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe,
Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
51,233 sq km
land area:
51,233 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Tennessee
Land boundaries:
total 1,459 km, Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km (312 km
with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro)
Coastline:
20 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200-m depth
exclusive economic zone:
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone:
12 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
as of May 1994, members of the Bosnian Serb armed factions, desirous
of establishing a separate state linked with neighboring Serbia,
occupied 70% of Bosnia after having killed or driven out non-Serb
inhabitants; the Bosnian Croats, occupied and declared an independent
state in an additional 10% of Bosnia in 1993, but in March 1994, this
faction and the Bosnian Government settled their dispute and entered
into a bicommunal Federation; a Bosnian Government army commander who
opposes the leadership of Bosnian President IZETBEGOVIC is leading an
insurrection in the government-held enclave of Bihac
Climate:
hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool
summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast
Terrain:
mountains and valleys
Natural resources:
coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper,
chromium, lead, zinc
Land use:
arable land:
20%
permanent crops:
2%
meadows and pastures:
25%
forest and woodland:
36%
other:
17%
Irrigated land:
NA sq km
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for
disposing of urban waste are limited; widespread casualties and
destruction of infrastructure because of civil strife
natural hazards:
subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes
international agreements:
party to - Air Pollution, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer
Protection

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, People

Population: 4,651,485 (July 1994 est.) note: all data dealing with population is subject to considerable error because of the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing Population growth rate: 0.69% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.33 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.39 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.13 years male: 72.43 years female: 78.02 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.61 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian Ethnic divisions: Muslim 44%, Serb 31%, Croat 17%, other 8% Religions: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 1,026,254 by occupation: agriculture 2%, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.)

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government

Note:
The US recognizes the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a new government being formed
by the Muslims and Croats. On 31 May 1994 a Croat president, Kresimir
ZUBAK, and a Muslim vice president, Ejup GANIC, were elected. Haris
SILAJDZIC, who is prime minister of the Republic, is also the prime
minister of the Federation.
Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
conventional short form:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
local long form:
Republika Bosna i Hercegovina
local short form:
Bosna i Hercegovina
Digraph:
BK
Type:
emerging democracy
Capital:
Sarajevo
Administrative divisions:
109 districts (opstinas, singular - opstina) Banovici, Banja Luka,
Bihac, Bijeljina, Bileca, Bosanska Dubica, Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanska
Krupa, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Novi, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanski
Samac, Bosansko Grahovo, Bratunac, Brcko, Breza, Bugojno, Busovaca,
Cazin, Cajnice, Capljina, Celinac, Citluk, Derventa, Doboj, Donji
Vakuf, Foca, Fojnica, Gacko, Glamoc, Gorazde, Gornji Vakuf, Gracanica,
Gradacac, Grude, Han Pijesak, Jablanica, Jajce, Kakanj, Kalesija,
Kalinovik, Kiseljak, Kladanj, Kljuc, Konjic, Kotor Varos, Kresevo,
Kupres, Laktasi, Listica, Livno, Lopare, Lukavac, Ljubinje, Ljubuski,
Maglaj, Modrica, Mostar, Mrkonjic-Grad, Neum, Nevesinje, Odzak, Olovo,
Orasje, Posusje, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Prozor, (Pucarevo) Novi Travnik,
Rogatica, Rudo, Sanski Most, Sarajevo-Centar, Sarajevo-Hadzici,
Sarajevo-Ilidza, Sarajevo-Ilijas, Sarajevo-Novi Grad, Sarajevo-Novo,
Sarajevo-Pale, Sarajevo-Stari Grad, Sarajevo-Trnovo, Sarajevo-Vogosca,
Skender Vakuf, Sokolac, Srbac, Srebrenica, Srebrenik, Stolac,
Sekovici, Sipovo, Teslic, Tesanj, Drvar, Duvno, Travnik, Trebinje,
Tuzla, Ugljevik, Vares, Velika Kladusa, Visoko, Visegrad, Vitez,
Vlasenica, Zavidovici, Zenica, Zvornik, Zepce, Zivinice
note:
currently under negotiation with the assistance of international
mediators
Independence:
NA April 1992 (from Yugoslavia)
National holiday:
NA
Constitution:
promulgated in 1974 (under the Communists), amended 1989, 1990, and
1991; the Assembly planned to draft a new constitution in 1991, before
conditions deteriorated; constitution of Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina (including Muslim and Croatian controlled parts of
Republic) ratified April 1994
Legal system:
based on civil law system
Suffrage:
16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since 20 December 1990), other members of
the collective presidency: Ejup GANIC (since NA November 1990), Nijaz
DURAKOVIC (since NA October 1993), Stjepan KLJUJIC (since NA October
1993), Ivo KOMSIC (since NA October 1993), Mirko PEJANOVIC (since NA
June 1992), Tatjana LJUJIC-MIJATOVIC (since NA December 1992)
head of government:
Prime Minister Haris SILAJDZIC (since NA October 1993); Deputy Prime
Minister Edib BUKVIC (since NA October 1993)
cabinet:
executive body of ministers; members of, and responsible to, the
National Assembly
Legislative branch:
bicameral National Assembly
Chamber of Municipalities (Vijece Opeina):
elections last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA);
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (110 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 38,
HDZ BiH 23, Party of Democratic Changes 4, DSS 1, SPO 1
Chamber of Citizens (Vijece Gradanstvo):
elections last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA);
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (130 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 34,
HDZ BiH 21, Party of Democratic Changes 15, SRSJ BiH 12, MBO 2, DSS 1,
DSZ 1, LS 1
note:
legislative elections for Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are
slated for late 1994
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court, Constitutional Court
Political parties and leaders:
Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Croatian
Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), KresimirZUBAK;
Serbian Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDS BiH), Radovan
KARADZIC, president; Muslim-Bosnian Organization (MBO), Adil
ZULFIKARPASIC, president; Democratic Party of Socialists (DSS), Nijaz
DURAKOVIC, president; Party of Democratic Changes, leader NA; Serbian
Movement for Renewal (SPO), Milan TRIVUNCIC; Alliance of Reform Forces
of Yugoslavia for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SRSJ BiH), Dr. Nenad
KECMANOVIC, president; Democratic League of Greens (DSZ), Drazen
PETROVIC; Liberal Party (LS), Rasim KADIC, president
Other political or pressure groups:
NA
Member of:
CEI, CSCE, ECE, ICAO, ILO, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user),
INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM (guest), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
(vacant); Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Seven
ALKALAJ
chancery:
Suite 760, 1707 L Street NW, Washington, DC 10036
telephone:
(202) 833-3612, 3613, and 3615
FAX:
(202) 833-2061
consulate(s) general:
New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Victor JACKOVICH
embassy:
address NA
mailing address:
NA
telephone:
NA
FAX:
NA
Flag:
white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white Roman
crosses with a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner
to the lower fly side

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy

Overview:
Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation.
Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have
been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a
net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one
reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning and
management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in
the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of
Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of April 1994, Bosnia and Herzegovina
was being torn apart by the continued bitter interethnic warfare that
has caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar,
and human misery to multiply. No reliable economic statistics for
1992-93 are available, although output clearly has fallen
substantially below the levels of earlier years.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $NA
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$NA
expenditures:
$NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Exports:
$NA
commodities:
NA
partners:
NA
Imports:
$NA
commodities:
NA
partners:
NA
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%; production is sharply down because of interethnic and
interrepublic warfare (1991-93)
Electricity:
capacity:
NA kW
production:
NA kWh
consumption per capita:
NA kWh
Industries:
steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and
bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products,
wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank
and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining (1991)
Agriculture:
accounted for 9.0% of GDP in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of
food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards,
vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy
precipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the
mountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very
productive (1991)
Illicit drugs:
NA
Economic aid:
$NA
Currency:
1 dinar = 100 para; Croatian dinar used in Croat-held area, presumably
to be replaced by new Croatian kuna; old and new Serbian dinars used
in Serb-held area; hard currencies probably supplanting local
currencies in areas held by Bosnian government
Exchange rates:
NA
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, Communications

Railroads:
NA km
Highways:
total:
21,168 km
paved:
11,436 km
unpaved:
gravel 8,146 km; earth 1,586 km (1991)
Inland waterways:
NA km
Pipelines:
crude oil 174 km; natural gas 90 km (1992); note - pipelines now
disrupted
Ports:
coastal - none; inland - Bosanski Brod on the Sava River
Airports:
total:
28
usable:
24
with permanent-surface runways:
5
with runways over 3659:
0
with runways 2440-3659 m:
3
with runways 1220-2439 m:
6
Telecommunications:
telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and
expansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services
in other former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast
stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6 TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; satellite
ground stations - none

@Bosnia and Herzegovina, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 1,298,102; fit for military service 1,054,068; reach
military age (19) annually 38,283 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Botswana, Geography

Location:
Southern Africa, north of South Africa
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
600,370 sq km
land area:
585,370 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries:
total 4,013 km, Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813
km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
short section of boundary with Namibia is indefinite; quadripoint with
Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; recent dispute with
Namibia over uninhabited Kasikili (Sidudu) Island in Linyanti (Chobe)
River
Climate:
semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Terrain:
predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in
southwest
Natural resources:
diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore,
silver
Land use:
arable land:
2%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
75%
forest and woodland:
2%
other:
21%
Irrigated land:
20 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
overgrazing; desertification; water scarcity
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear
Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity
Note:
landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

@Botswana, People

Population:
1,359,352 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.45% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
32.19 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
7.72 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
39.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
63.05 years
male:
60.03 years
female:
66.16 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
4.06 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
adjective:
Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)
Ethnic divisions:
Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%
Religions:
indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%
Languages:
English (official), Setswana
Literacy:
age 15 and over able to read and write simple sentences (1990 est.)
total population:
23%
male:
32%
female:
16%
Labor force:
428,000 (1992)
by occupation:
220,000 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle
raising and subsistence agriculture (1992 est.); 14,300 are employed
in various mines in South Africa (March 1992)

@Botswana, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Botswana
conventional short form:
Botswana
former:
Bechuanaland
Digraph:
BC
Type:
parliamentary republic
Capital:
Gaborone
Administrative divisions:
10 districts; Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng,
Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; in addition, there are 4
town councils - Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste, Selebi-Phikwe
Independence:
30 September 1966 (from UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 30 September (1966)
Constitution:
March 1965, effective 30 September 1966
Legal system:
based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review
limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
President Sir Ketumile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President
Festus MOGAE (since 9 March 1992); election last held 7 October 1989
(next to be held October 1994); results - President Sir Ketumile
MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly
cabinet:
Cabinet; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament
House of Chiefs:
is a largely advisory 15-member body consisting of chiefs of the 8
principal tribes, 4 elected subchiefs, and 3 members selected by the
other 12
National Assembly:
elections last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total of which 34
are elected and 4 are appointed) BDP 31, BNF 3, unfilled seats pending
new elections 4
Judicial branch:
High Court, Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders:
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Sir Ketumile MASIRE; Botswana
National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Botswana People's Party (BPP),
Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO
Member of:
ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,
LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ,
UNOMUR, UNOSOM, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE
chancery:
Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 244-4990 or 4991
FAX:
(202) 244-4164
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Howard JETER
embassy:
address NA, Gaborone
mailing address:
P. O. Box 90, Gaborone
telephone:
353-982
FAX:
356-947
Flag:
light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center

@Botswana, Economy

Overview:
The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops.
Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the
population, but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving
force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been
the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds,
has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to 50% in 1991. No other
sector has experienced such growth, especially not agriculture, which
is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The unemployment rate
remains a problem at 25%. Although diamond production was down
slightly in 1992, substantial gains in coal output and manufacturing
helped boost the economy. Recovery in sluggish diamond markets in
second half 1993 helped Botswana achieve moderate growth of 3% for the
year.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
3% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$4,500 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
14% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
25% (1993 est.)
Budget:
revenues:
$1.7 billion
expenditures:
$1.99 billion, including capital expenditures of $652 million (FY94)
Exports:
$1.7 billion (f.o.b. 1992)
commodities:
diamonds 78%, copper and nickel 6%, meat 5%
partners:
Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union)
Imports:
$1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992)
commodities:
foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum
products
partners:
Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US
External debt:
$344 million (December 1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 6.8% (FY91); accounts for about 53% of GDP, including
mining
Electricity:
capacity:
220,000 kW
production:
901 million kWh (in addition 228,000,000 kWh were imported)
consumption per capita:
874 kWh (1992 est.)
Industries:
mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash;
livestock processing
Agriculture:
accounts for only 5% of GDP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle
raising supports 50% of the population; must import up to of 80% of
food needs
Economic aid:
recipient:
US aid (1992), $13 million; Norway (1992), $16 million; Sweden (1992),
$15.5 million; Germany (1992), $3.6 million; EC/Lome-IV (1992), $3-6
million in grants; $28.7 million in long-term projects (1992)
Currency:
1 pula (P) = 100 thebe
Exchange rates:
pula (P) per US$1 - 3.1309 (January 1994), 2.4190 (1993), 2.1327
(1992), 2.0173 (1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@Botswana, Communications

Railroads:
712 km 1.067-meter gauge
Highways:
total:
11,514 km
paved:
1,600 km
unpaved:
crushed stone, gravel 1,700 km; improved earth 5,177 km; unimproved
earth 3,037 km
Airports:
total:
101
usable:
90
with permanent-surface runways:
9
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
30
Telecommunications:
the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, microwave radio
relay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000
telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean
INTELSAT earth station

@Botswana, Defense Forces

Branches:
Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana
National Police
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 294,603; fit for military service 154,997; reach
military age (18) annually 15,156 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $196 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY93/94)

@Bouvet Island

Header Affiliation: (territory of Norway)

@Bouvet Island, Geography

Location: Southern Africa, in the South Atlantic Ocean, 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total area: 58 sq km land area: 58 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all ice) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: covered by glacial ice

@Bouvet Island, People

Population: uninhabited

@Bouvet Island, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island Digraph: BV Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway Independence: none (territory of Norway)

@Bouvet Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

@Bouvet Island, Communications

Ports:
none; offshore anchorage only
Telecommunications:
automatic meteorological station

@Bouvet Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

@Brazil, Geography

Location:
Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Map references:
South America, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
8,511,965 sq km
land area:
8,456,510 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than the US
note:
includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da
Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo
Land boundaries:
total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643
km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru
1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km
Coastline:
7,491 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
short section of the boundary with Paraguay, just west of Salto das
Sete Quedas (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, is in dispute; two short
sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arroio Invernada
(Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the
islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay River
Climate:
mostly tropical, but temperate in south
Terrain:
mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,
mountains, and narrow coastal belt
Natural resources:
iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin,
hydropower, gold, platinum, petroleum, timber
Land use:
arable land:
7%
permanent crops:
1%
meadows and pastures:
19%
forest and woodland:
67%
other:
6%
Irrigated land:
27,000 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation in Amazon Basin; air and water pollution in Rio de
Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation
and water pollution caused by improper mining activities
natural hazards:
recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south
international agreements:
party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental
Protocol, Tropical Timber
Note:
largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every
South American country except Chile and Ecuador

@Brazil, People

Population: 158,739,257 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.28% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 21.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 59.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.25 years male: 57.41 years female: 67.32 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.44 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%, mixed 38%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 70% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 81% male: 82% female: 80% Labor force: 57 million (1989 est.) by occupation: services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%

@Brazil, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Federative Republic of Brazil
conventional short form:
Brazil
local long form:
Republica Federativa do Brasil
local short form:
Brasil
Digraph:
BR
Type:
federal republic
Capital:
Brasilia
Administrative divisions:
26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*
(distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara,
Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato
Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui,
Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia,
Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins
Independence:
7 September 1822 (from Portugal)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 7 September (1822)
Constitution:
5 October 1988
Legal system:
based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over
18 and under 70 years of age
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
President Itamar FRANCO (since 29 December 1992); election last held
15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held
October 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio
LULA da Silva 47%; note - first free, direct presidential election
since 1960; Fernando COLLOR de Mello was impeached in December 1992
and succeeded by former Vice President Itamar FRANCO
cabinet:
Cabinet; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional)
Federal Senate (Senado Federal):
election last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994);
results - percent of vote by party PMBD 33%, PFL 16%, PSDB 12%, PDS
4%, PDT 6%, PT 1%, other 28%; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991)
PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16
Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados):
election last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994);
results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%,
other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL
87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109
Judicial branch:
Supreme Federal Tribunal
Political parties and leaders:
National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president;
Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Luiz HENRIQUE da Silveira,
president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Jorge BORNHAUSEN, president;
Workers' Party (PT), Luis Inacio LULA da Silva, president; Brazilian
Workers' Party (PTB), Rodrigues PALMA, president; Democratic Workers'
Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Progressive Renewal Party
(PPR), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party
(PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS),
Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao
AMAZONAS, secretary general; Liberal Party (PL), Flavio ROCHA,
president
Other political or pressure groups:
left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist
Workers' Party are critical of government's social and economic
policies
Member of:
AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77,
GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,
IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,
LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA,
RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR,
UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Paulo Tarso FLECHA de LIMA
chancery:
3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 745-2700
FAX:
(202) 745-2827
consulate(s) general:
Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong (Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands),
Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)
consulate(s):
Houston and San Francisco
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Melvyn LEVITSKY
embassy:
Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal
mailing address:
APO AA 34030
telephone:
(61) 321-7272
FAX:
(61) 225-9136
consulate(s) general:
Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo
consulate(s):
Porto Alegre, Recife
Flag:
green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue
celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state
and district) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over
Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E
PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)

