← The 2006 CIA World Factbook, Volume 2
Gwp (part 21)
Norway
Norwegian, Sami 20,000
Oman
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,
Bangladeshi), African
Pakistan
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir
(immigrants from India at the time of partition and their
descendants)
Palau
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures)
69.9%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%,
Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%
(2000 census)
Panama
mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and
mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%
Papua New Guinea
Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian
Paraguay
mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%
Peru
Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white
15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%
Philippines
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%,
Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%,
other 25.3% (2000 census)
Pitcairn Islands
descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their
Tahitian wives
Poland
Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%,
other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)
Portugal
homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African
descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less
than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal
Puerto Rico
white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%,
Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
Qatar
Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%
Reunion
French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian
Romania
Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%,
German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)
Russia
Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%,
Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)
Rwanda
Hutu 84%, Tutsi 15%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%
Saint Helena
African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%
Saint Kitts and Nevis predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese
Saint Lucia
black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1%
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian
6%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 7%
Samoa
Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and
Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%
San Marino
Sammarinese, Italian
Sao Tome and Principe
mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan
slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract
laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children
of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)
Saudi Arabia
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Senegal
Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka
3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
Serbia
Serb 66%, Albanian 17%, Hungarian 3.5%, other 13.5% (1991)
Seychelles
mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab
Sierra Leone
20 African ethnic groups 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%,
other 30%), Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves
who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century),
refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of
Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians
Singapore
Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000
census)
Slovakia
Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%,
Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)
Slovenia
Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or
unspecified 12% (2002 census)
Solomon Islands
Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%,
other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)
Somalia
Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs
30,000)
South Africa
black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%,
Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)
Spain
composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types
Sri Lanka
Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%,
Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10% (2001 census
provisional data)
Sudan
black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%
Suriname
Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their
ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the
19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%,
"Maroons" (their African ancestors were brought to the country in
the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior)
10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, other 2%
Svalbard
Norwegian 55.4%, Russian and Ukrainian 44.3%, other 0.3%
(1998)
Swaziland
African 97%, European 3%
Sweden
indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami
minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns,
Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks
Switzerland
German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other
6%
Syria
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%
Taiwan
Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%,
aborigine 2%
Tajikistan
Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1%, Kyrgyz 1.1%,
other 2.6% (2000 census)
Tanzania
mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting
of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European,
and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African
Thailand
Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Togo
African (37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina,
and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%
Tokelau
Polynesian
Tonga
Polynesian, Europeans
Trinidad and Tobago
Indian (South Asian) 40%, African 37.5%, mixed
20.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2000 census)
Tunisia
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Turkey
Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% (estimated)
Turkmenistan
Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003)
Turks and Caicos Islands
black 90%, mixed, European, or North
American 10%
Tuvalu
Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%
Uganda
Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi
6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro
3%, Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%,
Rundi 2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%
Ukraine
Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan
0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian
0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 census)
United Arab Emirates
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South
Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians)
8% (1982)
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)
United Kingdom
white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh
4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani
1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)
United States
white 81.7%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and
Alaska native 1%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2%
(2003 est.)
note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US
Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean a person of Latin American
descent (including persons of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican
origin) living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group
(white, black, Asian, etc.)
Uruguay
white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically
nonexistent)
Uzbekistan
Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak
2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)
Vanuatu
Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)
Venezuela
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,
indigenous people
Vietnam
Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome
1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)
Virgin Islands
black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%,
mixed 3.5% (2000 census)
Wallis and Futuna
Polynesian
West Bank
Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%
Western Sahara
Arab, Berber
Yemen
predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans
Zambia
African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%
Zimbabwe
African 98% (Shona 82%, Ndebele 14%, other 2%), mixed and
Asian 1%, white less than 1%
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2076 Exchange rates
Afghanistan
afghanis per US dollar - 541 (2005), 48 (2004), 49
(2003), 41 (2002), 66 (2001)
note: in 2002, the afghani was revalued and the currency stabilized
at about 50 afghanis to the dollar; before 2002, the market rate
varied widely from the official rate
Albania
leke per US dollar - 102.649 (2005), 102.78 (2004), 121.863
(2003), 140.155 (2002), 143.485 (2001)
Algeria
Algerian dinars per US dollar - 73.276 (2005), 72.061
(2004), 77.395 (2003), 79.682 (2002), 77.215 (2001)
American Samoa
the US dollar is used
Andorra
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Angola
kwanza per US dollar - 88.6 (2005), 83.541 (2004), 74.606
(2003), 43.53 (2002), 22.058 (2001)
Anguilla
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7
(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
note: fixed rate since 1976
Antigua and Barbuda
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7
(2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
note: fixed rate since 1976
Argentina
Argentine pesos per US dollar - 2.9037 (2005), 2.9233
(2004), 2.9006 (2003), 3.0633 (2002), 0.9995 (2001)
Armenia
drams per US dollar - 457.69 (2005), 533.45 (2004), 578.76
(2003), 573.35 (2002), 555.08 (2001)
Aruba
Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.79 (2005), 1.79
(2004), 1.79 (2003), 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001)
Australia
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598
(2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Austria
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani manats per US dollar - 4,727.1 (2005),
4,913.48 (2004), 4,910.73 (2003), 4,860.82 (2002), 4,656.58 (2001)
note: on 1 January 2006 Azerbaijan revalued its currency, with 5,000
old manats equal to 1 new manat
Bahamas, The
Bahamian dollars per US dollar - 1 (2005), 1 (2004), 1
(2003), 1 (2002), 1 (2001)
Bahrain
Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004),
0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002), 0.376 (2001)
Bangladesh
taka per US dollar - 64.328 (2005), 59.513 (2004), 58.15
(2003), 57.888 (2002), 55.807 (2001)
Barbados
Barbadian dollars per US dollar - 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2
(2003), 2 (2002), 2 (2001)
Belarus
Belarusian rubles per US dollar - 2,150 (2005), 2,160.26
(2004), 2,051.27 (2003), 1,790.92 (2002), 1,390 (2001)
Belgium
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Belize
Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2 (2005), 2 (2004), 2
(2003), 2 (2002), 2 (2001)
Benin
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Bermuda
Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged
to the US dollar)
Bhutan
ngultrum per US dollar - 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004), 46.583
(2003), 48.61 (2002), 47.186 (2001)
Bolivia
bolivianos per US dollar - 8.0661 (2005), 7.9363 (2004),
7.6592 (2003), 7.17 (2002), 6.6069 (2001)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
marka per US dollar - 1.5727 (2005), 1.5752
(2004), 1.7329 (2003), 2.0782 (2002), 2.1857 (2001)
note: the marka is pegged to the euro
Botswana
pulas per US dollar - 5.1104 (2005), 4.6929 (2004), 4.9499
(2003), 6.3278 (2002), 5.8412 (2001)
Brazil
reals per US dollar - 2.4344 (2005), 2.9251 (2004), 3.0771
(2003), 2.9208 (2002), 2.3577 (2001)
British Virgin Islands
the US dollar is used
Brunei
Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.6644 (2005), 1.6902
(2004), 1.7422 (2003), 1.7906 (2002), 1.7917 (2001)
Bulgaria
leva per US dollar - 1.5741 (2005), 1.5751 (2004), 1.7327
(2003), 2.077 (2002), 2.1847 (2001)
Burkina Faso
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002),
733.04 (2001)
Burma
kyats per US dollar - 5.761 (2005), 5.7459 (2004), 6.0764
(2003), 6.5734 (2002), 6.6841 (2001)
note: these are official exchange rates; unofficial exchange rates
ranged in 2004 from 815 kyat/US dollar to nearly 970 kyat/US dollar,
and by year-end 2005, the unofficial exchange rate was 1,075 kyat/US
dollar
Burundi
Burundi francs per US dollar - 1,138 (2005), 1,100.91
(2004), 1,082.62 (2003), 930.75 (2002), 830.35 (2001)
Cambodia
riels per US dollar - 4,092.5 (2005), 4,016.25 (2004),
3,973.33 (2003), 3,912.08 (2002), 3,916.33 (2001)
Cameroon
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar
- 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Canada
Canadian dollars per US dollar - 1.2118 (2005), 1.301 (2004),
1.4011 (2003), 1.5693 (2002), 1.5488 (2001)
Cape Verde
Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 88.67 (2005),
88.808 (2004), 97.703 (2003), 117.168 (2002), 123.228 (2001)
Cayman Islands
Caymanian dollars per US dollar - 0.82 (29 October
2001), 0.83 (3 November 1995), 0.85 (22 November 1993)
Central African Republic
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs
(XAF) per US dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003),
696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001)
Chad
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Chile
Chilean pesos per US dollar - 560.09 (2005), 609.37 (2004),
691.43 (2003), 688.94 (2002), 634.94 (2001)
China
yuan per US dollar - 8.1943 (2005), 8.2768 (2004), 8.277
(2003), 8.277 (2002), 8.2771 (2001)
Christmas Island
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005),
1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095
(2005), 1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Colombia
Colombian pesos per US dollar - 2,320.75 (2005), 2,628.61
(2004), 2,877.65 (2003), 2,504.24 (2002), 2,299.63 (2001)
Comoros
Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 395.6 (2005), 396.21
(2004), 435.9 (2003), 522.74 (2002), 549.78 (2001)
note: the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677
Comoran francs per euro
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congolese francs per US dollar -
437.86 (2005), 401.04 (2004), 405.34 (2003), 346.49 (2002), 206.62
(2001)
Congo, Republic of the
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF)
per US dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99
(2002), 733.04 (2001)
Cook Islands
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.4203 (2005),
1.5087 (2004), 1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001)
Costa Rica
Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 477.79 (2005), 437.91
(2004), 398.66 (2003), 359.82 (2002), 328.87 (2001)
Cote d'Ivoire
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002),
733.04 (2001)
Croatia
kuna per US dollar - 5.9473 (2005), 6.0358 (2004), 6.7035
(2003), 7.8687 (2002), 8.34 (2001)
Cuba
Convertible pesos per US dollar - 0.93
note: Cuba has three currencies in circulation: the Cuban peso
(CUP), the convertible peso (CUC), and the US dollar (USD), although
the dollar is being withdrawn from circulation; in April 2005 the
official exchange rate changed from $1 per CUC to $1.08 per CUC
(0.93 CUC per $1), both for individuals and enterprises; individuals
can buy 24 Cuban pesos (CUP) for each CUC sold, or sell 25 Cuban
pesos for each CUC bought; enterprises, however, must exchange CUP
and CUC at a 1:1 ratio.
Cyprus
Cypriot pounds per US dollar - 0.4641 (2005), 0.4686 (2004),
0.5174 (2003), 0.6107 (2002), 0.6431 (2001), Turkish lira per US
dollar - 1.36 (2005), 1.426 million (2004), 1.501 million (2003),
1.507 million (2002), 1.226 million (2001)
Czech Republic
koruny per US dollar - 23.957 (2005), 25.7 (2004),
28.209 (2003), 32.739 (2002), 38.035 (2001)
Denmark
Danish kroner per US dollar - 5.9969 (2005), 5.9911 (2004),
6.5877 (2003), 7.8947 (2002), 8.3228 (2001)
Djibouti
Djiboutian francs per US dollar - 177.72 (2005), 177.72
(2004), 177.72 (2003), 177.72 (2002), 177.72 (2001)
Dominica
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7
(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
Dominican Republic
Dominican pesos per US dollar - 30.409 (2005),
42.12 (2004), 30.831 (2003), 18.61 (2002), 16.952 (2001)
East Timor
the US dollar is used
Ecuador
25,000 (2005), 25,000 (2004), 25,000 (2003), 25,000 (2002),
25,000 (2001)
Egypt
Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 5.78 (2005), 6.1962 (2004),
5.8509 (2003), 4.4997 (2002), 3.973 (2001)
El Salvador
the US dollar became El Salvador's currency in 2001
Equatorial Guinea
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per
US dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99
(2002), 733.04 (2001)
Eritrea
nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 14.5 (2005), 13.788 (2004),
13.878 (2003), 13.958 (2002), 11.31 (2001)
Estonia
krooni per US dollar - 12.584 (2005), 12.596 (2004), 13.856
(2003), 16.612 (2002), 17.478 (2001), note - the krooni is pegged to
the euro
Ethiopia
birr per US dollar - 8.68 (2005), 8.6356 (2004), 8.5997
(2003), 8.5678 (2002), 8.4575 (2001)
note: since 24 October 2001 exchange rates are determined on a daily
basis via interbank transactions regulated by the Central Bank
European Union
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004),
0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Falkland pounds per US dollar -
0.55 (2005), 0.5462 (2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947
(2001)
note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Faroe Islands
Danish kroner per US dollar - 5.9969 (2005), 5.9911
(2004), 6.5877 (2003), 7.8947 (2002), 8.3228 (2001)
Fiji
Fijian dollars per US dollar - 1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004),
1.8958 (2003), 2.1869 (2002), 2.2766 (2001)
Finland
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
France
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
French Guiana
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004),
0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
French Polynesia
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
dollar - 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003), 126.71 (2002),
133.26 (2001)
note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro
Gabon
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Gambia, The
dalasi per US dollar - 30.38 (2005), 30.03 (2004),
27.306 (2004), 19.918 (2003), 15.687 (2002), 15.687 (2001)
Gaza Strip
new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.4877 (2005), 4.482
(2004), 4.5541 (2003), 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001)
Georgia
lari per US dollar - 1.8127 (2005), 1.9167 (2004), 2.1457
(2003), 2.1957 (2002), 2.073 (2001)
Germany
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Ghana
cedis per US dollar - 9,072.5 (2005), 9,004.6 (2004), 8,677.4
(2003), 7,932.7 (2002), 7,170.8 (2001)
Gibraltar
Gibraltar pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005), 0.5462
(2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound
Greece
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Greenland
Danish kroner per US dollar - 5.9969 (2005), 5.9911
(2004), 6.5877 (2003), 7.8947 (2002), 8.3228 (2001)
Grenada
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7
(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
Guadeloupe
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 j(2001)
Guam
the US dollar is used
Guatemala
quetzales per US dollar - 7.6339 (2005), 7.9465 (2004),
7.9409 (2003), 7.8217 (2002), 7.8586 (2001)
Guernsey
Guernsey pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005), 0.5462 (2004),
0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound
Guinea
Guinean francs per US dollar - 2,550 (2005), 2,225 (2004),
1,984.9 (2003), 1,975.8 (2002), 1,950.6 (2001)
Guinea-Bissau
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US
dollar - 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002),
733.04 (2001)
note: since 1 January 1999, the XOF franc has been pegged to the
euro at a rate of 655.957 XOF francs per euro
Guyana
Guyanese dollars per US dollar - 200.79 (2005), 198.31
(2004), 193.88 (2003), 190.67 (2002), 187.32 (2001)
Haiti
gourdes per US dollar - 40.449 (2005), 38.352 (2004), 42.367
(2003), 29.251 (2002), 24.429 (2001)
Holy See (Vatican City)
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054
(2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Honduras
lempiras per US dollar - 18.92 (2005), 18.206 (2004),
17.345 (2003), 16.433 (2002), 15.474 (2001)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong dollars per US dollar - 7.7773 (2005), 7.788
(2004), 7.7868 (2003), 7.7989 (2002), 7.7988 (2001)
Hungary
forints per US dollar - 199.58 (2005), 202.75 (2004), 224.31
(2003), 257.89 (2002), 286.49 (2001)
Iceland
Icelandic kronur per US dollar - 62.982 (2005), 70.192
(2004), 76.709 (2003), 91.662 (2002), 97.425 (2001)
India
Indian rupees per US dollar - 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004),
46.583 (2003), 48.61 (2002), 47.186 (2001)
Indonesia
Indonesian rupiahs per US dollar - 9,704.7 (2005), 8,938.9
(2004), 8,577.1 (2003), 9,311.2 (2002), 10,260.9 (2001)
Iran
rials per US dollar - 8,964 (2005), 8,614 (2004), 8,193.9
(2003), 6,907 (2002), 1,753.6 (2001)
note: Iran has been using a managed floating exchange rate regime
since unifying multiple exchange rates in March 2002
Iraq
New Iraqi dinars per US dollar - 1,475 (2005), 1,890 (second
half, 2003), 0.3109 (2001)
Ireland
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Isle of Man
Manx pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005), 0.5462 (2004),
0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
Israel
new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.4877 (2005), 4.482
(2004), 4.5541 (2003), 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001)
Italy
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Jamaica
Jamaican dollars per US dollar - 62.51 (2005), 61.197
(2004), 57.741 (2003), 48.416 (2002), 45.996 (2001)
Japan
yen per US dollar - 110.22 (2005), 108.19 (2004), 115.93
(2003), 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001)
Jersey
Jersey pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005), 0.5462 (2004),
0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
note: the Jersey pound is at par with the British pound
Jordan
Jordanian dinars per US dollar - 0.709 (2005), 0.709 (2004),
0.709 (2003), 0.709 (2002), 0.709 (2001)
Kazakhstan
tenge per US dollar - 132.88 (2005), 136.04 (2004),
149.58 (2003), 153.28 (2002), 146.74 (2001)
Kenya
Kenyan shillings per US dollar - 75.554 (2005), 79.174 (2004),
75.936 (2003), 78.749 (2002), 78.563 (2001)
Kiribati
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598
(2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Korea, North
official: North Korean won per US dollar - 170
(December 2004), 150 (December 2002), 2.15 (December 2001); market:
North Korean won per US dollar - 300-600 (December 2002)
Korea, South
South Korean won per US dollar - 1,024.1 (2005),