@Brazil, Economy

Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990, launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government also obtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements with commercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reduction of debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation (the rate doubled in 1992 and by March 1994 had risen to 42% per month) continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumed the presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992, was out of step with COLLOR'S reform agenda; initiatives to redress fiscal problems, privatize state enterprises, and liberalize trade and investment policies have lost momentum. Brazil's natural resources remain a major, long-term economic strength National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $785 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5% (1993) National product per capita: $5,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2,709% (1993) Unemployment rate: 4.9% (1993) Budget: revenues: $113 billion expenditures: $109 billion, including capital expenditures of $23 billion (1992) Exports: $38.8 billion (f.o.b. 1993) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts partners: EC 27.6%, Latin America 21.8%, US 17.4%, Japan 6.3% (1993) Imports: $25.7 billion (f.o.b. 1993) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: US 23.3%, EC 22.5%, Middle East 13.0%, Latin America 11.8%, Japan 6.5% (1993) External debt: $119 billion (1993) Industrial production: growth rate 9.5% (1993); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 63,765,000 kW production: 242.184 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,531 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second-largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: 1 cruzeiro real (CR$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: CR$ per US$1 - 390.845 (January 1994), 88.449 (1993), 4.513 (1992), 0.407 (1991), 0.068 (1990), 0.003 (1989) note: on 1 August 1993 the cruzeiro real, equal to 1,000 cruzeiros, was introduced; another new currency, the real, will be introduced on 1 July 1994 Fiscal year: calendar year

@Brazil, Communications

Railroads:
30,133 km total; 24,690 km 1.000-meter gauge, 5,120 km 1.600-meter
gauge, 310 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge;
2,150 km electrified
Highways:
total:
1,670,148 km
paved:
161,503 km
unpaved:
gravel/earth 1,508,645 km (1990)
Inland waterways:
50,000 km navigable
Pipelines:
crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km
Ports:
Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio
de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos
Merchant marine:
220 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,139,176 GRT/8,695,682 DWT,
bulk 53, cargo 40, chemical tanker 14, combination ore/oil 12,
container 11, liquified gas 11, oil tanker 62, passenger-cargo 5,
refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11
note:
in addition, 1 naval tanker is sometimes used commercially
Airports:
total:
3,581
usable:
3,024
with permanent-surface runways:
436
with runways over 3,659 m:
2
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
22
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
598
Telecommunications:
good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 million
telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151
shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth
stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations

@Brazil, Defense Forces

Branches:
Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air
Force, Military Police (paramilitary)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 43,489,704; fit for military service 29,286,530; reach
military age (18) annually 1,674,930 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)

@British Indian Ocean Territory

Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

@British Indian Ocean Territory, Geography

Location: Southern Asia, in the Indian Ocean, south of India about halfway between Africa and Indonesia Map references: Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 60 sq km land area: 60 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Diego Garcia Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

@British Indian Ocean Territory, People

Population:
no indigenous inhabitants
note:
there are UK-US military personnel; civilian inhabitants, known as the
Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US military
facilities

@British Indian Ocean Territory, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
British Indian Ocean Territory
conventional short form:
none
Abbreviation:
BIOT
Digraph:
IO
Type:
dependent territory of the UK
Capital:
none
Independence:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government:
Commissioner Thomas GEORGE (since September 1991); Administrator Mr.
R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
US diplomatic representation:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag:
white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six
blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown
centered on the outer half of the flag

@British Indian Ocean Territory, Economy

Overview:
All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego
Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction
projects and various services needed to support the military
installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK,
Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or
agricultural activities on the islands.
Electricity:
provided by the US military

@British Indian Ocean Territory, Communications

Highways: total: NA paved: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia unpaved: NA Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 on Diego Garcia with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,229-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@British Indian Ocean Territory, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

@British Virgin Islands

Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

@British Virgin Islands, Geography

Location: Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east of Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 150 sq km land area: 150 sq km comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Anegada Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 33% forest and woodland: 7% other: 33% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) international agreements: NA Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

@British Virgin Islands, People

Population:
12,864 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.24% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
20.31 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
6.09 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
-1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
19.51 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
72.67 years
male:
70.83 years
female:
74.65 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.27 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
British Virgin Islander(s)
adjective:
British Virgin Islander
Ethnic divisions:
black 90%, white, Asian
Religions:
Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%,
Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other
2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981)
Languages:
English (official)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1970)
total population:
98%
male:
98%
female:
98%
Labor force:
4,911 (1980)
by occupation:
NA

@British Virgin Islands, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
British Virgin Islands
Abbreviation:
BVI
Digraph:
VI
Type:
dependent territory of the UK
Capital:
Road Town
Administrative divisions:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Independence:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Territory Day, 1 July
Constitution:
1 June 1977
Legal system:
English law
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor
Peter Alfred PENFOLD (since 14 October 1991)
head of government:
Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA September 1986)
cabinet:
Executive Council; appointed by the governor
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Legislative Council:
election last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November
1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6,
IPM 1, independents 2
Judicial branch:
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders:
United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H.
Lavity STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), E. Walwyln
BREWLEY
Member of:
CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau),
IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate)
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
US diplomatic representation:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag:
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the
Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag;
the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical
column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE
(Be Watchful)

@British Virgin Islands, Economy

Overview:
The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is
highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of
the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore
registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and,
in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987.
The economy slowed in 1991 because of the poor performances of the
tourist sector and tight commercial bank credit. Livestock raising is
the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops,
limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $133 million (1991)
National product real growth rate:
2% (1991)
National product per capita:
$10,600 (1991)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.5% (1990 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NEGL% (1992)
Budget:
revenues:
$51 million
expenditures:
$88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991)
Exports:
$2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)
commodities:
rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals
partners:
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
Imports:
$11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)
commodities:
building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery
partners:
Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
External debt:
$4.5 million (1985)
Industrial production:
growth rate 4% (1985)
Electricity:
capacity:
10,500 kW
production:
43 million kWh
consumption per capita:
3,510 kWh (1990)
Industries:
tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore
financial center
Agriculture:
livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables
Economic aid:
$NA
Currency:
1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
US currency is used
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@British Virgin Islands, Communications

Highways:
total:
106 km (1983)
paved:
NA
unpaved:
NA
Ports:
Road Town
Airports:
total:
3
usable:
3
with permanent-surface runways:
2
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine
cable communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no
FM, 1 TV

@British Virgin Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

@Brunei, Geography

Location:
Southeastern Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo almost completely
surrounded by Malaysia
Map references:
Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
5,770 sq km
land area:
5,270 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Delaware
Land boundaries:
total 381 km, Malysia 381 km
Coastline:
161 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country;
all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam;
parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984,
Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa
Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island
Climate:
tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Terrain:
flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Natural resources:
petroleum, natural gas, timber
Land use:
arable land:
1%
permanent crops:
1%
meadows and pastures:
1%
forest and woodland:
79%
other:
18%
Irrigated land:
10 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not
ratified - Law of the Sea
natural hazards:
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare
Note:
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and
Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an
enclave of Malaysia

@Brunei, People

Population:
284,653 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.7% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
26.18 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
5.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
5.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
25.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
71.1 years
male:
69.46 years
female:
72.78 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.43 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Bruneian(s)
adjective:
Bruneian
Ethnic divisions:
Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16%
Religions:
Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs
and other 15% (1981)
Languages:
Malay (official), English, Chinese
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1981)
total population:
77%
male:
85%
female:
69%
Labor force:
89,000 (includes members of the Army)
by occupation:
government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and
construction 41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986)
note:
33% of labor force is foreign (1988)

@Brunei, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Negara Brunei Darussalam
conventional short form:
Brunei
Digraph:
BX
Type:
constitutional sultanate
Capital:
Bandar Seri Begawan
Administrative divisions:
4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and
Muara, Temburong, Tutong
Independence:
1 January 1984 (from UK)
National holiday:
National Day 23 February (1984)
Constitution:
29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of
Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January
1984)
Legal system:
based on Islamic law
Suffrage:
none
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji
HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967)
cabinet:
Council of Cabinet Ministers; composed chiefly of members of the royal
family
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri):
elections last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to
an appointive body by decree of the sultan; an elected legislative
Council is being considered as part of constitution reform, but
elections are unlikely for several years
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders:
Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman;
Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and
now banned), leader NA
Member of:
APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTELSAT
(nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM,
OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, UNTAC, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador JAYA bin Abdul Latif
chancery:
2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037
telephone:
(202) 342-0159
FAX:
(202) 342-0158
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Theresa A. TULL
embassy:
Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan
mailing address:
American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440
telephone:
(2) 229-670
FAX:
(2) 225-293
Flag:
yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and
black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red
is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed
flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a
scroll and flanked by two upraised hands

@Brunei, Economy

Overview:
The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship,
government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It
is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas,
with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50%
of GDP. Per capita GDP is among the highest in the Third World, and
substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic
production. The government provides for all medical services and
subsidizes food and housing.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
1% (1991)
National product per capita:
$9,000 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
3.7% (1989)
Budget:
revenues:
$1.3 billion
expenditures:
$1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989
est.)
Exports:
$2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products
partners:
Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990)
Imports:
$2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals
partners:
Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990)
External debt:
$0
Industrial production:
growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
310,000 kW
production:
890 million kWh
consumption per capita:
3,300 kWh (1990)
Industries:
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction
Agriculture:
imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock
include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153
million
Currency:
1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.6032 (January 1994), 1.6158 (1993),
1.6290 (1992), 1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989); note - the
Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Brunei, Communications

Railroads:
13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line
Highways:
total:
1,090 km
paved:
bituminous 370 km (with another 52 km under construction)
unpaved:
gravel or earth 720 km
Inland waterways:
209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters
Pipelines:
crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km
Ports:
Kuala Belait, Muara
Merchant marine:
7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476
GRT/340,635 DWT
Airports:
total:
2
usable:
2
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runway over 3,659 m:
1
with runway 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runway 1,220-2,439 m:
1
Telecommunications:
service throughout country is adequate for present needs;
international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast
coverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM,
1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1
Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

@Brunei, Defense Forces

Branches:
Land Force, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 79,486; fit for military service 46,258; reach
military age (18) annually 2,756 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 9% of GDP (1990)

@Bulgaria, Geography

Location:
Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between
Romania and Turkey
Map references:
Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Middle
East, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
110,910 sq km
land area:
110,550 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Tennessee
Land boundaries:
total 1,808 km, Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km (all
with Serbia), Turkey 240 km
Coastline:
354 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers
Terrain:
mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south
Natural resources:
bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land
Land use:
arable land:
34%
permanent crops:
3%
meadows and pastures:
18%
forest and woodland:
35%
other:
10%
Irrigated land:
10 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw
sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from
air pollution; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical
plants and industrial wastes
natural hazards:
subject to earthquakes, landslides
international agreements:
party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental
Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile
Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Law of the Sea
Note:
strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from
Europe to Middle East and Asia

@Bulgaria, People

Population:
8,799,986 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.32% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
11.71 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
11.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
-3.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
12 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
73.24 years
male:
69.99 years
female:
76.67 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.71 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Bulgarian(s)
adjective:
Bulgarian
Ethnic divisions:
Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian
0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6%
Religions:
Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%,
Uniate Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5%
Languages:
Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.)
total population:
93%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
4.3 million
by occupation:
industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987)

@Bulgaria, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Bulgaria
conventional short form:
Bulgaria
Digraph:
BU
Type:
emerging democracy
Capital:
Sofia
Administrative divisions:
9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya,
Khaskovo, Lovech, Montana, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofiya, Varna
Independence:
22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire)
National holiday:
Independence Day 3 March (1878)
Constitution:
adopted 12 July 1991
Legal system:
based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Vice President
(vacant); election last held January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was
elected by popular vote
head of government:
Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Lyuben Borisov
BEROV (since 30 December 1992); Deputy Chairman of the Council of
Ministers (Deputy Prime Minister) Evgeniy MATINCHEV (since 30 December
1992)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; elected by the National Assembly
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie):
last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF (and breakaway factions) 34%,
BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement for
Rights and Freedoms 24
note:
the UDF split in March 1993 to form the New Union for Democracy (NUD)
with 18 seats, and the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) with 92 seats
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court, Constitutional Court
Political parties and leaders:
Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, an
alliance of approximately 20 pro-Democratic parties including United
Democratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party,
Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party,
Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, and about a dozen other
groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (mainly ethnic Turkish party)
(MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman; Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan
VIDENOV, chairman; New Union for Democracy (NUD), Dimitar LUDZHEV,
chairman
Other political or pressure groups:
Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union;
Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union);
Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB);
Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth
League; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian
Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union;
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian
Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest
groups with various agendas
Member of:
ACCT (observer), BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI (participating), CSCE, EBRD,
ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,
INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer),
ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Ognyan Raytchev PISHEV
chancery:
1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 387-7969
FAX:
(202) 234-7973
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador William D. MONTGOMERY
embassy:
1 Saborna Street, Sofia
mailing address:
Unit 25402, Sofia; APO AE 09213
telephone:
(2) 88-48-01 through 05
FAX:
(2) 80-19-77
Flag:
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the
national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has
been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat
ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the
dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation
from Nazi control)

@Bulgaria, Economy

Overview:
The Bulgarian economy continued its painful adjustment in 1993 from
the misdirected development undertaken during four decades of
Communist rule. Many aspects of a market economy have been put in
place and have begun to function, but much of the economy, especially
the industrial sector, has yet to re-establish market links lost with
the collapse of other centrally planned Eastern European economies.
The prices of many imported industrial inputs, especially energy
products, have risen markedly, and falling real wages have not
sufficed to restore competitiveness. The trade deficit, exacerbated by
UN trade sanctions against neighboring Serbia, grew in late 1993,
accelerating the depreciation of the lev. These difficulties in
adjusting to the challenges of a more open system, together with a
severe drought, caused nonagricultural output to fall by perhaps 8% in
1993. The government plans more extensive privatization in 1994 to
improve the management of state enterprises and to encourage foreign
investment in ailing state firms. Bulgaria resumed payments on its $10
billion in commercial debt in 1993 following the negotiation of a 50%
write-off. An IMF program and second agreement with official creditors
on Bulgaria's smaller amount of official debt are required to close
the debt deal.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $33.9 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
-4% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$3,800 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
64% (1993)
Unemployment rate:
16% (1993)
Budget:
revenues:
$14 billion
expenditures:
$17.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $610 million (1993
est.)
Exports:
$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
machinery and equipment 30.6%; agricultural products 24%; manufactured
consumer goods 22.2%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals
10.5%; other 12.7% (1991)
partners:
former CEMA countries 57.7% (USSR 48.6%, Poland 2.1%, Czechoslovakia
0.9%); developed countries 26.3% (Germany 4.8%, Greece 2.2%); less
developed countries 15.9% (Libya 2.1%, Iran 0.7%) (1991)
Imports:
$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
fuels, minerals, and raw materials 58.7%; machinery and equipment
15.8%; manufactured consumer goods 4.4%; agricultural products 15.2%;
other 5.9%
partners:
former CEMA countries 51.0% (former USSR 43.2%, Poland 3.7%);
developed countries 32.8% (Germany 7.0%, Austria 4.7%); less developed
countries 16.2% (Iran 2.8%, Libya 2.5%)
External debt:
$12 billion (1993)
Industrial production:
growth rate -10% (1993 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990)
Electricity:
capacity:
11,500,000 kW
production:
45 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
5,070 kWh (1992)
Industries:
machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals,
textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals
Agriculture:
climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing
of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco;
more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's
fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer
Illicit drugs:
transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan
route
Economic aid:
$NA
Currency:
1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki
Exchange rates:
leva (Lv) per US$1 - 32.00 (January 1994), 24.56 (January 1993), 17.18
(January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84
(1989); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Bulgaria, Communications

Railroads:
4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter
standard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,640 km
electrified
Highways:
total:
36,930 km
paved:
33,902 km (including 276 km expressways)
unpaved:
earth 3,028 km (1991)
Inland waterways:
470 km (1987)
Pipelines:
crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 525 km; natural gas 1,400 km
(1992)
Ports:
coastal - Burgas, Varna, Varna West; inland - Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on
the Danube
Merchant marine:
111 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,225,996 GRT/1,829,642 DWT,
bulk 48, cargo 30, chemical carrier 4, container 2, oil tanker 16,
passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6,
short-sea passenger 2
note:
Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 DWT operating
under Liberian registry
Airports:
total:
487
usable:
85
with permanent-surface runways:
32
with runways over 3659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
21
with runways 1,060-2,439 m:
36
note:
a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip
Telecommunications:
extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and
microwave radio relay; 2.6 million telephones; direct dialing to 36
countries; phone density is 29 phones per 100 persons (1992); almost
two-thirds of the lines are residential; 67% of Sofia households have
phones (November 1988); telephone service is available in most
villages; broadcast stations - 20 AM, 15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet
TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of country
receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1 satellite ground
station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a Greek earth
station

@Bulgaria, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal
Troops
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,175,921; fit for military service 1,816,484; reach
military age (19) annually 70,306 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
5.77 billion leva, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of
defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate
could produce misleading results