1,145.3 (2004), 1,191.6 (2003), 1,251.1 (2002), 1,291 (2001)
Kuwait
Kuwaiti dinars per US dollar - 0.292 (2005), 0.2947 (2004),
0.298 (2003), 0.3039 (2002), 0.3067 (2001)
Kyrgyzstan
soms per US dollar - 41.012 (2005), 42.65 (2004), 43.648
(2003), 46.937 (2002), 48.378 (2001)
Laos
kips per US dollar - 10,820 (2005), 10,585.5 (2004), 10,569
(2003), 10,056.3 (2002), 8,954.6 (2001)
Latvia
lati per US dollar - 0.5647 (2005), 0.5402 (2004), 0.5715
(2003), 0.6182 (2002), 0.6279 (2001)
Lebanon
Lebanese pounds per US dollar - 1,507.5 (2005), 1,507.5
(2004), 1,507.5 (2003), 1,507.5 (2002), 1,507.5 (2001)
Lesotho
maloti per US dollar - 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648
(2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001)
Liberia
Liberian dollars per US dollar - NA (2005), 54.906 (2004),
59.379 (2003), 61.754 (2002), 48.583 (2001)
Libya
Libyan dinars per US dollar - 1.3084 (2005), 1.305 (2004),
1.2929 (2003), 1.2707 (2002), 0.6051 (2001)
Liechtenstein
Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.2452 (2005), 1.2435
(2004), 1.3467 (2003), 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876 (2001)
Lithuania
litai per US dollar - 2.774 (2005), 2.7806 (2004), 3.0609
(2003), 3.677 (2002), 4 (2001)
Luxembourg
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Macau
patacas per US dollar - 8.011 (2005), 8.022 (2004), 8.021
(2003), 8.033 (2002), 8.034 (2001)
Macedonia
Macedonian denars per US dollar - 48.92 (2005), 49.41
(2004), 54.322 (2003), 64.35 (2002), 68.037 (2001)
Madagascar
Malagasy ariary per US dollar - 2,003 (2005), 1,868.9
(2004), 1,238.3 (2003), 1,366.4 (2002), 1,317.7 (2001)
Malawi
Malawian kwachas per US dollar - 108.894 (2005), 108.898
(2004), 97.433 (2003), 76.687 (2002), 72.197 (2001)
Malaysia
ringgits per US dollar - 3.8 (2005), 3.8 (2004), 3.8
(2003), 3.8 (2002), 3.8 (2001)
Maldives
rufiyaa per US dollar - 12.8 (2005), 12.8 (2004), 12.8
(2003), 12.8 (2002), 12.24 (2001)
Mali
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Malta
Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.34578 (2005), 0.34466 (2004),
0.37723 (2003), 0.43362 (2002), 0.45004 (2001)
Marshall Islands
the US dollar is used
Martinique
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Mauritania
ouguiyas per US dollar - NA (2005), NA (2004), 263.03
(2003), 271.74 (2002), 255.63 (2001)
Mauritius
Mauritian rupees per US dollar - 29.496 (2005), 27.499
(2004), 27.902 (2003), 29.962 (2002), 29.129 (2001)
Mayotte
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Mexico
Mexican pesos per US dollar - 10.898 (2005), 11.286 (2004),
10.789 (2003), 9.656 (2002), 9.342 (2001)
Micronesia, Federated States of
the US dollar is used
Moldova
lei per US dollar - 12.6 (2005), 12.33 (2004), 13.945
(2003), 13.571 (2002), 12.865 (2001)
Monaco
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Mongolia
togrogs/tugriks per US dollar - 1,187.17 (2005), 1,185.3
(2004), 1,146.5 (2003), 1,110.3 (2002), 1,097.7 (2001)
Montenegro
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8089 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Montserrat
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7
(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
note: fixed rate since 1976
Morocco
Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 8.865 (2005), 8.868 (2004),
9.574 (2003), 11.021 (2002), 11.303 (2001)
Mozambique
meticais per US dollar - 23,061 (2005), 22,581 (2004),
23,782 (2003), 23,678 (2002), 20,704 (2001)
Namibia
Namibian dollars per US dollar - 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597
(2004), 7.5648 (2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001)
Nauru
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598
(2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Nepal
Nepalese rupees per US dollar - 71.368 (2005), 73.674 (2004),
76.141 (2003), 77.877 (2002), 74.949 (2001)
Netherlands
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004),
0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands Antillean guilders per US dollar -
1.79 (2005), 1.79 (2004), 1.79 (2003), 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001)
New Caledonia
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US
dollar - 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003), 126.71 (2002),
133.26 (2001)
New Zealand
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.4203 (2005),
1.5087 (2004), 1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001)
Nicaragua
gold cordobas per US dollar - 16.733 (2005), 15.937
(2004), 15.105 (2003), 14.251 (2002), 13.372 (2001)
Niger
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Nigeria
nairas per US dollar - 132.59 (2005), 132.89 (2004), 129.22
(2003), 120.58 (2002), 111.23 (2001)
Niue
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.4203 (2005), 1.5087
(2004), 1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001)
Norfolk Island
Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005),
1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Northern Mariana Islands
the US dollar is used
Norway
Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 6.4425 (2005), 6.7408
(2004), 7.0802 (2003), 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917 (2001)
Oman
Omani rials per US dollar - 0.3845 (2005), 0.3845 (2004),
0.3845 (2003), 0.3845 (2002), 0.3845 (2001)
Pakistan
Pakistani rupees per US dollar - 59.515 (2005), 58.258
(2004), 57.752 (2003), 59.724 (2002), 61.927 (2001)
Palau
the US dollar is used
Panama
balboas per US dollar - 1 (2005), 1 (2004), 1 (2003), 1
(2002), 1 (2001)
Papua New Guinea
kina per US dollar - 3.08 (2005), 3.2225 (2004),
3.5635 (2003), 3.8952 (2002), 3.3887 (2001)
Paraguay
guarani per US dollar - 6,178 (2005), 5,974.6 (2004),
6,424.3 (2003), 5,716.3 (2002), 4,105.9 (2001)
Peru
nuevo sol per US dollar - 3.2958 (2005), 3.4132 (2004), 3.4785
(2003), 3.5165 (2002), 3.5068 (2001)
Philippines
Philippine pesos per US dollar - 55.086 (2005), 56.04
(2004), 54.203 (2003), 51.604 (2002), 50.993 (2001)
Pitcairn Islands
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.4203 (2005),
1.5087 (2004), 1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001)
Poland
zlotych per US dollar - 3.2355 (2005), 3.6576 (2004), 3.8891
(2003), 4.08 (2002), 4.0939 (2001)
note: zlotych is the plural form of zloty
Portugal
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Puerto Rico
the US dollar is used
Qatar
Qatari rials per US dollar - 3.64 (2005), 3.64 (2004), 3.64
(2003), 3.64 (2002), 3.64 (2001)
Reunion
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Romania
lei per US dollar - 3 (2005), 3 (2004), 3 (2003), 3 (2002),
3 (2001)
Russia
Russian rubles per US dollar - 28.284 (2005), 28.814 (2004),
30.692 (2003), 31.349 (2002), 29.169 (2001)
Rwanda
Rwandan francs per US dollar - 610 (2005), 574.62 (2004),
537.66 (2003), 476.33 (2002), 442.8 (2001)
Saint Helena
Saint Helenian pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005),
0.5462 (2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound
Saint Kitts and Nevis
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7
(2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
Saint Lucia
East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7
(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005),
0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
East Caribbean dollars per US
dollar - 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001)
Samoa
tala per US dollar - 2.7103 (2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732
(2003), 3.3763 (2002), 3.478 (2001)
San Marino
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Sao Tome and Principe
dobras per US dollar - 9,900.4 (2005), (2004),
9,347.6 (2003), 9,088.3 (2002), 8,842.1 (2001)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi riyals per US dollar - 3.747 (2005), 3.75 (2004),
3.75 (2003), 3.75 (2002), 3.75 (2001)
Senegal
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Serbia
new Yugoslav dinars per US dollar - 58.6925 (2005)
Seychelles
Seychelles rupees per US dollar - 5.5 (2005), 5.5 (2004),
5.4007 (2003), 5.48 (2002), 5.8575 (2001)
Sierra Leone
leones per US dollar - 2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004),
2,347.9 (2003), 2,099 (2002), 1,986.2 (2001)
Singapore
Singapore dollars per US dollar - 1.6644 (2005), 1.6902
(2004), 1.7422 (2003), 1.7906 (2002), 1.7917 (2001)
Slovakia
koruny per US dollar - 31.018 (2005), 32.257 (2004), 36.773
(2003), 45.327 (2002), 48.355 (2001)
Slovenia
tolars per US dollar - 192.71 (2005), 192.38 (2004), 207.11
(2003), 240.25 (2002), 242.75 (2001)
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands dollars per US dollar - 7.5299
(2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003), 6.7488 (2002), 5.278 (2001)
Somalia
Somali shillings per US dollar - 11,000 (November 2000),
2,620 (January 1999), 7,500 (November 1997 est.), 7,000 (January
1996 est.), 5,000 (1 January 1995)
note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent
country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own
currency, the Somaliland shilling
South Africa
rand per US dollar - 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004),
7.5648 (2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001)
Spain
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886
(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001)
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan rupees per US dollar - 100.498 (2005), 101.194
(2004), 96.521 (2003), 95.662 (2002), 89.383 (2001)
Sudan
Sudanese dinars per US dollar - 243.61 (2005), 257.91 (2004),
260.98 (2003), 263.31 (2002), 258.7 (2001)
Suriname
Surinamese dollars per US dollar - 2.7317 (2005),
Surinamese guilders per US dollar - 2.7336 (2004), 2.6013 (2003),
2.3468 (2002), 2.1785 (2001)
note: during 1998, the exchange rate splintered into four distinct
rates; in January 1999 the government floated the guilder, but
subsequently fixed it when the black-market rate plunged; in January
2004, the government introduced the Surinamese dollar as replacement
for the guilder, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket
Svalbard
Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 6.4425 (2005), 6.7408
(2004), 7.0802 (2003), 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917 (2001)
Swaziland
emalangeni per US dollar - 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004),
7.5648 (2003), 10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001)
Sweden
Swedish kronor per US dollar - 7.4731 (2005), 7.3489 (2004),
8.0863 (2003), 9.7371 (2002), 10.3291 (2001)
Switzerland
Swiss francs per US dollar - 1.2452 (2005), 1.2435
(2004), 1.3467 (2003), 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876 (2001)
Syria
Syrian pounds per US dollar - (public sector rate): 11.225
(2005), 11.225 (2004), 11.225 (2003), 11.225 (2002), 11.225 (2001),
(parallel market rate in 'Amman and Beirut): NA (2005), NA (2004),
52.8 (2003), 52.4 (2002), 50.4 (2001), (official rate for repaying
loans): 11.25 (2004)
Taiwan
new Taiwan dollars per US dollar - 31.71 (2005), 34.418
(2004), 34.575 (2003), 33.8 (2002), 33.09 (2001)
Tajikistan
Tajikistani somoni per US dollar - 3.1166 (2005), 2.9705
(2004), 3.0614 (2003), 2.7641 (2002), 2.3722 (2001)
Tanzania
Tanzanian shillings per US dollar - 1,128.93 (2005),
1,089.33 (2004), 1,038.42 (2003), 966.58 (2002), 876.41 (2001)
Thailand
baht per US dollar - 40.22 (2005), 40.222 (2004), 41.485
(2003), 42.96 (2002), 44.432 (2001)
Togo
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -
527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04
(2001)
Tokelau
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.4203 (2005), 1.5087
(2004), 1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001)
Tonga
pa'anga per US dollar - 1.96 (2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142
(2003), 2.1952 (2002), 2.1236 (2001)
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar -
6.2842 (2005), 6.299 (2004), 6.2951 (2003), 6.2487 (2002), 6.2332
(2001)
Tunisia
Tunisian dinars per US dollar - 1.2974 (2005), 1.2455
(2004), 1.2885 (2003), 1.4217 (2002), 1.4387 (2001)
Turkey
Turkish liras per US dollar - 1.3436 (2005), 1.4255 (2004),
1.5009 (2003), 1.5072 (2002), 1.2256 (2001)
note: on 1 January 2005 the old Turkish Lira (TRL) was converted to
new Turkish Lira (YTL) at a rate of 1,000,000 old to 1 new Turkish
Lira
Turkmenistan
in recent years the unofficial rate has hovered around
24,000 to 25,000 Turkmen manats to the dollar; the official rate has
consistently been 5,200 manat to the dollar
Turks and Caicos Islands
the US dollar is used
Tuvalu
Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095
(2005), 1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001)
Uganda
Ugandan shillings per US dollar - 1,780.7 (2005), 1,810.3
(2004), 1,963.7 (2003), 1,797.6 (2002), 1,755.7 (2001)
Ukraine
hryvnia per US dollar - 5.1247 (2005), 5.3192 (2004), 5.3327
(2003), 5.3266 (2002), 5.3722 (2001)
United Arab Emirates
Emirati dirhams per US dollar - 3.6725 (2005),
3.6725 (2004), 3.6725 (2003), 3.6725 (2002), 3.6725 (2001)
note: officially pegged to the US dollar since February 2002
United Kingdom
British pounds per US dollar - 0.55 (2005), 0.5462
(2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001)
United States
British pounds per US dollar - 0.5500 (2005), 0.5462
(2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001); Canadian
dollars per US dollar - 1.2118 (2005), 1.3010 (2004), 1.4011 (2003),
1.5693 (2002), 1.5488 (2001); Japanese yen per US dollar - 110.22
(2005), 108.19 (2004), 115.93 (2003), 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001);
euros per US dollar - 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.8866 (2003),
1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001); Chinese yuan per US dollar - 8.1943
(2005), 8.2768 (2004), 8.2770 (2003), 8.2770 (2002), 8.2271 (2001)
Uruguay
Uruguayan pesos per US dollar - 24.479 (2005), 28.704
(2004), 28.209 (2003), 21.257 (2002), 13.319 (2001)
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistani soum per US dollar - 1,020 (2005), 971.265
(2004), 771.029 (2002), 423.832 (2002), 236.61 (2001)
Vanuatu
vatu per US dollar - NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19
(2003), 139.2 (2002), 145.31 (2001)
Venezuela
bolivares per US dollar - 2,089.8 (2005), 1,891.3 (2004),
1,607 (2003), 1,161 (2002), 723.7 (2001)
Vietnam
dong per US dollar - 15,746 (2005), (2004), 15,510 (2003),
15,280 (2002), 14,725 (2001)
Virgin Islands
the US dollar is used
Wallis and Futuna
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per
US dollar - 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003), 126.71
(2002), 133.26 (2001)
West Bank
new Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.4877 (2005), 4.482
(2004), 4.5541 (2003), 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001)
Western Sahara
Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 8.865 (2005), 8.868
(2004), 9.5744 (2003), 11.0206 (2002), 11.303 (2001)
Yemen
Yemeni rials per US dollar - 192.67 (2005), 184.78 (2004),
183.45 (2003), 175.63 (2002), 168.67 (2001)
Zambia
Zambian kwacha per US dollar - 4,463.5 (2005), 4,778.9
(2004), 4,733.3 (2003), 4,398.6 (2002), 3,610.9 (2001)
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean dollars per US dollar - 4,303.28 (2005),
5,068.66 (2004), 697.424 (2003), 55.036 (2002), 55.052 (2001)
note: these are official exchange rates; non-official rates vary
significantly
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2077 Executive branch
Afghanistan
chief of state: President of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); Vice Presidents
Ahmad Zia MASOOD and Abdul Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government; former King ZAHIR Shah holds the honorific, "Father of
the Country," and presides symbolically over certain occasions, but
lacks any governing authority; the honorific is not hereditary
head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); Vice Presidents Ahmad Zia
MASOOD and Abdul Karim KHALILI (since 7 December 2004); note - the
president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet: 27 ministers; note - under the new constitution, ministers
are appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly
elections: the president and two vice presidents are elected by
direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); if no
candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the first round of
voting, the two candidates with the most votes will participate in a
second round; a president can only be elected for two terms;
election last held 9 October 2004 (next to be held in 2009)
election results: Hamid KARZAI elected president; percent of vote -
Hamid KARZAI 55.4%, Yunus QANOONI 16.3%, Ustad Mohammad MOHAQQEQ
11.6%, Abdul Rashid DOSTAM 10.0%, Abdul Latif PEDRAM 1.4%, Masooda
JALAL 1.2%
Akrotiri
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Administrator Air Vice-Marshal Richard LACEY
(since 26 April 2006); note - reports to the British Ministry of
Defence
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator is
appointed by the monarch
Albania
chief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU
(since 24 July 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September
2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,
nominated by the president, and approved by parliament
elections: president elected by the People's Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 24
June 2002 (next to be held June 2007); prime minister appointed by
the president
election results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assembly
vote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19
Algeria
chief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28
April 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Abdelaziz BELKHADEM
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 April 2004 (next
to be held in April 2009); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA reelected president for
second term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 85%, Ali BENFLIS
6.4%, Abdellah DJABALLAH 5%
American Samoa
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US
(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20
January 2001)
head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet made up of 12 department directors
elections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US
president and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor
elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms
(eligible for a second term); election last held 2 and 16 November
2004 (next to be held November 2008)
election results: Togiola TULAFONO elected governor; percent of vote
- Togiola TULAFONO 55.7%, Afoa Moega LUTU 44.3%
Andorra
chief of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May
1995), represented by Philippe MASSONI (since 26 July 2002); Spanish
Coprince Bishop Joan Enric VIVES i SICILIA (since 12 May 2003),
represented by Nemesi MARQUES i OSTE (since NA)
head of government: Executive Council President Albert PINTAT
SANTOLARIA (since 27 May 2005)
cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive
Council president
elections: Executive Council president elected by the General
Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year
term; election last held 24 April 2005 (next to be held April-May
2009)
election results: Albert PINTAT SANTOLARIA elected executive council
president; percent of General Council vote - NA
Angola
chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21
September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and
head of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS was
appointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-year
term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term) under
the 1992 constitution; President DOS SANTOS originally elected (in
1979) without opposition under a one-party system and stood for
reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections 29-30 September
1992 (next to be held September 2006 or 2007)
election results: Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI
40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was not held
and SAVIMBI's National Union for the Total Independence of Angola
(UNITA) repudiated the results of the first election; the civil war
resumed leaving DOS SANTOS in his current position as the president
Anguilla
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
represented by Governor Andrew N. GEORGE (since 10 July 2006)
head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March
2000)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the
elected members of the House of Assembly
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed chief minister by the governor
Antigua and Barbuda
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir James B.
CARLISLE (since 10 June 1993)
head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24
March 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on
the advice of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosen
by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister
by the governor general
Argentina
chief of state: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May
2003); Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003);
Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 27 April 2003 (next election to be held in 2007)
election results: results of the presidential election of 27 April
2003: Carlos Saul MENEM 24.3%, Nestor KIRCHNER 22%, Ricardo Lopez
MURPHY 16.4%, Adolfo Rodriguez SAA 14.4%, Elisa CARRIO 14.2%, other
8.7%; the subsequent runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 was
awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on
the eve of the election
Armenia
chief of state: President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March
1998)
head of government: Prime Minister Andranik MARGARYAN (since 12 May
2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 19 February and 5
March 2003 (next to be held in 2008); prime minister appointed by
the president and confirmed with the majority support of the
National Assembly; the prime minister and Council of Ministers must
resign if the National Assembly refuses to accept their program
election results: Robert KOCHARIAN reelected president; percent of
vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 67.5%, Stepan DEMIRCHYAN 32.5%
Aruba
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30
April 1980), represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since
11 May 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30
October 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for
a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime
minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last
held 2005 (next to be held by 2009)
election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent
of legislative vote - NA
Australia
chief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen. (Ret.)
Michael JEFFERY (since 11 August 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11
March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister Mark VAILE (since 6 July 2005)