@Burkina, Geography

Location:
Western Africa, between Ghana and Mali
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
274,200 sq km
land area:
273,800 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Colorado
Land boundaries:
total 3,192 km, Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali
1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was
submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983
and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides
agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary
demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger
Climate:
tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers
Terrain:
mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and
southeast
Natural resources:
manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony,
copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver
Land use:
arable land:
10%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
37%
forest and woodland:
26%
other:
27%
Irrigated land:
160 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural
activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing;
soil degradation; deforestation
natural hazards:
recurring droughts
international agreements:
party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine
Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not
ratified - Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban
Note:
landlocked

@Burkina, People

Population:
10,134,661 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.81% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
48.42 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
18.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
-2.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
118.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
47.03 years
male:
46.18 years
female:
47.9 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.94 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Burkinabe (singular and plural)
adjective:
Burkinabe
Ethnic divisions:
Mossi (about 2.5 million), Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani
Religions:
indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic)
10%
Languages:
French (official), tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken
by 90% of the population
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
18%
male:
28%
female:
9%
Labor force:
NA (most adults are employed in subsistance agriculture; 52% of
population is 15 years of age or older)
by occupation:
agriculture 80%, industry 15%, commerce, services, and government 5%
note:
20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for
seasonal employment (1984)

@Burkina, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Burkina Faso
conventional short form:
Burkina
former:
Upper Volta
Digraph:
UV
Type:
parliamentary
Capital:
Ouagadougou
Administrative divisions:
30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde,
Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi,
Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore,
Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa,
Yatenga, Zoundweogo
Independence:
5 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday:
Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983)
Constitution:
2 June 1991
Legal system:
based on French civil law system and customary law
Suffrage:
none
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987); election
last held December 1991
head of government:
Prime Minister Roch KABORE (since March 1994)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Assembly of People's Deputies:
elections last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (107 total), ODP-MT 78, CNPP-PSD
12, RDA 6, ADF 4, other 7
note:
the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, which
had not been formally constituted as of 1 July 1992
Judicial branch:
Appeals Court
Political parties and leaders:
Organization for People's Democracy- Labor Movement (ODP-MT), ruling
party, Simon COMPAORE, Secretary General; National Convention of
Progressive Patriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Moussa BOLY;
African Democratic Rally (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance for
Democracy and Federation (ADF), Amadou Michel NANA
Other political or pressure groups:
committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/political
action groups throughout the country in both organizations and
communities
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT,
INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Thomas Yara KAMBOU
chancery:
2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 332-5577 or 6895
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Donald J. McCONNELL
embassy:
Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou
mailing address:
01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou
telephone:
30-67- 23 through 25
FAX:
31-23-68
Flag:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow
five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors
of Ethiopia

@Burkina, Economy

Overview:
One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high
population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile
soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications
network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of
GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by
unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about
15% of GDP.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
0.7% (1992)
National product per capita:
$700 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
-0.8% (1992)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$483 million
expenditures:
$548 million, including capital expenditures of $189 million (1992)
Exports:
$300 million (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
cotton, gold, animal products
partners:
EC 42%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, Taiwan 15%
Imports:
$685 million (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
machinery, food products, petroleum
partners:
EC 49%, Africa 24%, Japan 6%
External debt:
$865 million (December 1991 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 6.7% (1992); accounts for about 15% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
120,000 kW
production:
320 million kWh
consumption per capita:
40 kWh (1991)
Industries:
cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes,
textiles, gold mining and extraction
Agriculture:
accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts,
sesame, cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock;
not self-sufficient in food grains
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9
billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993),
264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Burkina, Communications

Railroads:
620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Cote d'Ivoire border and 100 km
Ouagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single track
Highways:
total:
16,500 km
paved:
1,300 km
unpaved:
improved earth 7,400 km; unimproved earth 7,800 km (1985)
Airports:
total:
48
usable:
38
with permanent-surface runways:
2
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
2
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
8
Telecommunications:
all services only fair; microwave radio relay, wire, and radio
communication stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV;
1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Burkina, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's
Militia
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,013,763; fit for military service 1,029,960
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Burma, Geography

Location:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and
Thailand
Map references:
Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
678,500 sq km
land area:
657,740 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries:
total 5,876 km, Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,
Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km
Coastline:
1,930 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm or to the edge of continental margin
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest
monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild
temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,
December to April)
Terrain:
central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands
Natural resources:
petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal,
some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas
Land use:
arable land:
15%
permanent crops:
1%
meadows and pastures:
1%
forest and woodland:
49%
other:
34%
Irrigated land:
10,180 sq km (1989)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation
natural hazards:
subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and
landslides common during rainy season (June to September)
international agreements:
party to - Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,
Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Law of the Sea
Note:
strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

@Burma, People

Population:
44,277,014 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.86% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
28.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
9.84 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
63.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
59.98 years
male:
57.94 years
female:
62.15 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.64 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Burmese (singular and plural)
adjective:
Burmese
Ethnic divisions:
Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian
2%, other 5%
Religions:
Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%,
animist beliefs 1%, other 2%
Languages:
Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
81%
male:
89%
female:
72%
Labor force:
16.007 million (1992)
by occupation:
agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other
4.1% (FY89 est.)

@Burma, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Union of Burma
conventional short form:
Burma
local long form:
Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as
Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)
local short form:
Myanma Naingngandaw
former:
Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma
Digraph:
BM
Type:
military regime
Capital:
Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon)
Administrative divisions:
7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya,
singular - pyine); Chin State, Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State,
Kayah State, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine State,
Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tenasserim*
Independence:
4 January 1948 (from UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 4 January (1948)
Constitution:
3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); National
Convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft chapter headings for a
new constitution
Legal system:
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE
(since 23 April 1992)
State Law and Order Restoration Council:
military junta which assumed power 18 September 1988
Legislative branch:
People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw):
last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%;
seats - (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79; was
dissolved after the coup of 18 September 1988
Judicial branch:
none; Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18
September 1988
Political parties and leaders:
Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), leader NA;
National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for
Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE
Other political or pressure groups:
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), headed by
the elected prime minister SEIN WIN (consists of individuals
legitimately elected to Parliament but not recognized by the military
regime; the group fled to a border area and joined with insurgents in
December 1990 to form a parallel government; Kachin Independence Army
(KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen National Union (KNU);
several Shan factions, including the Mong Tai Army (MTA); All Burma
Student Democratic Front (ABSDF)
Member of:
AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,
LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador U THAUNG
chancery:
2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 332-9044 or 9045
consulate(s) general:
New York
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
(vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P.
HUDDLE, Jr.
embassy:
581 Merchant Street, Rangoon
mailing address:
American Embassy, Box B, APO AP 96546
telephone:
(1) 82055, 82181
FAX:
(1) 80409
Flag:
red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all
in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a
stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions

@Burma, Economy

Overview:
Burma has a mixed economy with about 70% private activity, mainly in
agriculture, light industry, and transport, and with about 30%
state-controlled activity, mainly in energy, heavy industry, and
foreign trade. Government policy in the last five years, 1989-93, has
aimed at revitalizing the economy after four decades of tight central
planning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreign
investment has been encouraged, so far with moderate success; and
efforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises.
Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated
because of the volume of black market trade. A major ongoing problem
is the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Inflation has
been running at 25% to 30% annually. Good weather helped boost GDP by
perhaps 5% in 1993. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, its
rich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-term
increases in income, exports, and living standards.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $41 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$950 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
30% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$8.1 billion
expenditures:
$11.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992)
Exports:
$613.4 million (FY93)
commodities:
pulses and beans, teak, rice, hardwood
partners:
Singapore, China, Thailand, India, Hong Kong
Imports:
$1.02 billion (FY93)
commodities:
machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products
partners:
Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia
External debt:
$4 billion (1992)
Industrial production:
growth rate 4.9% (FY93 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
1,100,000 kW
production:
2.8 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
65 kWh (1992)
Industries:
agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood
products; petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron;
construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer
Agriculture:
accounts for 40% of GDP and 66% of employment (including fish and
forestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops - paddy rice,
corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwood
trees; rice and timber account for 55% of export revenues
Illicit drugs:
world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,575 metric tons in 1993)
and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium
production has doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic
programs
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9
billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $424 million
Currency:
1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas
Exchange rates:
kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.2301 (December 1993), 6.1570 (1993), 6.1045
(1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989); unofficial - 105
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@Burma, Communications

Railroads:
3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113
km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track
Highways:
total:
27,000 km
paved:
bituminous 3,200 km
unpaved:
gravel, improved earth 17,700 km; unimproved earth 6,100 km
Inland waterways:
12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels
Pipelines:
crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km
Ports:
Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein
Merchant marine:
47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 665,628 GRT/941,512 DWT, bulk
15, cargo 15, chemical 1, combination bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1,
container 2, oil tanker 2, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 5,
vehicle carrier 2
Airports:
total:
83
usable:
78
with permanent-surface runways:
24
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
3
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
38
Telecommunications:
meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for
business and government; international service is good; 53,000
telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most
populous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian
Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Burma, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Navy, Air Force
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 11,199,531; females age 15-49 11,273,643; males fit
for military service 5,979,710; females fit for military service
6,034,810; males reach military age (18) annually 445,933 (1994 est.);
females reach military age (18) annually 430,738 (1994 est.); both
sexes liable for military service
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Burundi, Geography

Location:
Central Africa, between Tanzania and Zaire
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
27,830 sq km
land area:
25,650 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Maryland
Land boundaries:
total 974 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
none
Climate:
temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands
Terrain:
mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains
Natural resources:
nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not
yet exploited), vanadium
Land use:
arable land:
43%
permanent crops:
8%
meadows and pastures:
35%
forest and woodland:
2%
other:
12%
Irrigated land:
720 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
soil exhaustion and erosion; deforestation; habitat loss threatening
wildlife populations
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban
Note:
landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed
Population:
6,124,747 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.26% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
44.02 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
21.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
113.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
40.3 years
male:
38.31 years
female:
42.35 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.69 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Burundian(s)
adjective:
Burundi
Ethnic divisions:
Africans:
Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1% (other Africans
include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians)
non-Africans:
Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000
Religions:
Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs
32%, Muslim 1%
Languages:
Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika
and in the Bujumbura area)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
50%
male:
61%
female:
40%
Labor force:
1.9 million (1983 est.)
by occupation:
agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%,
services 1.5%
note:
52% of population of working age (1985)

@Burundi, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Burundi
conventional short form:
Burundi
local long form:
Republika y'u Burundi
local short form:
Burundi
Digraph:
BY
Type:
republic
Capital:
Bujumbura
Administrative divisions:
15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega,
Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana,
Ruyigi
Independence:
1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 1 July (1962)
Constitution:
13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural political system
Legal system:
based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
universal adult at age NA
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Interim President Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA, Speaker of the National
Assembly, succeeded deceased President NTARYAMIRA in early April 1994
with a mandate for at least 90 days; on 11 July 1994 the mandate was
extended by the Constitutional Court for three more months at the
request of 12 political parties locked in negotiations on a new
broad-based government; elections will be held later in 1994
note:
President Melchior NDADAYE died in the military coup of 21 October
1993 and was succeeded on 5 February 1994 by President Cyprien
NTARYAMIRA, who was killed in a mysterious airplane explosion on 6
April 1994
head of government:
Prime Minister Anatole KANYENKIKO (since 7 February 1994); chosen by
the president
cabinet:
Council of Ministers ; appointed by prime minister
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):
elections last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA): results -
FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats - (81 total) FRODIBU 65, UPRONA 16;
other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in the
assembly
note:
The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional
government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders:
Unity for National Progress (UPRONA); Burundi Democratic Front
(FRODEBU); Organization of the People of Burundi (RBP); Socialist
Party of Burundi (PSB); People's Reconciliation Party (PRP)
Other political or pressure groups:
opposition parties legalized in March 1992; Burundi African Alliance
for the Salvation (ABASA); Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social
Development (RADDES)
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU,
LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Jacques BACAMURWANKO, designated (January 1994)
chancery:
Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone:
(202) 342-2574
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Leonard J. LANGE
embassy:
Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura
mailing address:
B. P. 34, 1720, Bujumbura
telephone:
(223) 454
FAX:
(222) 926
Flag:
divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and
green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk
superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars
outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two
stars below)

@Burundi, Economy

Overview:
A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic
development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few
basic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop,
which accounts for 80% of foreign exchange earnings. The ability to
pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of
the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its
economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World
Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its agricultural exports
and attract foreign investment in industry. Several state-owned coffee
companies were privatized via public auction in September 1991.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $4.4 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
-3.8% (1991)
National product per capita:
$700 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4.7% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$318 million
expenditures:
$326 million, including capital expenditures of $150 million (1991
est.)
Exports:
$40.8 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
coffee 81%, tea, cotton, hides, and skins
partners:
EC 57%, US 19%, Asia 1%
Imports:
$188 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods
partners:
EC 45%, Asia 29%, US 2%
External debt:
$970 million (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 11% (1991 est.); accounts for about 15% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
55,000 kW
production:
105 million kWh
consumption per capita:
20 kWh (1991)
Industries:
light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of
imported components; public works construction; food processing
Agriculture:
accounts for 50% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence
farming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops -
coffee, cotton, tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes,
bananas, manioc; livestock - meat, milk, hides and skins
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2
billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist
countries (1970-89), $175 million
Currency:
1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 247.94 (November 1993), 208.30 (1992),
181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Burundi, Communications

Highways:
total:
6,285 km
paved:
1,099 km
unpaved:
gravel, crushed stone 2,500 km; improved, unimproved earth 2,686 km
(1990)
Inland waterways:
Lake Tanganyika
Ports:
Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania
and Zaire
Airports:
total:
5
usable:
3
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
0
Telecommunications:
sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity microwave
radio relay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM,
1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Burundi, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary Gendarmerie
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 1,315,660; fit for military service 687,474; reach
military age (16) annually 67,949 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989)

@Cambodia, Geography

Location:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand
and Vietnam
Map references:
Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
181,040 sq km
land area:
176,520 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Land boundaries:
total 2,572 km, Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km
Coastline:
443 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
offshore islands and sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in
dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; parts of border
with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly
defined
Climate:
tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December
to March); little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain:
mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north
Natural resources:
timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower
potential
Land use:
arable land:
16%
permanent crops:
1%
meadows and pastures:
3%
forest and woodland:
76%
other:
4%
Irrigated land:
920 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in
particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural
fisheries)
natural hazards:
monsoonal rains (June to November)
international agreements:
party to - Marine Life Conservation; signed, but not ratified -
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping
Note:
a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle
Sap

@Cambodia, People

Population: 10,264,628 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.87% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 45.09 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 110.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.26 years male: 47.8 years female: 50.8 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.81 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Cambodian(s) adjective: Cambodian Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% Religions: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% Languages: Khmer (official), French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 35% male: 48% female: 22% Labor force: 2.5 million to 3 million by occupation: agriculture 80% (1988 est.)