cabinet: prime minister nominates, from among members of Parliament,
candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the governor general to
serve as government ministers
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime
minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as
prime minister by the governor general
note: government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party
Austria
chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (since 8 July 2004)
head of government: Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4
February 2000); Vice Chancellor Hubert GORBACH (since 21 October
2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice
of the chancellor
elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-year
term (eligible for a second term); presidential election last held
25 April 2004 (next to be held April 2010); chancellor traditionally
chosen by the president from the plurality party in the National
Council; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of
the chancellor
election results: Heinz FISCHER elected president; percent of vote -
Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) 52.4%, Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (OeVP) 47.6%
note: government coalition - OeVP and FPOe
Azerbaijan
chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October
2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November
2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas ABBASOV (since 10 November
2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and
confirmed by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 October 2003
(next to be held October 2008); prime minister and first deputy
prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the
National Assembly
election results: Ilham ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote -
Ilham ALIYEV 76.8%, Isa GAMBAR 14%
Bahamas, The
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Arthur D. HANNA (since 1
February 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Perry CHRISTIE (since 3 May 2002)
and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia PRATT (since 7 May 2002)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime
minister's recommendation
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the
prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Bahrain
chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March
1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the
monarch, born 21 October 1969)
head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa
(since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman
al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, Jawad al-ARAIDH
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister
appointed by the monarch
Bangladesh
chief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6
September 2002); note - the president's duties are normally
ceremonial, but with the 13th amendment to the constitution
("Caretaker Government Amendment"), the president's role becomes
significant at times when Parliament is dissolved and a caretaker
government is installed - at presidential direction - to supervise
the elections
head of government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA (since 10 October
2001)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the
president
elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); election scheduled for 16
September 2002 was not held since Iajuddin AHMED was the only
presidential candidate; he was sworn in on 6 September 2002 (next
election to be held by 2007); following legislative elections, the
leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually appointed
prime minister by the president
election results: Iajuddin AHMED declared by the Election Commission
elected unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote
- NA
Barbados
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS
(since 1 June 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 7
September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 26 May
2003)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the
prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Belarus
chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20
July 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Sergei SIDORSKIY (since 19
December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since
December 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the
1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999,
however, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a
November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held 9 September 2001;
an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits allowing
president to run in a third election held on 19 March 2006; prime
minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent
of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 82.6%, Aleksandr MILINKEVICH 6%,
Aleksandr KOZULIN 2.3%; note - election marred by electoral fraud
Belgium
chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir
Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July
1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional;
following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the monarch and then approved by parliament
note: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP.A-Spirit
Belize
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17
November 1993)
head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28
August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September
1998)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime
minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Benin
chief of state: President YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President YAYI Boni (since 6 April 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); runoff election held 19 March 2006
(next to be held March 2011)
election results: YAYI Boni elected president; percent of vote -
YAYI Boni 74.5%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI 25.5%
Bermuda
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since 11 April 2002)
head of government: Premier Ewart BROWN (since 30 October 2006);
Deputy Premier Paula COX
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed premier by the governor
Bhutan
chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July
1972)
head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Sangay
NGEDUP (since 5 September 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the
monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,
five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council
(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms
in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the
monarch with two-thirds vote
Bolivia
chief of state: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22
January 2006); Vice President Alvaro GARCIA Linera (since 22 January
2006); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 18
December 2005 (next to be held in 2010)
election results: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma elected president; percent
of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma 53.7%; Jorge Fernando QUIROGA
Ramirez 28.6%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana 7.8%; Michiaki NAGATANI
Morishit 6.5%; Felipe QUISPE Huanca 2.2%; Guildo ANGULA Cabrera 0.7%
Bosnia and Herzegovina
chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency
Nebojsa RADMANOVIC (chairman since 6 November 2006; presidency
member since 1 October 2006 - Serb); other members of the
three-member presidency rotating (every eight months): Zeljko KOMSIC
(since 1 October 2006 - Croat) and Haris SILAJDZIC (since 1 October
2006 - Bosniak)
head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Adnan
TERZIC (since 20 December 2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;
approved by the National House of Representatives
elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one
Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years);
the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or she
was the incumbent chairman at the time of the election, but the
chairmanship rotates every eight months; election last held 1
October 2006 (next to be held in 2010); the chairman of the Council
of Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the
National House of Representatives
election results: percent of vote - Nebojsa RADMANOVIC with 53.3% of
the Serb vote; Zeljko KOMSIC received 39.6% of the Croat vote; Haris
SILAJDZIC received 62.8% of the Bosniak vote
note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Niko
LOZANCIC (since 27 January 2003); Vice Presidents Sahbaz DZIHANOVIC
(since in 2003) and Desnica RADIVOJEVIC (since in 2003); President
of the Republika Srpska: Milan JELIC (since 9 November 2006)
Botswana
chief of state: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April
1998) and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April 1998)
and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 20 October 2004
(next to be held in 2009); vice president appointed by the president
election results: Festus G. MOGAE elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - 52%
Brazil
chief of state: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1
January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1
January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 1
October 2006 with runoff 29 October 2006 (next to be held 3 October
2010 and, if necessary, 31 October 2010)
election results: Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (PT) reelected president
- 60.83%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 39.17%
British Indian Ocean Territory
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Commissioner Tony CROMBIE (since January 2004);
Administrator Tony HUMPHRIES (since February 2005); note - both
reside in the UK
cabinet: NA
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner and
administrator appointed by the monarch
British Virgin Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Governor David PEAREY (since 18 April
2006)
head of government: Chief Minister Dr. Orlando D. SMITH (since 17
June 2003)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of
the Legislative Council
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed chief minister by the governor
Brunei
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL
Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah
(since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of
state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by
the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a
Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on
religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the
monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of
Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the
succession to the throne if the need arises
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Bulgaria
chief of state: President Georgi PURVANOV (since 22 January
2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Sergei STANISHEV (since 16 August
2005); Deputy Prime Ministers Ivaylo KALFIN, Daniel VULCHEV, and
Emel ETEM (since 16 August 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
elected by the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held 22 and 29 October 2006 (next to be held in 2011);
chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) nominated by