@Cambodia, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Kingdom of Cambodia
conventional short form:
Cambodia
local long form:
Reacheanachak Kampuchea
local short form:
Kampuchea
Digraph:
CB
Type:
multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy
established in September 1993
Capital:
Phnom Penh
Administrative divisions:
20 provinces (khet, singular and plural); Banteay Meanchey,
Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum,
Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh,
Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar
Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev
Independence:
9 November 1949 (from France)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 9 November 1949
Constitution:
promulgated September 1993
Legal system:
currently being defined
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated NA September 1993)
head of government:
power shared between First Prime Minister Prince Norodom RANARIDDH and
Second Prime Minister HUN SEN
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; elected by the National Assembly
Legislative branch:
unicameral; a 120-member constituent assembly based on proportional
representation within each province was establised following the
UN-supervised election in May 1993; the constituent assembly was
transformed into a legislature in September 1993 after delegates
promulgated the constitution
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court established under the constitution has not yet been
established and the future judicial system is yet to be defined by law
Political parties and leaders:
National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and
Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH;
Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) under
CHEA SIM; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party under SON SANN; Democratic
Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHAN
Member of:
ACCT (observer), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,
IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU,
LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
Ambassador SISOWATH SIRIRATH represents Cambodia at the United Nations
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Charles H. TWINING
embassy:
27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh
mailing address:
Box P, APO AP 96546
telephone:
(855) 23-26436 or (855) 23-26438
FAX:
(855) 23-26437
Flag:
horizontal band of red separates two equal horizontal bands of blue
with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in the
center

@Cambodia, Economy

Overview:
The Cambodian economy - virtually destroyed by decades of war - is
slowly recovering. Government leaders are moving toward restoring
fiscal and monetary discipline and have established good working
relations with international financial institutions. Despite such
positive developments, the reconstruction effort faces many tough
challenges. Rural Cambodia, where 90% of almost ten million Khmer
live, remains mired in poverty. The almost total lack of basic
infrastructure in the countryside will hinder development and will
contribute to a growing imbalance in growth between urban and rural
areas over the near term. Moreover, the new government's lack of
experience in administering economic and technical assistance
programs, and rampant corruption among officials, will slow the growth
of critical public sector investment. Inflation for 1993 as a whole
was 60%, less than a quarter of the 1992 rate, and was declining
during the year. The government hoped the rate would fall to 10% in
early 1994.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
7.5% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$600 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
60% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$350 million
expenditures:
$350 million, including capital expenditures of $133 million (1994
est.)
Exports:
$70 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
natural rubber, rice, pepper, raw timber
partners:
Thailand, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Vietnam
Imports:
$360 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinery
partners:
Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam
External debt:
total outstanding bilateral official debt to OECD members $248 million
(yearend 1991), plus 840 million ruble debt to former CEMA countries
Industrial production:
growth rate 15.6% (year NA); accounts for 10% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
35,000 kW
production:
70 million kWh
consumption per capita:
9 kWh (1990)
Industries:
rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem
mining
Agriculture:
accounts for 50% of GDP; mainly subsistence farming except for rubber
plantations; main crops - rice, rubber, corn; food shortages - rice,
meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flour
Illicit drugs:
secondary transshipment country for heroin produced in the Golden
Triangle
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western
(non-US countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries
(1970-89), $1.8 billion; donor countries and multilateral institutions
pledged $880 million in assistance in 1992
Currency:
1 new riel (CR) = 100 sen
Exchange rates:
riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,390 (December 1993), 2,800 (September 1992),
500 (December 1991), 560 (1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Cambodia, Communications

Railroads:
612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned
Highways:
total:
13,351 km (some roads in serious disrepair)
paved:
bituminous 2,622 km
unpaved:
crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth 7,105 km; unimproved earth
3,624 km
Inland waterways:
3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km
navigable to craft drawing 1.8 meters
Ports:
Kampong Saom, Phnom Penh
Airports:
total:
20
usable:
13
with permanent-surface runways:
6
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
2
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
8
Telecommunications:
service barely adequate for government requirements and virtually
nonexistent for general public; international service limited to
Vietnam and other adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no
FM, 1 TV

@Cambodia, Defense Forces

Branches:
Khmer Royal Armed Forces (KRAF):
created in 1993 by the merger of the Cambodian People's Armed Forces
and the two non-Communist resistance armies; note - the KRAF is also
known as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF)
Resistance forces:
National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,182,912; fit for military service 1,217,357; reach
military age (18) annually 67,463 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Cameroon, Geography

Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Equatorial
Guinea and Nigeria
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
475,440 sq km
land area:
469,440 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than California
Land boundaries:
total 4,591 km, Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo
523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km
Coastline:
402 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea:
50 nm
International disputes:
demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of
which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and
awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary
commission, created with Nigeria to discuss unresolved land and
maritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula, has not
yet convened, but a commission was formed in January 1994 to study a
flare-up of the dispute
Climate:
varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in
north
Terrain:
diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center,
mountains in west, plains in north
Natural resources:
petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential
Land use:
arable land:
13%
permanent crops:
2%
meadows and pastures:
18%
forest and woodland:
54%
other:
13%
Irrigated land:
280 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing;
desertification; poaching
natural hazards:
recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,
Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate
Change, Nuclear Test Ban
Note:
sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa

@Cameroon, People

Population:
13,132,191 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.91% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
40.53 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
11.41 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
77.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
57.07 years
male:
55.03 years
female:
59.17 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
5.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Cameroonian(s)
adjective:
Cameroonian
Ethnic divisions:
Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%,
Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%,
non-African less than 1%
Religions:
indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16%
Languages:
24 major African language groups, English (official), French
(official)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
55%
male:
66%
female:
45%
Labor force:
NA
by occupation:
agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2%
(1983)
note:
50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985)

@Cameroon, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Cameroon
conventional short form:
Cameroon
former:
French Cameroon
Digraph:
CM
Type:
unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties
legalized 1990)
Capital:
Yaounde
Administrative divisions:
10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,
Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest
Independence:
1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)
National holiday:
National Day, 20 May (1972)
Constitution:
20 May 1972
Legal system:
based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
20 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982); election last held 11
October 1992; results - President Paul BIYA reelected with about 40%
of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud; SDF candidate John
FRU NDI got 36% of the vote; UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI got
19% of the vote
head of government:
Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992)
cabinet:
Cabinet; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):
elections last held 1 March 1992 (next scheduled for March 1997);
results - (180 seats) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders:
Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), Paul BIYA, president, is
government-controlled and was formerly the only party, but opposition
parties were legalized in 1990
major opposition parties:
National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP); Social Democratic
Front (SDF); Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of Cameroonian
Populations (UPC)
Other political or pressure groups:
NA
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, GATT,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,
INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA,
UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA
chancery:
2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 265-8790 through 8794
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Harriet ISOM
embassy:
Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde
mailing address:
B. P. 817, Yaounde
telephone:
23-40-14 and 23-05-12
FAX:
23-07-53
consulate(s):
none (Douala closed July 1993)
Flag:
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with
a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular
pan-African colors of Ethiopia

@Cameroon, Economy

Overview:
Because of its offshore oil resources and favorable agricultural
conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed, most diversified
primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces
many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries,
such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a
generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The development
of the oil sector led rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985.
Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986, precipitated by steep declines
in the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Export
earnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscal
management were exposed. In 1990-93, with support from the IMF and
World Bank, the government began to introduce reforms designed to spur
business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, and
recapitalize the nation's banks. Political instability following
suspect elections in 1992 brought IMF/WB structural adjustment to a
halt. Although the 50% devaluation of the currency in January 1994
improves the potential for export growth, mismanagement remains and is
the main barrier to economic improvement.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.1 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
NA
National product per capita:
$1,500 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
3% (1990 est.)
Unemployment rate:
25% (1990 est.)
Budget:
revenues:
$1.7 billion
expenditures:
$2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $422 million (FY90
est.)
Exports:
$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)
commodities:
petroleum products 51%, coffee, beans, cocoa, aluminum products,
timber
partners:
EC (particularly France) about 50%, US, African countries
Imports:
$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991)
commodities:
machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transport
equipment
partners:
EC about 60% (France 41%, Germany 9%), African countries, Japan, US 4%
External debt:
$6 billion (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
755,000 kW
production:
2.19 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
190 kWh (1991)
Industries:
petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer
goods, textiles, sawmills
Agriculture:
the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the
majority of the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and
providing a high degree of self-sufficiency in staple foods;
commercial and food crops include coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton,
rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock, root starches
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $479 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $4.75
billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist
countries (1970-89), $125 million
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05
(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26
(1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year:
1 July - 30 June

@Cameroon, Communications

Railroads:
1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gauge
Highways:
total:
65,000 km
paved:
2,682 km
unpaved:
gravel, improved earth 32,318 km; unimproved earth 30,000 km
Inland waterways:
2,090 km; of decreasing importance
Ports:
Douala
Merchant marine:
2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT
Airports:
total:
61
usable:
49
with permanent-surface runways:
11
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
6
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
21
Telecommunications:
good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and microwave radio
relay; 26,000 telephones, 2 telephones per 1,000 persons, available
only to business and government; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1
TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

@Cameroon, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National
Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 2,939,761; fit for military service 1,481,750; reach
military age (18) annually 137,020 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $219 million, less than 2% of GDP (1990
est.)

@Canada, Geography

Location:
Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North
Pacific Ocean north of the US
Map references:
Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
9,976,140 sq km
land area:
9,220,970 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than US
Land boundaries:
total 8,893 km, US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)
Coastline:
243,791 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
maritime boundary disputes with the US; Saint Pierre and Miquelon is
focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France
Climate:
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Terrain:
mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast
Natural resources:
nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish,
timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas
Land use:
arable land:
5%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
3%
forest and woodland:
35%
other:
57%
Irrigated land:
8,400 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal
smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on
agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming
contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry
activities
natural hazards:
continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development
international agreements:
party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air
Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air
Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental
Protocol, Law of the Sea
Note:
second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location
between Russia and US via north polar route; nearly 90% of the
population is concentrated in the region near the US/Canada border

@Canada, People

Population:
28,113,997 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.18% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
14.1 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
7.39 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
5.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
78.13 years
male:
74.73 years
female:
81.71 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Canadian(s)
adjective:
Canadian
Ethnic divisions:
British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%,
indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10%, other 28%
Languages:
English (official), French (official)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1986)
total population:
97%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
13.38 million
by occupation:
services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%,
other 4% (1988)

@Canada, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Canada
Digraph:
CA
Type:
confederation with parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Ottawa
Administrative divisions:
10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,
New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia,
Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*
Independence:
1 July 1867 (from UK)
National holiday:
Canada Day, 1 July (1867)
Constitution:
amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April
1982; charter of rights and unwritten customs
Legal system:
based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system
based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,
with reservations
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor
General Raymond John HNATYSHYN (since 29 January 1990)
head of government:
Prime Minister Jean CHRETIEN (since 4 November 1993) was elected on 25
October 1993, replacing Kim CAMBELL; Deputy Prime Minister Sheila
COPPS
cabinet:
Federal Ministry; chosen by the prime minister from members of his own
party sitting in Parliament
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament (Parlement)
Senate (Senat):
consisting of a body whose members are appointed to serve until 75
years of age by the governor general and selected on the advice of the
prime minister; its normal limit 104 senators
House of Commons (Chambre des Communes):
elections last held 25 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October
1998); results - number of votes by percent NA; seats - (295 total)
Liberal Party 178, Bloc Quebecois 54, Reform Party 52, New Democratic
Party 8, Progressive Conservative Party 2, independents 1
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders:
Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; Bloc Quebecois, Lucien BOUCHARD; Reform
Party, Preston MANNING; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN;
Progressive Conservative Party, Jean CHAREST
Member of:
ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC,
CDB (non-regional), COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating
state), FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,
IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,
IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA,
NSG, OAS, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,
UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO,
UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WIPO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Raymond CHRETIEN
chancery:
501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone:
(202) 682-1740
FAX:
(202) 682-7726
consulate(s) general:
Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,
Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle
consulate(s):
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburg, Princeton, San Diego, San
Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador James Johnston BLANCHARD
embassy:
100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa
mailing address:
P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430
telephone:
(613) 238-5335 or 4470
FAX:
(613) 238-5720
consulate(s) general:
Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver
Flag:
three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width,
square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band

@Canada, Economy

Overview:
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely
resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic
system, and pattern of production. Since World War II the impressive
growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has
transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily
industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canada registered one of the
highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations, averaging about
3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and
modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects,
although the country still faces high unemployment and a growing debt.
Moreover, the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and
French-speaking areas has observers discussing a possible split in the
confederation; foreign investors have become edgy.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $617.7 billion (1993)
National product real growth rate:
2.4% (1993)
National product per capita:
$22,200 (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.9% (1993)
Unemployment rate:
11% (December 1993)
Budget:
revenues:
$92.34 billion (Federal)
expenditures:
$123.04 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY93 est.)
Exports:
$133.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities:
newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas,
aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment
partners:
US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China
Imports:
$125.3 billion (c.i.f., 1993)
commodities:
crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer
goods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts
partners:
US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea
External debt:
$435 billion (1993)
Industrial production:
growth rate 3.5% (1993)
Electricity:
capacity:
109,340,000 kW
production:
493 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
17,900 kWh (1992)
Industries:
processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper
products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products,
petroleum and natural gas
Agriculture:
accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers and
exporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agricultural
imports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area;
commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons,
of which 75% is exported
Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of
hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of
high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for
heroin and cocaine entering the US market
Economic aid:
donor:
ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billion
Currency:
1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.3174 (January 1994), 1.2901
(1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@Canada, Communications

Railroads:
146,444 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems -
Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway;
passenger service - VIA (government operated); 158 km is electrified
Highways:
total:
884,272 km
paved:
250,023 km
unpaved:
gravel 462,913 km; earth 171,336 km
Inland waterways:
3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence Seaway
Pipelines:
crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km
Ports:
Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's
(Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver
Merchant marine:
59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 448,357 GRT/639,319 DWT, bulk 9,
cargo 8, chemical tanker 4, container 1, oil tanker 22, passenger 1,
passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6,
short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2
note:
does not include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes
Airports:
total:
1,356
usable:
1,107
with permanent-surface runways:
458
with runways over 3,659 m:
4
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
29
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
326
Telecommunications:
excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones;
broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxial
submarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT
(including 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems

@Canada, Defense Forces

Branches:
Canadian Armed Forces (including Land Forces Command, Maritime
Command, Air Command, Communications Command, Training Command), Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 7,508,590; fit for military service 6,482,267; reach
military age (17) annually 191,850 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $10.3 billion, 1.9% of GDP (FY93/94)

@Cape Verde, Geography

Location:
Western Africa, in the southeastern North Atlantic Ocean, 500 km west
of Senegal in Western Africa
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
4,030 sq km
land area:
4,030 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than Rhode Island
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
965 km
Maritime claims:
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erratic
Terrain:
steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic
Natural resources:
salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish
Land use:
arable land:
9%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
6%
forest and woodland:
0%
other:
85%
Irrigated land:
20 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation; overgrazing; desertification
natural hazards:
subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility;
volcanically and seismically active
international agreements:
party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,
Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate
Change
Note:
strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major
north-south sea routes; important communications station; important
sea and air refueling site

@Cape Verde, People

Population: 423,120 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.01% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.23 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -7.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.59 years male: 60.7 years female: 64.58 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.32 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Cape Verdean(s) adjective: Cape Verdean Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 66% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 102,000 (1985 est.) by occupation: agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981) note: 51% of population of working age (1985)

@Cape Verde, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Cape Verde
conventional short form:
Cape Verde
local long form:
Republica de Cabo Verde
local short form:
Cabo Verde
Digraph:
CV
Type:
republic
Capital:
Praia
Administrative divisions:
14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo,
Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina,
Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal
Independence:
5 July 1975 (from Portugal)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 5 July (1975)
Constitution:
new constitution came into force 25 September 1992
Legal system:
NA
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (since 22 March 1991) election
last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results -
Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (independent) received 72.6% of vote
head of government:
Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13
January 1991);
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by prime minister from members of the
Assembly
Legislative branch:
unicameral
People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular):
elections last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56,
PAICV 23; note - this multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of
single-party rule
Judicial branch:
Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia)
Political parties and leaders:
Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and
chairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro
Verona Rodrigues PIRES, chairman
Member of:
ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS,
NAM, OAU, UN (Cape Verde assumed a nonpermanent seat on the Security
Council on 1 January 1992), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL,
WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVA
chancery:
3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone:
(202) 965-6820
FAX:
(202) 965-1207
consulate(s) general:
Boston
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Joseph M. SEGARS
embassy:
Rua Hoji Ya Henda 81, Praia
mailing address:
C. P. 201, Praia
telephone:
61-56-16 or 61-56-17
FAX:
61-13-55
Flag:
three horozontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (with
a horozontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circle
of 10 yellow five pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the
red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands

@Cape Verde, Economy

Overview:
Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base,
a serious, long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is
service oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services
accounting for 60% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives
in rural areas, agriculture's share of GDP is only 20%; the fishing
sector accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The
fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. In
1988 fishing represented only 3.5% of GDP. Cape Verde annually runs a
high trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreign
aid. Economic reforms launched by the new democratic government in
February 1991 are aimed at developing the private sector and
attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $415 million (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
3.3% (1991 est.)
National product per capita:
$1,070 (1991)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
8.7% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
25% (1988)
Budget:
revenues:
$104 million
expenditures:
$133 million, including capital expenditures of $72 million (1991
est.)
Exports:
$6 million (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
fish, bananas, hides and skins
partners:
Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.)
Imports:
$145 million (c.i.f., 1990)
commodities:
foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipment
partners:
Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%,
Netherlands, US (1990 est.)
External debt:
$156 million (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
15,000 kW
production:
15 million kWh
consumption per capita:
40 kWh (1991)
Industries:
fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair,
construction materials, food and beverage production
Agriculture:
accounts for 20% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence
farming; bananas are the only export crop; other crops - corn, beans,
sweet potatoes, coffee; growth potential of agricultural sector
limited by poor soils and scanty rainfall; annual food imports
required; fish catch provides for both domestic consumption and small
exports
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-90), $93 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $586
million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist
countries (1970-89), $36 million
Currency:
1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos
Exchange rates:
Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 85.992 (December 1993), 80.574
(1993), 68.018 (1992), 71.408 (1991), 70.031 (1990), 77.978 (1989)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Cape Verde, Communications

Highways:
total:
NA
paved:
NA
unpaved:
NA
Ports:
Mindelo, Praia
Merchant marine:
7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWT
Airports:
total:
6
usable:
6
with permanent-surface runways:
6
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
2
Telecommunications:
interisland microwave radio relay system, high-frequency radio to
Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations -
1 AM, 6 FM, 1 TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean
INTELSAT earth station

@Cape Verde, Defense Forces

Branches:
People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) (including Army and Navy),
Security Service
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 78,153; fit for military service 45,804
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Cayman Islands

Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

@Cayman Islands, Geography

Location: Caribbean, in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearly halfway between Cuba and Honduras Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 8% forest and woodland: 23% other: 69% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes international agreements: NA Note: important location between Cuba and Central America

@Cayman Islands, People

Population:
31,790 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
4.33% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
15.06 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
77.1 years
male:
75.37 years
female:
78.81 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Caymanian(s)
adjective:
Caymanian
Ethnic divisions:
mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups
20%
Religions:
United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist,
Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations
Languages:
English
Literacy:
age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)
total population:
98%
male:
98%
female:
98%
Labor force:
8,061
by occupation:
service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and
investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)

@Cayman Islands, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Cayman Islands
Digraph:
CJ
Type:
dependent territory of the UK
Capital:
George Town
Administrative divisions:
8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay,
West End, Western
Independence:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Constitution Day (first Monday in July)
Constitution:
1959, revised 1972 and 1992
Legal system:
British common law and local statutes
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government:
Governor and President of the Executive Council Michael GORE (since 15
September 1992)
cabinet:
Executive Council; 3 members are appointed by the governor, 4 members
elected by the Legislative Assembly
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Legislative Assembly:
election last held November 1992 (next to be held November 1996);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)
Judicial branch:
Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders:
no formal political parties
Member of:
CARICOM (observer), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
US diplomatic representation:
none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag:
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the
Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of
the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a
shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll
at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

@Cayman Islands, Economy

Overview:
The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of foreign
currency earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist
industry aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors
from North America. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods
needs must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest
standards of living in the region.
National product:
GDP - exchange rate conversion - $670 million (1991 est.)
National product real growth rate:
4.4% (1991)
National product per capita:
$23,000 (1991 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.5% (1992 est.)
Unemployment rate:
7% (1992)
Budget:
revenues:
$141.5 million
expenditures:
$160.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991)
Exports:
$2.6 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)
commodities:
turtle products, manufactured consumer goods
partners:
mostly US
Imports:
$262.2 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)
commodities:
foodstuffs, manufactured goods
partners:
US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan
External debt:
$15 million (1986)
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
capacity:
74,000 kW
production:
256 million kWh
consumption per capita:
8,780 kWh (1992)
Industries:
tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building
materials, furniture making
Agriculture:
minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming
Illicit drugs:
a major money-laundering center for illicit drug profits;
transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and
Europe
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35
million
Currency:
1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 0.85 (22 November 1993)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@Cayman Islands, Communications

Highways:
total:
160 km (main roads)
paved:
NA
unpaved:
NA
Ports:
George Town, Cayman Brac
Merchant marine:
30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 368,037 GRT/581,060 DWT, bulk 9,
cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, oil tanker 3, passenger-cargo 1,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 7
note:
a flag of convenience registry
Airports:
total:
3
usable:
3
with permanent-surface runways:
2
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
2
Telecommunications:
35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and
1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and access
international services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV

@Cayman Islands, Defense Forces

Branches:
Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)
Note:
defense is the responsibility of the UK

@Central African Republic, Geography

Location:
Central Africa, between Chad and Zaire
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
622,980 sq km
land area:
622,980 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries:
total 5,203 km, Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan
1,165 km, Zaire 1,577 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers
Terrain:
vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in
northeast and southwest
Natural resources:
diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil
Land use:
arable land:
3%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
5%
forest and woodland:
64%
other:
28%
Irrigated land:
NA sq km
Environment:
current issues:
poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife
refuges; desertification
natural hazards:
hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer
Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Law of the Sea
Note:
landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa
Population:
3,142,182 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.16% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
42.3 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
20.69 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
137.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
42.54 years
male:
41.07 years
female:
44.06 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
5.42 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Central African(s)
adjective:
Central African
Ethnic divisions:
Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%,
Europeans 6,500 (including 3,600 French)
Religions:
indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim
15%, other 11%
note:
animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian
majority
Languages:
French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language),
Arabic, Hunsa, Swahili
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
27%
male:
33%
female:
15%
Labor force:
775,413 (1986 est.)
by occupation:
agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%
note:
about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985)

@Central African Republic, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Central African Republic
conventional short form:
none
local long form:
Republique Centrafricaine
local short form:
none
former:
Central African Empire
Abbreviation:
CAR
Digraph:
CT
Type:
republic; one-party presidential regime since 1986
Capital:
Bangui
Administrative divisions:
14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic
prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture
economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto,
Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui,
Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham,
Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga
Independence:
13 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday:
National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic)
Constitution:
21 November 1986
Legal system:
based on French law
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Felix (Ange) PATASSE (since 22 October 1993) election last
held 19 September 1993; PATASSE received 52.45% of the votes and Abel
GOUMBA received 45.62%; next election schelduled for 1998
head of government:
Prime Minister Dr. Jean-Luc MANDABA (since 25 October 1993)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):
elections last held 19 September 1993; results - percentage vote by
party NA; seats - (85 total) MLPC 33, RDC 14, PLD 7, ADP 6, PSD 3,
others 22
note:
the National Assembly is advised by the Economic and Regional Council
(Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together they are
called the Congress (Congres)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders:
Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), the
party of the new president, Ange Felix PATASSE; Central African
Democratic Party (RDC), Laurent GOMINA-PAMPALI; Council of Moderates
Coalition includes; Union of the People for Economic and Social
Development (UPDS), Katossy SIMANI; Liberal Republican Party (PARELI),
Augustin M'BOE; Central African Socialist Movement (MSCA), Michel
BENGUE; Concerted Democratic Forces (CFD), a coalition of 13 parties,
including; Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Francois PEHOUA;
Central African Republican party (PRC), Ruth ROLLAND; Social
Democratic Party (PSD), Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE; Civic Forum (FC), Gen.
Timothee MALENDOMA; Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), Nestor
KOMBOT-NAGUEMON; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African
People (MLPC), Felix (Ange) PATASSE
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,
ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS,
NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Henri KOBA
chancery:
1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 483-7800 or 7801
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Robert E. GRIBBIN
embassy:
Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
mailing address:
B. P. 924, Bangui
telephone:
61-02-00, 61-25-78, 61-43-33, 61-02-10
FAX:
61-44-94
Flag:
four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow
with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed
star on the hoist side of the blue band

@Central African Republic, Economy

Overview:
Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, remains the backbone of
the CAR economy, with more than 70% of the population living in the
countryside. In 1990 the agricultural sector generated about 42% of
GDP. Timber accounted for about 26% of export earnings and the diamond
industry for 54%. Important constraints to economic development
include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system,
and a weak human resource base. Multilateral and bilateral development
assistance, particularly from France, plays a major role in providing
capital for new investment.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.5 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
-3% (1990 est.)
National product per capita:
$800 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
-3% (1990 est.)
Unemployment rate:
30% (1988 est.) in Bangui
Budget:
revenues:
$175 million
expenditures:
$312 million, including capital expenditures of $122 million (1991
est.)
Exports:
$123.5 million (f.o.b.1992)
commodities:
diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco
partners:
France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US
Imports:
$165.1 million (f.o.b.1992)
commodities:
food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment,
motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial
products
partners:
France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria
External debt:
$859 million (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
40,000 kW
production:
95 million kWh
consumption per capita:
30 kWh (1991)
Industries:
diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of
bicycles and motorcycles
Agriculture:
accounts for 42% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except for
grain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops
- manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananas
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $52 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $1.6
billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries
(1970-89), $38 million
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05
(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26
(1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Central African Republic, Communications

Highways:
total:
22,000 km
paved:
bituminous 458 km
unpaved:
improved earth 10,542 km; unimproved earth 11,000 km
Inland waterways:
800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft
dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river
Airports:
total:
65
usable:
51
with permanent-surface runways:
3
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
2
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
20
Telecommunications:
fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, with
low-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; broadcast
stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Central African Republic, Defense Forces

Branches:
Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, National
Gendarmerie, Police Force
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 701,728; fit for military service 367,264
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.)

@Chad, Geography

Location:
Central Africa, between the Central African Republic and Libya
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
1.284 million sq km
land area:
1,259,200 sq km
comparative area:
slightly more than three times the size of California
Land boundaries:
total 5,968 km, Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km,
Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none; landlocked
International disputes:
the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in February 1994 that
the 100,000 sq km Aozou Strip between Chad and Libya belongs to Chad,
and that Libya must withdraw from it by 31 May 1994; Libya had
withdrawn its forces in response to the ICJ ruling, but as of June
1994 still maintained an airfield in the disputed area; demarcation of
international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to
border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification
by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria
Climate:
tropical in south, desert in north
Terrain:
broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest,
lowlands in south
Natural resources:
petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron,
kaolin, fish (Lake Chad)
Land use:
arable land:
2%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
36%
forest and woodland:
11%
other:
51%
Irrigated land:
100 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
desertification
natural hazards:
hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts;
subject to locust plagues
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but
not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping
Note:
landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel

@Chad, People

Population:
5,466,771 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.15% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
42.12 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
20.59 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
131.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
40.79 years
male:
39.7 years
female:
41.94 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
5.33 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Chadian(s)
adjective:
Chadian
Ethnic divisions:
north and center:
Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi,
Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba)
south:
non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa)
nonindigenous 150,000, of whom 1,000 are French
Religions:
Muslim 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs, animism 25%
Languages:
French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), Sango (in
south), more than 100 different languages and dialects are spoken
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic (1990 est.)
total population:
30%
male:
42%
female:
18%
Labor force:
NA
by occupation:
agriculture 85% (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, and
fishing)

@Chad, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Chad conventional short form: Chad local long form: Republique du Tchad local short form: Tchad Digraph: CD Type: republic Capital: N'Djamena Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day 11 August (1960) Constitution: 22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1 March 1991; constitutional commission drafting new constitution to submit to transitional parliament for ratification in April 1994 Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: universal at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Idriss DEBY, since 4 December 1990 (after seizing power on 3 December 1990 - transitional government's mandate expires April 1995) head of government: Prime Minister Kassire Delwa KOUMAKOYE (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Council of State; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Consultative Council (Conceil National Consultatif): elections last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of the Republic having 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991; this, in turn, was replaced by a 57-member Higher Transitional Council (Conseil Superieur de Transition) elected by a specially convened Sovereign National Conference on 6 April 1993 Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY, chairman note: President DEBY, who promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and free elections by April 1994, has postponed these initiatives for another year; there are numerous dissident groups and 26 opposition political parties Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Ambassador KOUMBARIA Laoumaye Mekonyo died on 16 May 1994 chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 462-4009 FAX: (202) 265-1937 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Lawrence POPE embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: (51) 62-18, 40-09, or 62-11 FAX: (51) 33-72 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France Overview: Climate, geographic remoteness, poor resource endowment, and lack of infrastructure make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is hobbled by political turmoil, conflict with Libya, drought, and food shortages. Consequently the economy has shown little progress in recent years in overcoming a severe setback brought on by civil war in the late 1980s. Over 80% of the work force is involved in subsistence farming and fishing. Cotton is the major cash crop, accounting for at least half of exports. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially food credits, given chronic shortages in several regions. The government hopes that discovery of several oil deposits near Lake Chad will lead to economic revival and a windfall in government revenues by 2000. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 8.4% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2%-3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $115 million expenditures: $412 million, including capital expenditures of $218 million (1991 est.) Exports: $193.9 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fish partners: France, Nigeria, Cameroon Imports: $294.1 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note - excludes military equipment partners: US, France, Nigeria, Cameroon External debt: $492 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 70 million kWh consumption per capita: 15 kWh (1991) Industries: cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes Agriculture: accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton most important cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficient in food in years of adequate rainfall Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80 million Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year

@Chad, Communications

Highways:
total:
31,322 km
paved:
bituminous 32 km
unpaved:
gravel, crushed stone 7,300 km; earth 23,990 km
Inland waterways:
2,000 km navigable
Airports:
total:
68
usable:
58
with permanent-surface runways:
5
with runways over 3,659 m:
1
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
3
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
27
Telecommunications:
fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links;
broadcast stations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities
are inoperative; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Chad, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), Republican
Guard
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 1,276,167; fit for military service 663,326; reach
military age (20) annually 54,027 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $58 million, 5.6% of GDP (1989)

@Chile, Geography

Location:
Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean between
Argentina and Peru
Map references:
South America, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
756,950 sq km
land area:
748,800 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana
note:
includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y Gomez
Land boundaries:
total 6,171 km, Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km
Coastline:
6,435 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
24 nm
continental shelf:
200 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite;
Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean
since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia
over Rio Lauca water rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean
Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims
Climate:
temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south
Terrain:
low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east
Natural resources:
copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum
Land use:
arable land:
7%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
16%
forest and woodland:
21%
other:
56%
Irrigated land:
12,650 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution
from untreated sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of
biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification
natural hazards:
subject to severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis
international agreements:
party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,
Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands,
Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea
Note:
strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama
Desert one of world's driest regions

@Chile, People

Population:
13,950,557 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.51% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
20.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
5.49 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
74.51 years
male:
71.52 years
female:
77.65 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.5 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Chilean(s)
adjective:
Chilean
Ethnic divisions:
European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish
Languages:
Spanish
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
93%
male:
94%
female:
93%
Labor force:
4.728 million
by occupation:
services 38.3% (includes government 12%), industry and commerce 33.8%,
agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%, mining 2.3%, construction
6.4% (1990)

@Chile, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Chile
conventional short form:
Chile
local long form:
Republica de Chile
local short form:
Chile
Digraph:
CI
Type:
republic
Capital:
Santiago
Administrative divisions:
13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos
Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo,
Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la
Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso
note:
the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica
Independence:
18 September 1810 (from Spain)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 18 September (1810)
Constitution:
11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989
Legal system:
based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes
influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative
acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
President Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (since 11 March 1994) election last
held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1999); results -
Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (PDC) 58%, Arturo ALESSANDRI 24.4%, other
17.6%
cabinet:
Cabinet; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional)
Senate (Senado):
election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1997);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected)
Concertation of Parties for Democracy 21 (PDC 13, PS 4, PPD 3, PR 1),
Union for the Progress of Chile 15 (RN 11, UDI 3, UCC 1), right-wing
independents 10
Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados):
election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1997);
results - Concertation of Parties for Democracy 53.95% (PDC 27.16%, PS
12.01%, PPD 11.82%, PR 2.96%,); Union for the Progress of Chile 30.57%
(RN 15.25%, UDI 12.13%, UCC 3.19%); seats - (120 total) Concertation
of Parties for Democracy 70 (PDC 37, PPD 15, PR 2, PS 15, left-wing
independent 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 47 (RN 30, UDI 15, UCC
2), right-wing independents 3
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)
Political parties and leaders:
Concertation of Parties for Democracy consists mainly of four parties:
Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Gutenberg MARTINEZ; Socialist Party
(PS), Camilo ESCALONA; Party for Democracy (PPD), Victor Manuel
REBOLLEDO; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ Marquez; Union for the
Progress of Chile consists mainly of three parties: National Renewal
(RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jovino
NOVOA; Center Center Union (UCC), Francisco Javier ERRAZURIZ
Other political or pressure groups:
revitalized university student federations at all major universities;
labor - United Labor Central (CUT) includes trade unionists from the
country's five largest labor confederations; Roman Catholic Church
Member of:
CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO,
ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador John BIEHL del Rio
chancery:
1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone:
(202) 785-1746
FAX:
(202) 887-5579
consulate(s) general:
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco,
and San Juan (Puerto Rico)
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Curtis W. KAMMAN
embassy:
Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago
mailing address:
Unit 4127, Santiago; APO AA 34033
telephone:
(2) 671-0133
FAX:
(2) 699-1141
Flag:
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue
square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the
white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center;
design was based on the US flag

@Chile, Economy

Overview:
Chile has a prosperous, essentially free market economy, with the
degree of government intervention varying according to the philosophy
of the different regimes. Under the center-left government of
President AYLWIN, which took power in March 1990, spending on social
welfare has risen steadily. At the same time business investment,
exports and consumer spending have also grown substantially. The new
president, FREI, who takes office in March 1994, is expected to
emphasize social spending even more. Growth in 1991-93 has averaged 8%
annually, with an estimated one million Chileans having moved out of
poverty in the last four years. Copper remains vital to the health of
the economy; Chile is the world's largest producer and exporter of
copper.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $96 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5.8% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$7,000 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
12.3% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
5.1% (1993 est.)
Budget:
revenues:
$10.9 billion
expenditures:
$10.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.2 billion (1993)
Exports:
$10 billion (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
copper 41%, other metals and minerals 8.7%, wood products 7.1%, fish
and fishmeal 9.8%, fruits 8.4% (1991)
partners:
EC 29%, Japan 17%, US 16%, Argentina 5%, Brazil 5% (1992)
Imports:
$9.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)
commodities:
capital goods 25.2%, spare parts 24.8%, raw materials 15.4%, petroleum
10%, foodstuffs 5.7%
partners:
EC 24%, US 21%, Brazil 10%, Japan 10% (1992)
External debt:
$19.7 billion (1993 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 9.3% (1992 est.); accounts for 34% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
5,769,000 kW
production:
22.01 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
1,630 kWh (1992)
Industries:
copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel,
wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Agriculture:
accounts for about 7% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); major
exporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat,
corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock
products - beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1991
fish catch of 6.6 million metric tons; net agricultural importer
Illicit drugs:
a minor transshipment country for cocaine destined for the US and
Europe
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6
billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $386 million
Currency:
1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos
Exchange rates:
Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 430.57 (January 1994), 404.35 (1993),
362.59 (1992), 349.37 (1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Chile, Communications

Railroads:
7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter
standard gauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; 1,865 km 1.676-meter gauge
and 80 km 1.000-meter gauge electrified
Highways:
total:
79,993 km
paved:
10,984 km
unpaved:
gravel or earth 68,615 km (1990)
Inland waterways:
725 km
Pipelines:
crude oil 755 km; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 km
Ports:
Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San
Antonio, Talcahuano, Arica
Merchant marine:
31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 449,253 GRT/755,821 DWT, bulk
10, cargo 7, chemical tanker 3, combination ore/oil 3, liquefied gas
tanker 3, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3
note:
in addition, 1 naval tanker and 1 military transport are sometimes
used commercially
Airports:
total:
392
usable:
349
with permanent-surface runways:
47
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
13
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
58
Telecommunications:
modern telephone system based on extensive microwave radio relay
facilities; 768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM,
131 TV, 11 shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean
INTELSAT and 3 domestic

@Chile, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard,
and Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National
Police), Investigative Police
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 3,705,321; fit for military service 2,759,130; reach
military age (19) annually 120,512 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.)