the president and elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime
ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the
National Assembly
election results: Georgi PURVANOV reelected president; percent of
vote - Georgi PURVANOV 77.3%, Volen SIDEROV 22.7%; Sergei STANISHEV
elected prime minister, result of legislative vote - 168 to 67
Burkina Faso
chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15
October 1987)
head of government: Prime Minister Paramanga Ernest YONLI (since 6
November 2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 13 November 2005
(next to be held in 2010); in April 2000, the constitution was
amended reducing the presidential term from seven to five years,
enforceable as of 2005; prime minister appointed by the president
with the consent of the legislature
election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president; percent of
popular vote - Blaise COMPAORE 80.3%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA
4.9%
Burma
chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister, Gen SOE WIN (since 19 October
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet is overseen by the SPDC; military junta, so named
15 November 1997, assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name
State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
elections: none
Burundi
chief of state: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA (since 26 August
2005); First Vice President Martin NDUWIMANA - Tutsi (since 29
August 2005); Second Vice President Marina BARAMPAMA - Hutu (since 8
September 2006)
head of government: President Pierre NKURUNZIZA (since 26 August
2005); First Vice President Martin NDUWIMANA - Tutsi (since 29
August 2005); Second Vice President Marina BARAMPAMA - Hutu (since 8
September 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president
elections: the president is elected by popular vote to a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); note - the constitution adopted
in February 2005 permits the post-transition president to be elected
by a two-thirds majority of the parliament; vice presidents
nominated by the president, endorsed by parliament
election results: Pierre NKURUNZIZA was elected president by the
parliament by a vote of 151 to 9; note - the constitution adopted in
February 2005 permits the post-transition president to be elected by
a two-thirds majority of the legislature
Cambodia
chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)
and Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992); SOK
AN, LU LAY SRENG, TEA BANH, HOR NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16
July 2004); KEV PUT REAKSMEI (since 24 October 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; in
practice named by the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council;
following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or
majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the
National Assembly and appointed by the king
Cameroon
chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)
head of government: Prime Minister Ephraim INONI (since 8 December
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted
by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 11 October 2004
(next to be held by October 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -
Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga
Haman ADJI 3.7%
Canada
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Michaelle JEAN (since 27 September
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Stephen HARPER (since 6 February
2006)
cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from
among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a
five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House
of Commons is automatically designated prime minister by the
governor general
Cape Verde
chief of state: President Pedro Verona PIRES (since 22
March 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1
February 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 12 February 2006
(next to be held February 2011); prime minister nominated by the
National Assembly and appointed by the president
election results: Pedro PIRES reelected president; percent of vote -
Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 51.2%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 48.8%
Cayman Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); Governor Stuart JACK (since 23 November 2005)
head of government: Leader of Government Business Kurt TIBBETTS
(since 18 May 2005)
cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor,
four members elected by the Legislative Assembly)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or coalition is appointed by the
governor Leader of Government Business
Central African Republic
chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE
(since 15 March 2003 coup)
head of government: Prime Minister Elie DOTE (since 13 June 2005);
note - Celestin GAOMBALET resigned 11 June 2005
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: under the new constitution, the president elected to a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held 13
March and 8 May 2005 (next to be held in 2010); prime minister
appointed by the political party with a parliamentary majority
election results: Francois BOZIZE elected president; percent of
second round balloting - Francois BOZIZE (KNK) 64.6%, Martin ZIGUELE
(MLPC) 35.4%
Chad
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno (since 4
December 1990)
head of government: Prime Minister Pascal YOADIMNADJI (since 3
February 2005)
cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-year
term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the
two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second
round of voting; last held 3 May 2006 (next to be held by May 2011);
prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president;
percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 64.7%, Delwa Kassire
COUMAKOYE 15.1%, Albert Pahimi PADACKE 7.8%, Mahamat ABDOULAYE 7.1%,
Brahim KOULAMALLAH 5.3%; note - a June 2005 national referendum
altered the constitution removing presidential term limits and
permitting Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno to run for reelection
Chile
chief of state: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11
March 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Michelle BACHELET Jeria (since 11
March 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single four-year
term; election last held 11 December 2005, with runoff election held
15 January 2006 (next to be held December 2009)
election results: Michelle BACHELET Jeria elected president; percent
of vote - Michelle BACHELET Jeria 53.5%; Sebastian PINERA Echenique
46.5%
China
chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003) and
Vice President ZENG Qinghong (since 15 March 2003)
head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003);
Executive Vice Premier HUANG Ju (since 17 March 2003), Vice Premiers
WU Yi (17 March 2003), ZENG Peiyan (since 17 March 2003), and HUI
Liangyu (since 17 March 2003)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress
(NPC)
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
People's Congress for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
elections last held 15-17 March 2003 (next to be held mid-March
2008); premier nominated by the president, confirmed by the National
People's Congress
election results: HU Jintao elected president by the 10th National
People's Congress with a total of 2,937 votes (four delegates voted
against him, four abstained, and 38 did not vote); ZENG Qinghong
elected vice president by the 10th National People's Congress with a
total of 2,578 votes (177 delegates voted against him, 190
abstained, and 38 did not vote); two seats were vacant
Christmas Island
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Neil LUCAS (since 30 January 2006)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Neil LUCAS (since 30
January 2006)
cabinet: NA
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and
Australia
Colombia
chief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7
August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August
2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties
- the PL and PSC - and independents
elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for
a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 28
May 2006 (next to be held in May 2010)
election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez reelected president;
percent of vote - Alvaro URIBE Velez 62%, Carlos GAVIRIA Diaz 22%,
Horacio SERPA Uribe 12%, other 4%
Comoros
chief of state: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
2006);
head of government: President Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI (since 26 May
2006);
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency
rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three
main islands in the Union; election last held 14 May 2006 (next to
be held by May 2010); prime minister appointed by the president;
note - the post of Prime Minister has been vacant since May 2002
election results: Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI elected president; percent of
vote - Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI 58.0%, Ibrahim HALIDI 28.3%, Mohamed
DJAANFAMI 13.7%
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
chief of state: President Joseph
KABILA (since 26 January 2001); note - following the assassination
of his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph
KABILA succeeded to the presidency; the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001);
note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire
KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the
presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the president
elections: under the new constitution the president is elected by
popular vote to a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
elections last held 30 July 2006 with a second round held on 29
October 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: results of 29 October 2006 elections (second
round); Joseph KABILA 58%, Jean-Pierre BEMBA Gombo 42%
note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,
following the latter's assassination in January 2001; negotiations
with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional
government in July 2003 with free elections held on 30 July 2006 and
29 October 2006 where the poplar vote confirmed Joseph KABILA as
president
Congo, Republic of the
chief of state: President Denis
SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in
which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October
1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president
Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 10 March 2002 (next
to be held in 2009)
election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent
of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU
2.7%
Cook Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New
Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since 6 September 2005),
representative of New Zealand
head of government: Prime Minister Jim MARURAI (since 14 December
2004); Deputy Prime Minister Terepai MAOATE (since 9 August 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively
responsible to Parliament
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative is
appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is
appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually becomes prime minister
Coral Sea Islands
administered from Canberra by the Department of
the Environment, Sport, and Territories
Costa Rica
chief of state: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8
May 2006); First Vice President Laura CHINCHILLA (since 8 May 2006);
Second Vice President Kevin CASAS Zamora (since 8 May 2006); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (since 8 May
2006); First Vice President Laura CHINCHILLA (since 8 May 2006);
Second Vice President Kevin CASAS Zamora (since 8 May 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held 5
February 2006 (next to be held February 2010)
election results: Oscar ARIAS Sanchez elected president; percent of
vote - Oscar ARIAS Sanchez (PLN) 40.9%; Otto SOLIS (PAC) 39.8%, Otto
GUEVARA Guth (PML) 8%, Ricardo TOLEDO (PUSC) 3%; note - official
results pending the resolution of election challenges
Cote d'Ivoire
chief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26
October 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Charles Konan BANNY (since 7
December 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held 26 October 2000 (next to be
held by October 2006, after the government postponed the election);
prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote
- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other
2.2%
Croatia
chief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18
February 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Ivo SANADER (since 9 December
2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Jadranka KOSOR (since 23 December
2003) and Damir POLANCEC (since 15 February 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and
approved by the parliamentary Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 16 January 2005
(next to be held January 2010); the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the president and then approved by the Assembly
election results: Stjepan MESIC reelected president; percent of vote
- Stjepan MESIC 66%, Jadranka KOSOR (HDZ) 34% in the second round
Cuba
chief of state: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from
February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;
president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the
Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of
Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President of the Council of State and President
of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from
February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;
president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the
Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of
Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the
Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the
31-member Council of State, elected by the Assembly to act on its
behalf when it is not in session
elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National
Assembly for a term of five years; election last held 6 March 2003
(next to be held in 2008)
election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent of
legislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;
percent of legislative vote - 100%
Cyprus
chief of state: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March
2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the
1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot
head of government: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March
2003); note - post of vice president is currently vacant; under the
1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriot
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president and
vice president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 16 February 2003 (next to be held February 2008)
election results: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS elected president; percent of
vote - Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 51.5%, Glafkos KLIRIDIS 38.8%, Alekos
MARKIDIS 6.6%
note: Mehmet Ali TALAT became "president" of north Cyprus, 24 April
2005, after "presidential" elections on 17 April 2005; results -
Mehmet Ali TALAT 55.6%, Dervis EROGLU 22.7%; Ferdi Sabit SOYER is
"prime minister"; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in north
Cyprus, appointed by the "prime minister"
Czech Republic
chief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March
2003)
note: the Czech Republic's first president Vaclav HAVEL stepped down
from office on 2 February 2003 having served exactly 10 years;
parliament finally elected a successor on 28 February 2003 after two
inconclusive elections in January 2003
head of government: Prime Minister Mirek TOPOLANEK (since 4
September 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 4 September
2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); last successful election held 28
February 2003 (after earlier elections held 15 and 24 January 2003
were inconclusive; next election to be held January 2008); prime
minister appointed by the president
election results: Vaclav KLAUS elected president on 28 February
2003; Vaclav KLAUS 142 votes, Jan SOKOL 124 votes (third round;
combined votes of both chambers of parliament)
Denmark
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);
Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born
26 May 1968)
head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN (since 27
November 2001)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
Dhekelia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Administrator Air Vice-Marshal Richard LACEY
(since 26 April 2006); note - reports to the British Ministry of
Defence
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator is
appointed by the monarch
Djibouti
chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May
1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4
March 2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 April 2005 (next
to be held by April 2011); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%
Dominica
chief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (since
October 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8
January 2004); note - assumed post after death of Prime Minister
Pierre CHARLES
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister
elections: president elected by the House of Assembly for a
five-year term; election last held 1 October 2003 (next to be held
October 2008); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL elected president; percent of
legislative vote - NA%
Dominican Republic
chief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna
(since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro
(since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16
August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16
August 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 16 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2008)
election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ elected president; percent of
vote - Leonel FERNANDEZ (PLD) 57.1%, Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez
(PRD) 33.7%, Eduardo ESTRELLA (PRSC) 8.7%
East Timor
chief of state: President Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since
20 May 2002); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role but
is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national
elections; he formerly used the name Jose Alexandre GUSMAO
head of government: Prime Minister Jose RAMOS-HORTA (since 10 July
2006); First Deputy Prime Minister Estanlislau Maria Alexio da SILVA
(since 10 July 2006); Second Deputy Prime Minister Rui Maria do
ARAUJO (since 10 July 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 14 April 2002 (next
to be held in May 2007)
election results: Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO elected president; percent
of vote - Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO 82.7%, Francisco Xavier do AMARAL
17.3%
Ecuador
chief of state: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April
2005); Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May
2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government; former President Lucio GUTIERREZ was removed from office
by congress effective 20 April 2005
head of government: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April 2005);
Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: the president and vice president are elected on the same
ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve
consecutive terms); election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoff
election scheduled for 26 November 2006 (next to be held October
2010)
election results: results of the 15 October 2006 election; percent
of vote - Alvaro NOBOA 26.8%; Rafael CORREA 22.8%; Gilmar GUTIERREZ
17.4%; Leon ROLDOS Aguilera 14.8%; Cynthia VITERI 9.6%; note - a
runoff election will be held 26 November 2006 between NOBOA and
CORREA
Egypt
chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14
October 1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term (no
term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a
constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a
multicandidate popular vote; previously the president was nominated
by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a
national, popular referendum; last referendum held 26 September
1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7
September 2005; next election scheduled for 2011
election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote
- Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%
El Salvador
chief of state: President Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez
(since 1 June 2004); Vice President Ana Vilma DE ESCOBAR (since 1
June 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez (since 1
June 2004); Vice President Ana Vilma DE ESCOBAR (since 1 June 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 21
March 2004 (next to be held March 2009)
election results: Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez elected president;
percent of vote - Elias Antonio SACA Gonzalez (ARENA) 57.7%, Schafik
HANDAL (FMLN) 35.6%, Hector SILVA (CDU-PDC) 3.9%, other 2.8%
Equatorial Guinea
chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized
power in a military coup)
head of government: Prime Minister Ricardo Mangue Obama NFUBEA
(since 14 August 2006); First Deputy Prime Minister Mercelino Oyono
NTUTUMU (since 15 June 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held 15 December 2002 (next to be
held December 2009); prime minister and deputy prime ministers
appointed by the president
election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president;
percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 97.1%, Celestino
Bonifacio BACALE 2.2%; elections marred by widespread fraud
Eritrea
chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June
1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
cabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority;
members appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 8
June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National Assembly did
not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as anticipated)
election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%
Estonia
chief of state: President Toomas Hendrik ILVES (since 9
October 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Andrus ANSIP (since 12 April 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