@China

Header Affiliation: (also see separate Taiwan entry)

@China, Geography

Location:
Eastern Asia, between India and Mongolia
Map references:
Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
9,596,960 sq km
land area:
9,326,410 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than the US
Land boundaries:
total 22,143.34 km, Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km,
Hong Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea
1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia
4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605
km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km
Coastline:
14,500 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolve
disputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with
Tajikistan in dispute; a short section of the boundary with North
Korea is indefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly
Islands with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly
Brunei; maritime boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin;
Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan;
claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu
Tai), as does Taiwan
Climate:
extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north
Terrain:
mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and
hills in east
Natural resources:
coal, iron ore, petroleum, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony,
manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc,
uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest)
Land use:
arable land:
10%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
31%
forest and woodland:
14%
other:
45%
Irrigated land:
478,220 sq km (1991 - Chinese statistic)
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from the overwhelming use of coal as a fuel, produces
acid rain which is damaging forests; water pollution from industrial
effluents; many people do not have access to safe drinking water; less
than 10% of sewage receives treatment; deforestation; estimated loss
of one-third of agricultural land since 1957 to soil erosion and
economic development; desertification
natural hazards:
frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern
coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes
international agreements:
party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Whaling; signed,
but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea
Note:
world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada)

@China, People

Population:
1,190,431,106 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.08% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
18.1 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
7.35 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
52.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
67.91 years
male:
66.93 years
female:
68.99 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Chinese (singular and plural)
adjective:
Chinese
Ethnic divisions:
Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu,
Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%
Religions:
Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism, Muslim 2%-3%, Christian 1% (est.)
note:
officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic
Languages:
Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing
dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan
(Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages
(see Ethnic divisions entry)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990)
total population:
78%
male:
87%
female:
68%
Labor force:
567.4 million
by occupation:
agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction
and mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 est.)

@China, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
People's Republic of China
conventional short form:
China
local long form:
Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo
local short form:
Zhong Guo
Abbreviation:
PRC
Digraph:
CH
Type:
Communist state
Capital:
Beijing
Administrative divisions:
23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions*
(zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular
and plural); Anhui, Beijing Shi**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*,
Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu,
Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi,
Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tianjin Shi**, Xinjiang*,
Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang
note:
China considers Taiwan its 23rd province
Independence:
221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC; Qing or
Ch'ing Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912; People's
Republic established 1 October 1949)
National holiday:
National Day, 1 October (1949)
Constitution:
most recent promulgated 4 December 1982
Legal system:
a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law;
rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes
in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to
improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993); Vice President RONG Yiren
(since 27 March 1993); election last held 27 March 1993 (next to be
held NA 1998); results - JIANG Zemin was nominally elected by the
Eighth National People's Congress
chief of state and head of government (de facto):
DENG Xiaoping (since NA 1977)
head of government:
Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since
9 April 1988) Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991); Vice
Premier ZOU Jiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier QIAN Qichen
(since 29 March 1993); Vice Premier LI Lanqing (29 March 1993)
cabinet:
State Council; containing 28 ministers and 8 state commissions and
appointed by the National People's Congress (March 1993)
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National People's Congress:
(Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui) elections last held March 1993 (next
to be held March 1998); results - CCP is the only party but there are
also independents; seats - (2,977 total) (elected at county or xian
level)
Judicial branch:
Supreme People's Court
Political parties and leaders:
Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the
Central Committee (since 24 June 1989); eight registered small parties
controlled by CCP
Other political or pressure groups:
such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions,
usually within the party and government organization, that vary by
issue
Member of:
AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU,
LORCS, MINURSO, NAM (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNIKOM, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UNTSO, UN Trusteeship Council,
UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador LI Daoyu
chancery:
2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 328-2500 through 2502
consulate(s) general:
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador J. Stapleton ROY
embassy:
Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing
mailing address:
100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone:
(1) 532-3831
FAX:
(1) 532-3178
consulate(s) general:
Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang
Flag:
red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow
five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of
the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner

@China, Economy

Overview: Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the economy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more productive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within the framework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the economy to increased foreign trade and investment. The result has been a strong surge in production, particularly in agriculture in the early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment and modern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic and export goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On the darker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals. In 1992-93 annual growth of GDP has accelerated, particularly in the coastal areas - to more than 10% annually according to official claims. In late 1993 China's leadership approved additional reforms aimed at giving more play to market-oriented institutions and at strengthening the center's control over the financial system. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to the nation's long-term economic viability. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.61 trillion (1993 estimate based on a 1990 figure from the UN International Comparison Program, as extended to 1991 and published in the World Bank's World Development Report 1993; and as extrapolated by use of official Chinese growth statistics for 1992 and 1993) National product real growth rate: 13.4% (1993) National product per capita: $2,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17.6% (December 1993 over December 1992) Unemployment rate: 2.3% in urban areas (1992); substantial underemployment Budget: deficit $15.6 billion (1993) Exports: $92 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: textiles, garments, footwear, toys, crude oil partners: Hong Kong, US, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Russia (1993) Imports: $104 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: rolled steel, motor vehicles, textile machinery, oil products partners: Japan, Taiwan, US, Hong Kong, Germany, South Korea (1993) External debt: $80 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 20.8% (1992) Electricity: capacity: 158,690,000 kW production: 740 billion kWh consumption per capita: 630 kWh (1992) Industries: iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing Agriculture: accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial crops include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestock products; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 13.35 million metric tons (including fresh water and pond raised) (1991) Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium; bulk of production is in Yunnan Province; transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle Economic aid: donor: to less developed countries (1970-89) $7 billion recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billion Currency: 1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiao Exchange rates: yuan (Y) per US$1 - 8.7000 (January 1994), 5.7620 (1993), 5.5146 (1992), 5.3234 (1991), 4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989) note: beginning 1 January 1994, the People's Bank of China quotes the midpoint rate against the US dollar based on the previous day's prevailing rate in the interbank foreign exchange market Fiscal year: calendar year

@China, Communications

Railroads:
total about 64,000 km; 54,000 km of common carrier lines, of which
53,400 km are 1.435-meter gauge (standard) and 600 km are 1.000-meter
gauge (narrow); 11,200 km of standard gauge common carrier route are
double tracked and 6,900 km are electrified (1990); an additional
10,000 km of varying gauges (0.762 to 1.067-meter) are dedicated
industrial lines
Highways:
total:
1.029 million km
paved:
170,000 km
unpaved:
gravel/improved earth 648,000 km; unimproved earth 211,000 km (1990)
Inland waterways:
138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigable
Pipelines:
crude oil 9,700 km; petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 km
(1990)
Ports:
Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang,
Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, Shantou
Merchant marine:
1,541 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,884,756 GRT/22,475,985
DWT, barge carrier 1, bulk 285, cargo 819, chemical tanker 13,
combination bulk 9, container 85, liquefied gas 4, multifunction/barge
carrier 1, oil tanker 192, passenger 24, passenger-cargo 25,
refrigerated cargo 17, roll-on/roll-off cargo 21, short-sea passenger
43, vehicle carrier 2
note:
China beneficially owns an additional 227 ships (1,000 GRT or over)
totaling approximately 6,187,117 DWT that operate under Panamanian,
British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian, Vanuatu, Cypriot, Saint
Vincent, Bahamian, and Romanian registry
Airports:
total:
330
usable:
330
with permanent-surface runways:
260
with runways over 3,659 m:
fewer than 10
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
90
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
200
Telecommunications:
domestic and international services are increasingly available for
private use; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal
cities, industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones
(December 1989); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050
repeaters) TV; more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs;
satellite earth stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean
INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, and 55 domestic

@China, Defense Forces

Branches:
People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air
Force, Second Artillery Corps (the strategic missle force), People's
Armed Police (internal security troops, nominally subordinate to
Ministry of Public Security, but included by the Chinese as part of
the "armed forces" and considered to be an adjunct to the PLA in war
time)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 347,458,052; fit for military service 192,546,413;
reach military age (18) annually 10,256,181 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
defense budget - 52.04 billion yuan, NA% of GDP (1994 est.); note -
conversion of the defense budget into US dollars using the current
exchange rate could produce misleading results

@Christmas Island

Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

@Christmas Island, Geography

Location: Southeastern Asia, in the Indian Ocean, between Australia and Indonesia Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 135 sq km land area: 135 sq km comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 138.9 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau Natural resources: phosphate Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: almost completely surrounded by a reef international agreements: NA Note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

@Christmas Island, People

Population:
973 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
-9% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
NA
Death rate:
NA
Net migration rate:
NA
Infant mortality rate:
NA
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
NA
male:
NA
female:
NA
Total fertility rate:
NA
Nationality:
noun:
Christmas Islander(s)
adjective:
Christmas Island
Ethnic divisions:
Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%, no indigenous
population
Religions:
Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%,
Church of England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%,
Methodist 0.2%, Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown
4.6%, other 3.5% (1981)
Languages:
English
Literacy:
total population:
NA%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
NA
by occupation:
all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas
Island, Ltd.

@Christmas Island, Government

Names: conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island conventional short form: Christmas Island Digraph: KT Type: territory of Australia Capital: The Settlement Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: NA Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958 Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator M. J. GRIMES (since NA) cabinet: Advisory Council Legislative branch: none Judicial branch: none Political parties and leaders: none Member of: none Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia) US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used

@Christmas Island, Economy

Overview:
Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but
in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no
longer economically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the
mine and also to build a casino and hotel to develop tourism.
National product:
GDP $NA
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$NA
expenditures:
$NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Exports:
$NA
commodities:
phosphate
partners:
Australia, NZ
Imports:
$NA
commodities:
consumer goods
partners:
principally Australia
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
capacity:
11,000 kW
production:
30 million kWh
consumption per capita:
17,800 kWh (1990)
Industries:
phosphate extraction (near depletion)
Agriculture:
NA
Economic aid:
none
Currency:
1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704,
(1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989)
Fiscal year:
1 July - 30 June

@Christmas Island, Communications

Highways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: Flying Fish Cove Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 TV

@Christmas Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

@Clipperton Island

Header Affiliation: (possession of France)

@Clipperton Island, Geography

Location: Middle America, in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico Map references: World Area: total area: 7 sq km land area: 7 sq km comparative area: about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 11.1 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Mexico Climate: tropical Terrain: coral atoll Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all coral) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: reef about 8 km in circumference

@Clipperton Island, People

Population: uninhabited

@Clipperton Island, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Clipperton Island
local long form:
none
local short form:
Ile Clipperton
former:
sometimes called Ile de la Passion
Digraph:
IP
Type:
French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by High
Commissioner of the Republic
Capital:
none; administered by France from French Polynesia
Independence:
none (possession of France)

@Clipperton Island, Economy

Overview:
The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station.

@Clipperton Island, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

@Clipperton Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Geography

Location: Southeastern Asia, in the Indian Ocean, 1,070 km southwest of Indonesia, about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 14 sq km land area: 14 sq km comparative area: about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 2.6 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: pleasant, modified by the southeast trade wind for about nine months of the year; moderate rain fall Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, People

Population:
598 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.98% (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Cocos Islander(s)
adjective:
Cocos Islander
Ethnic divisions:
West Island:
Europeans
Home Island:
Cocos Malays
Religions:
Sunni Muslims
Languages:
English
Literacy:
total population:
NA%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
NA

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Government

Names: conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Digraph: CK Type: territory of Australia Capital: West Island Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: NA Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 Legal system: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws Suffrage: NA Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA) cabinet: Islands Council; Chairman of the Islands Council Haji WAHIN bin Bynie (since NA) Legislative branch: unicameral Islands Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia) US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Economy

Overview:
Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra
and fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens
and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and
most other necessities must be imported from Australia.
National product:
GDP $NA
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$NA
expenditures:
$NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Exports:
$NA
commodities:
copra
partners:
Australia
Imports:
$NA
commodities:
foodstuffs
partners:
Australia
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%
Electricity:
capacity:
1,000 kW
production:
2 million kWh
consumption per capita:
2,980 kWh (1990)
Industries:
copra products
Agriculture:
gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts
Economic aid:
none
Currency:
1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704
(1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989)
Fiscal year:
1 July - 30 June

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Communications

Highways:
total:
NA
paved:
NA
unpaved:
NA
Ports:
none; lagoon anchorage only
Airports:
total:
1
usable:
1
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
1
Telecommunications:
250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile
communications via satellite with Australia; broadcast stations - 1
AM, no FM, no TV

@Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

@Colombia, Geography

Location:
Northern South America, between Panama and Venezuela
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones
of the World
Area:
total area:
1,138,910 sq km
land area:
1,038,700 sq km
comparative area:
slightly less than three times the size of Montana
note:
includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla
Bank
Land boundaries:
total 7,408 km, Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru
2,900 km, Venezuela 2,050 km
Coastline:
3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
not specified
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;
territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y
Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank
Climate:
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Terrain:
flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains,
eastern lowland plains
Natural resources:
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds
Land use:
arable land:
4%
permanent crops:
2%
meadows and pastures:
29%
forest and woodland:
49%
other:
16%
Irrigated land:
5,150 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides
natural hazards:
highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; periodic droughts
international agreements:
party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Marine Life
Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified -
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping
Note:
only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific
Ocean and Caribbean Sea

@Colombia, People

Population: 35,577,556 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.77% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 22.64 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.75 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 28.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.1 years male: 69.33 years female: 74.95 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.47 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Colombian(s) adjective: Colombian Ethnic divisions: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 87% male: 88% female: 86% Labor force: 12 million (1990) by occupation: services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)

@Colombia, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Colombia
conventional short form:
Colombia
local long form:
Republica de Colombia
local short form:
Colombia
Digraph:
CO
Type:
republic; executive branch dominates government structure
Capital:
Bogota
Administrative divisions:
32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital
district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico,
Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar,
Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira,
Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio,
Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle
del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada
Independence:
20 July 1810 (from Spain)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
Constitution:
5 July 1991
Legal system:
based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures
was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and legislative
acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990);
President-designate Juan Manuel SANTOS (since NA 1993); election last
held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIA
Trujillo (Liberal Party) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation
Movement) 24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (AD/M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA
(Conservative Party) 12%
note:
a new government will be inaugurated on 7 August 1994; the
presidential election of 29 May 1994 resulted in no candidate
receiving more than 50% of the total vote and a run-off election to
select a president from the two leading candidates was held on 19 June
1994; results - Ernesto SAMPER Pizano (Liberal Party) 50.4%, Andres
PASTRANA Arango (Conservative Party) 48.6%, blank votes 1%; Humberto
de la CALLE was elected vice president; electing a vice president is a
new proceedure that replaces the traditional appointment of
president-designates by newly elected presidents
cabinet:
Cabinet
Legislative branch:
bicameral Congress (Congreso)
Senate (Senado):
elections last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1998);
preliminary results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (102 total)
Liberal Party 59, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 31, other
12
House of Representatives (Camara de Representantes):
elections last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1998);
preliminary results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (161 total)
Liberal Party 89, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 53,
AD/M-19 2, other 17
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justical), Constitutional
Court, Council of State
Political parties and leaders:
Liberal Party (PL), Ernesto SAMPER Pizano, president; Conservative
Party (PC), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement
(MSN), Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; New Democratic Force (NDF), Andres
PASTRANA Arango; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is a coalition of
small leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives;
Patriotic Union (UP) is a legal political party formed by
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist
Party (PCC), Carlos ROMERO
Other political or pressure groups:
three insurgent groups are active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC), Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; National
Liberation Army (ELN), Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recently
demobilized People's Liberation Army (EPL), Francisco CARABALLO;
Francisco CARABALLO was captured by the government in June 1994
Member of:
AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,
INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS,
ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR,
UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Gabriel SILVA
chancery:
2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 387-8338
FAX:
(202) 232-8643
consulate(s) general:
Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York,
San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Washington
consulate(s):
Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Tampa
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY
embassy:
Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota
mailing address:
Apartado Aereo 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038
telephone:
(1) 320-1300
FAX:
(1) 288-5687
consulate(s):
Barranquilla
Flag:
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red;
similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the
Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

@Colombia, Economy

Overview:
Colombia's economic growth has recovered steadily since 1991 as
President GAVIRIA'S sweeping economic reform measures have taken hold.
Market reforms have included trade and investment liberalization,
labor and tax overhauls and bureaucratic streamlining, among other
things. Furthermore, conservative fiscal and monetary policies have
helped to steadily reduce inflation to 23% and unemployment to about
7% in 1993. The rapid development of oil, coal, and other
nontraditional industries has helped offset the decline in coffee
prices. A major oil find in 1993 in eastern Colombia may provide an
extra $3 billion annually to the economy by 1997. Increased foreign
investment and even greater domestic activity have been hampered,
however, by a troublesome rural insurgency, a decrepit energy and
transportation infrastructure, and drug-related violence. Agriculture
also has encountered problems in adjusting to fewer subsidies, greater
competition, and the collapse of the international coffee agreement,
which has kept world coffee prices at near-record lows in 1991-93.
Business construction was a leading sector in 1993. The substantial
trade deficit in 1993 was the result of a strong peso that inhibited
exports and a liberalized government policy that spurred imports.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $192 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5.1% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$5,500 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
22.6% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
7.9% (1993 est.)
Budget:
revenues:
$11 billion
expenditures:
$12 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.2 billion (1993
est.)
Exports:
$6.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
petroleum, coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers
partners:
US 39%, EC 25.7%, Japan 2.9%, Venezuela 8.5% (1992)
Imports:
$6.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)
commodities:
industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods,
chemicals, paper products
partners:
US 36%, EC 18%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 6.5%, Japan 8.7% (1992)
External debt:
$17 billion (1992)
Industrial production:
growth rate 2% (1993 est.); accounts for 21% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
10,193,000 kW
production:
36 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
1,050 kWh (1992)
Industries:
textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages,
chemicals, metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds,
iron, nickel, silver, salt
Agriculture:
growth rate 2.7% (1993 est.) accounts for 21% of GDP; crops make up
two-thirds and livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and
soils permit a wide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco,
corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products
and shrimp farming are becoming more important
Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of coca, opium, and cannabis; about 37,100 hectares
of coca under cultivation; the world's largest processor of coca
derivatives into cocaine in 1992; supplier of cocaine to the US and
other international drug markets
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3
billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $399 million
Currency:
1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos
Exchange rates:
Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 921.20 (January 1994), 863.06
(1993), 759.28 (1992), 633.05 (1991), 502.26 (1990), 382.57 (1989)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Colombia, Communications

Railroads:
3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use),
150 km 1.435-meter gauge
Highways:
total:
128,717 km (1989)
paved:
10,330 km
unpaved:
gravel/earth 118,387 km
Inland waterways:
14,300 km, navigable by river boats
Pipelines:
crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km;
natural gas liquids 125 km
Ports:
Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa
Marta, Tumaco
Merchant marine:
27 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 211,777 GRT/335,763 DWT, bulk 7,
cargo 11, container 6, oil tanker 3
Airports:
total:
1,369
usable:
1,156
with permanent-surface runways:
73
with runways over 3,659 m:
1
with runways 2,440-2,659 m:
9
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
205
Telecommunications:
nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast
stations - 413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean
INTELSAT earth stations and 11 domestic satellite earth stations

@Colombia, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines),
Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National Police (Policia
Nacional)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 9,639,080; fit for military service 6,507,935; reach
military age (18) annually 354,944 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $1.2 billion (1992 est.)

@Comoros, Geography

Location: Southeastern Africa, in the extreme northern Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 2,170 sq km land area: 2,170 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 340 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims French-administered Mayotte Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 35% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 16% other: 34% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: soil degradation and erosion; deforestation natural hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

@Comoros, People

Population: 530,136 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.55% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.95 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 79.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.81 years male: 55.63 years female: 60.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.79 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Comoran(s) adjective: Comoran Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Religions: Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 48% male: 56% female: 40% Labor force: 140,000 (1982) by occupation: agriculture 80%, government 3% note: 51% of population of working age (1985)

@Comoros, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros
conventional short form:
Comoros
local long form:
Republique Federale Islamique des Comores
local short form:
Comores
Digraph:
CN
Type:
independent republic
Capital:
Moroni
Administrative divisions:
three islands; Grand Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli
(Mwali)
note:
there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and
Mutsamudu
Independence:
6 July 1975 (from France)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 6 July (1975)
Constitution:
7 June 1992
Legal system:
French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state::
President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); election last
held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said
Mohamed DJOHAR (UDZIMA) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%
head of government::
Prime Minister Mohamed Abdou MADI (since 6 January 1994) appointed by
President DJOHAR 6 January 1994 (DJOHAR has appointed 14 prime
ministers in the last three years)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale):
elections last held 12-20 December 1993 (next to be held by NA January
1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total)
Ruling Coalition: RDR 15, UNDC 5, MWANGAZA 2; Opposition: UDZIMA 8,
other smaller parties 10; 2 seats remained unfilled
note:
opposition is boycotting the National Assembly until the government
promises to investigate fraud in the last election
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders:
over 20 political parties are currently active, the most important of
which are; Comoran Union for Progress (UDZIMA), Omar TAMOU; Islands'
Fraternity and Unity Party (CHUMA), Said Ali KEMAL; Comoran Party for
Democracy and Progress (PCDP), Ali MROUDJAE; Realizing Freedom's
Capability (UWEZO), Mouazair ABDALLAH; Democratic Front of the Comoros
(FDR), Moustapha CHELKH; Dialogue Proposition Action (DPA/MWANGAZA),
Said MCHAWGAMA; Rally for Change and Democracy (RACHADE), Hassan
HACHIM; Union for Democracy and Decentralization (UNDC), Mohamed Taki
Halidi IBRAHAM; Rally for Democracy and Renewal (RDR); Comoran Popular
Front (FPC), Mohamed HASSANALI, Mohamed El Arif OUKACHA, Abdou
MOUSTAKIM (Secretary General)
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMIN
chancery:
(temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45th
Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017
telephone:
(212) 972-8010
FAX:
(212) 983-4712
US diplomatic representation:
none; post closed in September 1993
Flag:
green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the
crescent points to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are
four white five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of
the crescent; the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional
symbols of Islam; the four stars represent the four main islands of
the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a
territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by the Comoros)

@Comoros, Economy

Overview:
One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several
islands that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly
increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational
level of the labor force contributes to a low level of economic
activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants
and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and
forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% to
GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.
The country is not self-sufficient in food production, and rice, the
main staple, accounts for 90% of imports. During 1982-86 the
industrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but its
contribution to GDP is small. Despite major investment in the tourist
industry, which accounts for about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated
since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of 1.5% during 1985-90 has led to
large budget deficits, declining incomes, and balance-of-payments
difficulties. Estimates for 1992 show a moderate increase in the
growth rate based on increased exports, tourism, and government
investment outlays.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $360 million (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
5% (1992 est.)
National product per capita:
$700 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
over 15.9% (1989)
Budget:
revenues:
$96 million
expenditures:
$88 million, including capital expenditures of $33 million (1991 est.)
Exports:
$21 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylang
partners:
US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988)
Imports:
$60 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)
commodities:
rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods
partners:
Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988)
External debt:
$160 million (1992 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate -6.5% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
16,000 kW
production:
25 million kWh
consumption per capita:
50 kWh (1991)
Industries:
perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction
materials, soft drinks
Agriculture:
accounts for 40% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence
agriculture and fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export -
vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra; principal food crops -
coconuts, bananas, cassava; world's leading producer of essence of
ylang-ylang (for perfumes) and second-largest producer of vanilla;
large net food importer
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435
million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist
countries (1970-89), $18 million
Currency:
1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 444.03 (January 1994), 254.57 (1993),
264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994, the Comoran franc was devalued to 75 per
French franc from 50 per French franc at which it had been fixed since
1948
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Comoros, Communications

Highways:
total:
750 km
paved:
bituminous 210 km
unpaved:
crushed stone, gravel 540 km
Ports:
Mutsamudu, Moroni
Airports:
total:
4
usable:
4
with permanent-surface runways:
4
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
3
Telecommunications:
sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communication
stations for interisland and external communications to Madagascar and
Reunion; over 1,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV

@Comoros, Defense Forces

Branches:
Comoran Defense Force (FDC)
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 112,918; fit for military service 67,522
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Congo, Geography

Location:
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Gabon and
Zaire
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
342,000 sq km
land area:
341,500 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than Montana
Land boundaries:
total 5,504 km, Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African
Republic 467 km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 km
Coastline:
169 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea:
200 nm
International disputes:
long segment of boundary with Zaire along the Congo River is
indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made)
Climate:
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October);
constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating
climate astride the Equator
Terrain:
coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
Natural resources:
petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates,
natural gas
Land use:
arable land:
2%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
29%
forest and woodland:
62%
other:
7%
Irrigated land:
40 sq km (1989)
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping
of raw sewage; deforestation
natural hazards:
NA
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species, Tropical Timber; signed, but not
ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection
Note:
about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, or
along the railroad between them

@Congo, People

Population: 2,446,902 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.38% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.49 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.56 years male: 45.76 years female: 49.41 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Ethnic divisions: south: Kongo 48% north: Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12% center: Teke 17%, Europeans 8,500 (mostly French) Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% Languages: French (official), African languages (Lingala and Kikongo are the most widely used) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 57% male: 70% female: 44% Labor force: 79,100 wage earners by occupation: agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25% note: 51% of population of working age; 40% of population economically active (1985)

@Congo, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of the Congo
conventional short form:
Congo
local long form:
Republique Populaire du Congo
local short form:
Congo
former:
Congo/Brazzaville
Digraph:
CF
Type:
republic
Capital:
Brazzaville
Administrative divisions:
9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza,
Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux,
Pool, Sangha
Independence:
15 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday:
Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960)
Constitution:
new constitution approved by referendum March 1992
Legal system:
based on French civil law system and customary law
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Pascal LISSOUBA (since August 1992); election last held 2-16
August 1992 (next to be held August 1997); results - President Pascal
LISSOUBA won with 61% of the vote
head of government:
Prime Minister Jacques Joachim YHOMBI-OPANGO (since 23 June 1993)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; named by the president
Legislative branch:
bicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):
election last held 3 October 1993; results - percentage vote by party
NA; seats - (125 total) UPADS 64, URD/PCT 58, others 3
Senate:
election last held 26 July 1992 (next to be held July 1998); results -
percentage vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) UPADS 23, MCDDI 14,
RDD 8, RDPS 5, PCT 2, others 8
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders:
Congolese Labor Party (PCT), Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president;
Pan-African Union for Social Development (UPADS), Pascal LISSOUBA,
leader; Association for Democracy and Development (RDD) - Joachim
Yhombi OPANGO, president; Congolese Movement for Democracy and
Integral Development (MCDDI), Bernard KOLELAS, leader; Association for
Democracy and Social Progress (RDPS), Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA,
president; Union of Democratic Forces (UFD), David Charles GANAO,
leader; Union for Development and Social Progress (UDPS), Jean-Michael
BOKAMBA-YANGOUMA, leader
note:
Congo has many political parties of which these are among the most
important
Other political or pressure groups:
Union of Congolese Socialist Youth (UJSC); Congolese Trade Union
Congress (CSC); Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women (URFC); General
Union of Congolese Pupils and Students (UGEEC)
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,
ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,
LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Pierre Damien BOUSSOUKOU-BOUMBA
chancery:
4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone:
(202) 726-5500 or 5501
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador William RAMSEY
embassy:
Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville
mailing address:
B. P. 1015, Brazzaville
telephone:
(242) 83-20-70
FAX:
83-63-38
Flag:
red, divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band;
the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is
red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

@Congo, Economy

Overview:
Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts,
an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a
government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. A reform
program, supported by the IMF and World Bank, ran into difficulties in
1990-91 because of problems in changing to a democratic political
regime and a heavy debt-servicing burden. Oil has supplanted forestry
as the mainstay of the economy, providing about two-thirds of
government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oil
revenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projects
with growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa.
Subsequently, growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5%
annually, only half the population growth rate. Political turmoil and
misguided government investment have derailed economic reform programs
sponsored by the IMF and World Bank.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
NA
National product per capita:
$2,900 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
-0.6% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$765 million
expenditures:
$952 million, including capital expenditures of $65 million (1990)
Exports:
$1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
crude oil 72%, lumber, plywood, coffee, cocoa, sugar, diamonds
partners:
US, France, other EC countries
Imports:
$704 million (c.i.f., 1990)
commodities:
foodstuffs, consumer goods, intermediate manufactures, capital
equipment
partners:
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, other EC countries, US, Japan, Brazil
External debt:
$4.1 billion (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP; includes petroleum
Electricity:
capacity:
140,000 kW
production:
315 million kWh
consumption per capita:
135 kWh (1991)
Industries:
petroleum, cement, lumbering, brewing, sugar milling, palm oil, soap,
cigarette
Agriculture:
accounts for 13% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cassava
accounts for 90% of food output; other crops - rice, corn, peanuts,
vegetables; cash crops include coffee and cocoa; forest products
important export earner; imports over 90% of food needs
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $63 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2.5
billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $15 million; Communist
countries (1970-89), $338 million
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05
(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26
(1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Congo, Communications

Railroads:
797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are
privately owned)
Highways:
total:
11,960 km
paved:
560 km
unpaved:
gravel or crushed stone 850 km; improved earth 5,350 km; unimproved
earth 5,200 km
Inland waterways:
the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of
commercially navigable water transport; the rest are used for local
traffic only
Pipelines:
crude oil 25 km
Ports:
Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port)
Airports:
total:
41
usable:
37
with permanent-surface runways:
5
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
1
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
16
Telecommunications:
services adequate for government use; primary network is composed of
radio relay routes and coaxial cables; key centers are Brazzaville,
Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; 18,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 4
AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean satellite earth station

@Congo, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 551,151; fit for military service 280,372; reach
military age (20) annually 24,441 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
$NA, NA% of GDP

@Cook Islands

Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand)

@Cook Islands, Geography

Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 240 sq km land area: 240 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 22% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 74% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (November to March) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

@Cook Islands, People

Population:
19,124 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.15% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
23.22 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
-6.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
71.14 years
male:
69.2 years
female:
73.1 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.3 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Cook Islander(s)
adjective:
Cook Islander
Ethnic divisions:
Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%,
Polynesian and other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%
Religions:
Christian (majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian
Church)
Languages:
English (official), Maori
Literacy:
total population:
NA%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
5,810
by occupation:
agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, other 4%
(1981)

@Cook Islands, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
none
conventional short form:
Cook Islands
Digraph:
CW
Type:
self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New
Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New
Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultation
with the Cook Islands
Capital:
Avarua
Administrative divisions:
none
Independence:
none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4
August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence
by unilateral action)
National holiday:
Constitution Day, 4 August
Constitution:
4 August 1965
Legal system:
NA
Suffrage:
universal adult at age NA
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the
Queen Apenera SHORT (since NA); Representative of New Zealand Adrian
SINCOCK (since NA)
head of government:
Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime
Minister Inatio AKARURU (since 1 February 1989)
cabinet:
Cabinet; collectively responsible to the Parliament
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Parliament:
elections last held 24 March 1994 (next to be held NA); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) Cook Islands Party 20,
Democratic Party 3, Alliance Party 2
note:
the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has
no legislative powers
Judicial branch:
High Court
Political parties and leaders:
Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Party, Sir Thomas
DAVIS; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People's
Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA; Alliance, Norman GEORGE
Member of:
AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, INTELSAT (nonsignatory
user), IOC, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US:
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
US diplomatic representation:
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Flag:
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a
large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island)
centered in the outer half of the flag

@Cook Islands, Economy

Overview:
Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are
fruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a
fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic
development is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign
markets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links.
A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances from
emigrants and from foreign aid, largely from New Zealand. Current
economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential
and expanding the fishing industry.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $57 million (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
NA%
National product per capita:
$3,000 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6.2% (1990)
Unemployment rate:
NA%
Budget:
revenues:
$38 million
expenditures:
$34.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)
Exports:
$3.4 million (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing
partners:
NZ 80%, Japan
Imports:
$50 million (c.i.f., 1990)
commodities:
foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber
partners:
NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US
External debt:
$NA
Industrial production:
growth rate NA%; accounts for 5% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
14,000 kW
production:
21 million kWh
consumption per capita:
1,170 kWh (1990)
Industries:
fruit processing, tourism
Agriculture:
accounts for 12% of GDP, export crops - copra, citrus fruits,
pineapples, tomatoes, bananas; subsistence crops - yams, taro
Economic aid:
recipient:
Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments
(1970-89), $128 million
Currency:
1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates:
New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495
(1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6708 (1989)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March

@Cook Islands, Communications

Highways:
total:
187 km
paved:
35 km
unpaved:
gravel 35 km; improved earth 84 km; unimproved earth 33 km (1980)
Ports:
Avatiu
Merchant marine:
1 cargo ship (1,000 or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWT
Airports:
total:
7
usable:
7
with permanent-surface runways:
1
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
0
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
5
Telecommunications:
broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 11,000 radio receivers; 17,000
TV receivers (1989); 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth
station

@Cook Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

@Coral Sea Islands

Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

@Coral Sea Islands, Geography

Location: Southwestern Oceania, just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea Map references: Oceania Area: total area: less than 3 sq km land area: less than 3 sq km comparative area: NA note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with Willis Islets the most important Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: no permanent fresh water resources natural hazards: subject to occasional tropical cyclones international agreements: NA Note: important nesting area for birds and turtles

@Coral Sea Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 3 meteorologists

@Coral Sea Islands, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form:
Coral Sea Islands
Digraph:
CR
Type:
territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Environment,
Sport, and Territories
Capital:
none; administered from Canberra, Australia
Independence:
none (territory of Australia)
Flag:
the flag of Australia is used

@Coral Sea Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

@Coral Sea Islands, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorages only

@Coral Sea Islands, Defense Forces

Note:
defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the
Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of
visitors

@Costa Rica, Geography

Location:
Middle America, between Nicaragua and Panama
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean, South America
Area:
total area:
51,100 sq km
land area:
50,660 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than West Virginia
note:
includes Isla del Coco
Land boundaries:
total 639 km, Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km
Coastline:
1,290 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200 nm
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to
November)
Terrain:
coastal plains separated by rugged mountains
Natural resources:
hydropower potential
Land use:
arable land:
6%
permanent crops:
7%
meadows and pastures:
45%
forest and woodland:
34%
other:
8%
Irrigated land:
1,180 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation, largely a result of land clearing for cattle ranching;
soil erosion
natural hazards:
subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;
frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active
volcanoes
international agreements:
party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear
Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not
ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation

@Costa Rica, People

Population: 3,342,154 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.31% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 3.52 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.8 years male: 75.88 years female: 79.81 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.06 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish (official), English; spoken around Puerto Limon Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 93% male: 93% female: 93% Labor force: 868,300 by occupation: industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.)

@Costa Rica, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form:
Costa Rica
local long form:
Republica de Costa Rica
local short form:
Costa Rica
Digraph:
CS
Type:
democratic republic
Capital:
San Jose
Administrative divisions:
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago,
Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
Independence:
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Constitution:
9 November 1949
Legal system:
based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts
in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government:
President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994); First Vice
President Rodrigo OREAMUNO Blanco (since 8 May 1994); Second Vice
President Rebeca GRYNSPAN Mayufis (since 8 May 1994); election last
held 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998); results -
President FIGUERES (PLN party) 49.7%, Miquel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSC
party) 47.5%
cabinet:
Cabinet; selected by the president
Legislative branch:
unicameral
Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa):
elections last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (61 total) PLN 28, PUSC
29, minority parties 4
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)
Political parties and leaders:
National Liberation Party (PLN), Manuel AGUILAR Bonilla; Social
Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist
Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic
Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP),
Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC),
Lenin CHACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose
ECHEVERRIA Brealey
Other political or pressure groups:
Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD; Liberation
Party affiliate); Confederated Union of Workers (CUT, Communist Party
affiliate); Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD,
Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; National
Association for Economic Development (ANFE); Free Costa Rica Movement
(MCRL, rightwing militants); National Association of Educators (ANDE)
Member of:
AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,
IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL,
UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Gonzalo FACIO Segreda
chancery:
2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 234-2945
FAX:
(202) 265-4795
consulate(s) general:
Albuquerque, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego,
San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)
consulate(s):
Austin and Raleigh
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
(vacant); Charge d' Affaires Joseph BECELIA
embassy:
Pavas Road, San Jose
mailing address:
APO AA 34020
telephone:
20-39-39
FAX:
(506) 20-2305
Flag:
five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white,
and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of
the red band

@Costa Rica, Economy

Overview:
In 1993 the economy grew at an estimated 6.5%, compared with 7.7% in
1992 and 2.1% in 1991. Increases in agricultural production (coffee
and bananas), nontraditional exports, and tourism are responsible for
much of the growth. Inflation in 1993 dropped to 9% from 17% in 1992
and 25% in 1991, an indication of basic financial stability.
Unemployment is officially reported at 4.0%, but much underemployment
remains.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.3 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
6.5% (1993 est.)
National product per capita:
$5,900 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
9% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate:
4% (1993); much underemployment
Budget:
revenues:
$1.1 billion
expenditures:
$1.34 billion, including capital expenditures of $110 million (1991
est.)
Exports:
$1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities:
coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar
partners:
US, Germany, Italy, Guatemala, El Salvador, Netherlands, UK, France
Imports:
$2.9 billion (c.i.f., 1993)
commodities:
raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum
partners:
US, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Germany
External debt:
$3.2 billion (1991)
Industrial production:
growth rate 10.5% (1992); accounts for 22% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
927,000 kW
production:
3.612 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
1,130 kWh (1992)
Industries:
food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials,
fertilizer, plastic products
Agriculture:
accounts for 19% of GDP and 70% of exports; cash commodities - coffee,
beef, bananas, sugar; other food crops include corn, rice, beans,
potatoes; normally self-sufficient in food except for grain; depletion
of forest resources resulting in lower timber output
Illicit drugs:
transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America;
illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plots
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $935
million; Communist countries (1971-89), $27 million
Currency:
1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos
Exchange rates:
Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 150.67 (December 1993), 142.17
(1993), 134.51 (1992), 122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989)
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Costa Rica, Communications

Railroads:
950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified
Highways:
total:
35,536 km
paved:
5,600 km
unpaved:
gravel and earth 29,936 km (1991)
Inland waterways:
about 730 km, seasonally navigable
Pipelines:
petroleum products 176 km
Ports:
Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puntarenas
Merchant marine:
1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,878 GRT/4,506 DWT
Airports:
total:
184
usable:
165
with permanent-surface runways:
27
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
2
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
9
Telecommunications:
very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connection
into Central American Microwave System; broadcast stations - 71 AM, no
FM, 18 TV, 13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

@Costa Rica, Defense Forces

Branches:
Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard
note:
constitution prohibits armed forces
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 873,987; fit for military service 588,223; reach
military age (18) annually 32,308 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989)

@Cote d'Ivoire

Header Affiliation: (also known as Ivory Coast)

@Cote d'Ivoire, Geography

Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Ghana and
Liberia
Map references:
Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World
Area:
total area:
322,460 sq km
land area:
318,000 sq km
comparative area:
slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:
total 3,110 km, Burkina 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia
716 km, Mali 532 km
Coastline:
515 km
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200-m depth
exclusive economic zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
none
Climate:
tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and
dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June
to October)
Terrain:
mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest
Natural resources:
petroleum, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper
Land use:
arable land:
9%
permanent crops:
4%
meadows and pastures:
9%
forest and woodland:
26%
other:
52%
Irrigated land:
620 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation; water pollution from sewage and industrial and
agricultural effluents
natural hazards:
coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors
international agreements:
party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Tropical Timber

@Cote d'Ivoire, People

Population:
14,295,501 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
3.44% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
46.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
15.01 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
2.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
95 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
48.92 years
male:
46.75 years
female:
51.16 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
6.67 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Ivorian(s)
adjective:
Ivorian
Ethnic divisions:
Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreign
Africans (mostly Burkinabe and Malians, about 3 million), non-Africans
130,000 to 330,000 (French 30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000)
Religions:
indigenous 25%, Muslim 60%, Christian 12%
Languages:
French (official), 60 native dialects Dioula is the most widely spoken
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)
total population:
54%
male:
67%
female:
40%
Labor force:
5.718 million
by occupation:
over 85% of population engaged in agriculture, forestry, livestock
raising; about 11% of labor force are wage earners, nearly half in
agriculture and the remainder in government, industry, commerce, and
professions
note:
54% of population of working age (1985)

@Cote d'Ivoire, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire
conventional short form:
Cote d'Ivoire
local long form:
Republique de Cote d'Ivoire
local short form:
Cote d'Ivoire
former:
Ivory Coast
Digraph:
IV
Type:
republic multiparty presidential regime established 1960
Capital:
Yamoussoukro
note:
although Yamoussoukro has been the capital since 1983, Abidjan remains
the administrative center; foreign governments, including the United
States, maintain presence in Abidjan
Administrative divisions:
50 departments (departements, singular - departement); Abengourou,
Abidjan, Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilckrou, Bangolo, Beoumi,
Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali,
Dabakala, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue,
Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Katiola, Korhogo,
Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro,
Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tingrela, Tiassale,
Touba, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula
Independence:
7 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday:
National Day, 7 December
Constitution:
3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time November
1990
Legal system:
based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in
the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Henri Konan BEDIE (since 7 December 1993) constitutional
successor who will serve during the remainder of the term of former
President Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY who died in office after continuous
service from November 1960 (next election October 1995)
head of government:
Prime Minister Kablan Daniel DUNCAN (since 10 December 1993)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):
elections last held 25 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) PDCI 163,
FPI 9, PIT 1, independents 2
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders:
Democratic Party of the Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI), Henri Konan BEDIE;
Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent GBAGBO; Ivorian Worker's Party
(PIT), Francis WODIE; Ivorian Socialist Party (PSI), Morifere BAMBA;
over 20 smaller parties
Member of:
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,
GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT,
INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,
WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Jean-Marie KACOU-GERVAIS
chancery:
2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
(202) 797-0300
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Hume A. HORAN
embassy:
5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan
mailing address:
01 B. P. 1712, Abidjan
telephone:
21-09-79 or 21-46-72
FAX:
22-32-59
Flag:
three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green;
similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors
reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the
flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was
based on the flag of France

@Cote d'Ivoire, Economy

Overview:
Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters of
coffee, cocoa beans, and palm-kernel oil. Consequently, the economy is
highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for coffee
and cocoa and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by the
government to diversify, the economy is still largely dependent on
agriculture and related industries. The agricultural sector accounts
for over one-third of GDP and about 80% of export earnings and employs
about 85% of the labor force. A collapse of world cocoa and coffee
prices in 1986 threw the economy into a recession, from which the
country has yet to fully recover. Continuing weak prices for commodity
exports, a bloated public-sector wage bill, and a large foreign debt
will continue to constrain economic development, this despite the 50%
currency devaluation in January 1994 designed to restore international
price competitiveness. A large, non-competitive import-substitution
sector continues to thrive under steep tariff and import quota
barriers.
National product:
GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21 billion (1993 est.)
National product real growth rate:
NA
National product per capita:
$1,500 (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1% (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate:
14% (1985)
Budget:
revenues:
$2.3 billion
expenditures:
$3.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $274 million (1990
est.)
Exports:
$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
cocoa 30%, coffee 20%, tropical woods 11%, petroleum, cotton, bananas,
pineapples, palm oil, cotton
partners:
France, FRG, Netherlands, US, Belgium, Spain (1985)
Imports:
$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990)
commodities:
food, capital goods, consumer goods, fuel
partners:
France 29%, other EC 29%, Nigeria 16%, US 4%, Japan 3% (1989)
External debt:
$17.3 billion (1993 est.)
Industrial production:
growth rate 6% (1990); accounts for 11% of GDP
Electricity:
capacity:
1,210,000 kW
production:
1.97 billion kWh
consumption per capita:
150 kWh (1991)
Industries:
foodstuffs, wood processing, oil refinery, automobile assembly,
textiles, fertilizer, beverage
Agriculture:
most important sector, contributing one-third to GDP and 80% to
exports; cash crops include coffee, cocoa beans, timber, bananas, palm
kernels, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, manioc, sweet potatoes; not
self-sufficient in bread grain and dairy products
Illicit drugs:
illicit producer of cannabis; mostly for local consumption; some
international drug trade; transshipment point for Southwest and
Southeast Asian heroin to Europe and occasionally to the US
Economic aid:
recipient:
US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $356 million; Western
(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $5.2
billion
Currency:
1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates:
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05
(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26
(1990), 319.01 (1989)
note:
beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per
French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year:
calendar year

@Cote d'Ivoire, Communications

Railroads:
660 km (Burkina border to Abidjan, 1.00-meter gauge, single track,
except 25 km Abidjan-Anyama section is double track)
Highways:
total:
46,600 km
paved:
3,600 km
unpaved:
gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 32,000 km; unimproved earth
11,000 km
Inland waterways:
980 km navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons
Ports:
Abidjan, San-Pedro
Merchant marine:
8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 92,828 GRT/ 134,606 DWT, bulk 1,
chemical tanker 1, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3
Airports:
total:
41
usable:
37
with permanent-surface runways:
7
with runways over 3,659 m:
0
with runways 2,440-3,659 m:
3
with runways 1,220-2,439 m:
15
Telecommunications:
well-developed by African standards but operating well below capacity;
consists of open-wire lines and radio relay microwave links; 87,700
telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 17 FM, 13 TV, 1 Atlantic Ocean
and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; 2 coaxial submarine cables

@Cote d'Ivoire, Defense Forces

Branches:
Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard,
Military Fire Group
Manpower availability:
males age 15-49 3,224,673; fit for military service 1,674,127; reach
military age (18) annually 149,991 (1994 est.)
Defense expenditures:
exchange rate conversion - $200 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988)

@Croatia, Geography

Location:
Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, bordering
the Adriatic Sea, between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Map references:
Africa, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones
of the World
Area:
total area:
56,538 sq km
land area:
56,410 sq km
comparative area:
slightly smaller than West Virginia
Land boundaries:
total 2,028 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia
and Montenegro 266 km (241 km with Serbia; 25 km with Montenego),
Slovenia 501 km
Coastline:
5,790 km (mainland 1,778 km, islands 4,012 km)
Maritime claims:
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone:
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone:
12 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
Serbs have occupied UN protected areas in eastern Croatia and along
the western Bosnia and Herzegovinian border; dispute with Slovenia
over fishing rights in Adriatic
Climate:
Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with
hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Terrain:
geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low
mountains and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islands
Natural resources:
oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt,
silica, mica, clays, salt
Land use:
arable land:
32%
permanent crops:
20%
meadows and pastures:
18%
forest and woodland:
15%
other:
15%
Irrigated land:
NA sq km
Environment:
current issues:
air pollution from metallurgical plants is damaging the forests;
coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; widespread
casualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affected
by civil strife
natural hazards:
subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes
international agreements:
party to - Air Pollution, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity, Climate Change
Note:
controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and
Turkish Straits

@Croatia, People

Population:
4,697,614 (July 1994 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.07% (1994 est.)
Birth rate:
11.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Death rate:
10.54 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
8.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population:
73.6 years
male:
70.14 years
female:
77.26 years (1994 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.65 children born/woman (1994 est.)
Nationality:
noun:
Croat(s)
adjective:
Croatian
Ethnic divisions:
Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslim 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%,
others 8.1%
Religions:
Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 0.4%,
others and unknown 10.8%
Languages:
Serbo-Croatian 96%, other 4%
Literacy:
total population:
NA%
male:
NA%
female:
NA%
Labor force:
1,509,489
by occupation:
industry and mining 37%, agriculture 16% (1981 est.), government NA%,
other

@Croatia, Government

Names:
conventional long form:
Republic of Croatia
conventional short form:
Croatia
local long form:
Republika Hrvatska
local short form:
Hrvatska
Digraph:
HR
Type:
parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Zagreb
Administrative divisions:
21 counties (zupanijas, zupanija - singular): Bjelovar-Bilogora, City
of Zagreb, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Istra, Karlovac, Koprivnica-Krizevci,
Krapina-Zagorje, Lika-Senj, Medimurje, Osijek-Baranja,
Pozega-Slavonija, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Sibenik, Sisak-Moslavina,
Slavonski Brod-Posavina, Split-Dalmatia, Varazdin,
Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Zadar-Knin, Zagreb
Independence:
NA June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
National holiday:
Statehood Day, 30 May (1990)
Constitution:
adopted on 2 December 1990
Legal system:
based on civil law system
Suffrage:
16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Franjo TUDJMAN (since 30 May 1990); election last held 4
August 1992 (next to be held NA 1995); Franjo TUDJMAN reelected with
about 56% of the vote; his opponent Dobroslav PARAGA got 5% of the
vote
head of government:
Prime Minister Nikica VALENTIC (since 3 April 1993); Deputy Prime
Ministers Mato GRANIC (since 8 September 1992), Ivica KOSTOVIC (since
NA), Vladimir SEKS (since September 1992), Borislav SKEGRO (since NA)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers; appointed by the president
Legislative branch:
bicameral parliament Assembly (Sabor)
House of Districts (Zupanije Dom):
elections last held 7 and 21 February 1993 (next to be held NA
February 1997); seats - (68 total; 63 elected, 5 presidentially
appointed) HDZ 37, HSLS 16, HSS 5, Istrian Democratic Assembly 3,
SPH-SDP 1, HNS 1
House of Representatives (Predstavnicke Dom):
elections last held 2 August 1992 (next to be held NA August 1996);
seats - (138 total) HDZ 85, HSLS 14, SPH-SDP 11, HNS 6, Dalmatian
Action/Istrian Democratic Assembly/ Rijeka Democratic Alliance
coalition 6, HSP 5, HSS 3, SNS 3, independents 5
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court, Constitutional Court
Political parties and leaders:
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan MESIC, chairman of the
executive council; Croatian People's Party (HNS), Savka
DABCEVIC-KUCAR, president; Serbian People's Party (SNS), Milan DUKIC;
Croatian Party of Rights (HSP), leader NA; Croatian Social Liberal
Party (HSLS), Drazen BUDISA, president; Croatian Peasant Party (HSS),
leader NA; Dalmatian Action/Istrian Democratic Assembly/Rijecka
Democratic Alliance coalition; Social Democratic Party of
Croatia-Party of Democratic Changes (SPH-SDP), Ivica RACAN
Other political or pressure groups:
NA
Member of:
CE (guest), CEI, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,
INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM
(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Petr A. SARCEVIC
chancery:
(temporary) 236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
telephone:
(202) 543-5580
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Peter W. GALBRAITH
embassy:
Andrije Hebranga 2, Zagreb
mailing address:
US Embassy, Zagreb, Unit 1345, APO AE 09213-1345
telephone:
(41) 444-800
FAX:
(41) 45 85 85
Flag:
red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms (red
and white checkered)

@Croatia, Economy