approved by Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure
two-thirds of the votes after three rounds of balloting in the
Parliament, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plus
members of local governments) elects the president, choosing between
the two candidates with the largest percentage of votes; election
last held 23 September 2006 (next to be held fall of 2011); prime
minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament
election results: Toomas Hendrik ILVES elected president on 23
September 2006 by a 345-member electoral assembly; ILVES received
174 votes to incumbent Arnold RUUTEL's 162; remaining 9 ballots left
blank or invalid
Ethiopia
chief of state: President GIRMA Woldegiorgis (since 8
October 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since NA August
1995)
cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided for in the December 1994
constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister and
approved by the House of People's Representatives
elections: president elected by the House of People's
Representatives for a six-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held 8 October 2001 (next to be held October 2007);
prime minister designated by the party in power following
legislative elections
election results: GIRMA Woldegiorgis elected president; percent of
vote by the House of People's Representatives - 100%
European Union
chief of union: President of the European Commission
Jose Manuel DURAO BARROSO (since 22 November 2004)
cabinet: European Commission (composed of 25 members, one from each
member country; each commissioner responsible for one or more policy
areas)
elections: the president of the European Commission is designated by
member governments; the president-designate then chooses the other
Commission members; the European Parliament confirms the entire
Commission for a five-year term; election last held 18 November 2004
(next to be held 2009)
election results: European Parliament approved the European
Commission by an approval vote of 449 to 149 with 82 abstentions
note: the European Council brings together heads of state and
government and the president of the European Commission and meets at
least twice a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the major
political issues relating to European integration and to issue
general policy guidelines
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor Alan HUCKLE (since 25 August 2006); Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since March 2003); Financial Secretary Derek F. HOWATT (since NA) cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch
Faroe Islands
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since
14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Birgit KLEIS,
chief administrative officer (since 1 November 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Joannes EIDESGAARD (since 3
February 2004)
cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held
20 January 2004 (next to be held no later than January 2008)
election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister; percent
of parliamentary vote - NA
Fiji
chief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda
(since 18 July 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10
September 2000)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament
elections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister
appointed by the president; election last held 8 March 2006 (next to
be held in 2011)
election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda elected president
by the Great Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA
Finland
chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Matti VANHANEN (since 24 June
2003) and Deputy Prime Minister Eero HEINALUOMA (since 24 September
2005)
cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the
president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 January 2006
(next to be held January 2012); the president appoints the prime
minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the
majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament
must approve the appointment
election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli
NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti Vanhanen (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA
(VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held
29 January 2006 - HOLONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%
note: government coalition - Kesk, SDP, and SFP
France
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995)
head of government: Prime Minister Dominique DE VILLEPIN (since 31
May 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
suggestion of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(changed from seven-year term in October 2000); election last held
21 April and 5 May 2002 (next to be held, first round April 2007,
second round May 2007); prime minister nominated by the National
Assembly majority and appointed by the president
election results: Jacques CHIRAC reelected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Jacques CHIRAC (RPR) 81.96%, Jean-Marie LE PEN
(FN) 18.04%
French Guiana
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Pierre LAFLAQUIERE
(since 19 July 2006)
head of government: President of the General Council Pierre DESERT
(since 26 March 2004); President of the Regional Council Antoine
KARAM (since 22 March 1992)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; presidents of the General and Regional
Councils are appointed by the members of those councils
French Polynesia
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner of the
Republic Anne BOQUET (since September 2005)
head of government: President of French Polynesia Oscar TEMARU
(since 3 March 2005); President of the Territorial Assembly Antony
GEROS (since 9 May 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members
of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as
ministers
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly
are elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no
term limits)
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
chief of state: President
Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Senior
Administrator Michel CHAMPON
Gabon
chief of state: President El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba (since 2
December 1967)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe NDONG (since 20
January 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held 27 November 2005 (next to be
held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba reelected;
percent of vote - El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba 79.2%, Pierre
MAMBOUNDOU 13.6%, Zacharie MYBOTO 6.6%
Gambia, The
chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since
18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the
Junta); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18
October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the
Junta); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held 22 September 2006 (next to be
held in 2011)
election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent
of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%
Georgia
chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25
January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government for the power ministries: state security
(includes interior) and defense
head of government: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January
2004); Prime Minister Zurab NOGHAIDELI (since 17 February 2005);
note - the president is the chief of state and head of government
for the power ministries: state security (includes interior) and
defense; the prime minister is head of the remaining ministries of
government
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 4 January 2004
(next to be held in 2009)
election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI elected president; percent of
vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 96.3%, Temur SHASHIASHVILI 1.9%
Germany
chief of state: President Horst KOEHLER (since 1 July 2004)
head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by
the president on the recommendation of the chancellor
elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term) by a Federal Convention, including all members of the
Federal Assembly and an equal number of delegates elected by the
state parliaments; election last held 23 May 2004 (next to be held
23 May 2009); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the
Federal Assembly for a four-year term; election last held 22
November 2005 (next to be held November 2009)
election results: Horst KOEHLER elected president; received 604
votes of the Federal Convention against 589 for Gesine SCHWAN;
Angela MERKEL elected chancellor; vote by Federal Assembly 397 to
202 with 12 abstentions
Ghana
chief of state: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January
2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President John Agyekum KUFUOR (since 7 January
2001); Vice President Alhaji Aliu MAHAMA (since 7 January 2001);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject
to approval by Parliament
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 7 December 2004 (next to be held December 2008)
election results: John Agyekum KUFUOR reelected president in
election; percent of vote - John KUFUOR 53.4%, John Atta MILLS 43.7%
Gibraltar
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor Sir Robert FULTON (since 27 October
2006)
head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 elected
members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation
with the chief minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually
appointed chief minister by the governor
Greece
chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos (Kostas) KARAMANLIS
(since 7 March 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 February 2005
(next to be held by February 2010); according to the Greek
Constitution, presidents may only serve two terms; president
appoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in election
to become prime minister and form a government
election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS elected president; number of
parlimentary votes, 279 out of 300
Greenland
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14
January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soren MOLLER (since
April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Hans ENOKSEN (since 14 December
2002)
cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the parliament
(Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of parties
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed
by the monarch; prime minister is elected by parliament (usually the
leader of the majority party); election last held 3 December 2002
(next to be held December 2006)
election results: Hans ENOKSEN elected prime minister
note: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit
Grenada
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9 August 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June
1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general
Guadeloupe
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since
17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Jacques BROT (since 12
June 2006)
head of government: President of the General Council Jacques GILLOT
(since 26 March 2001); President of the Regional Council Victorin
LUREL (since 2 April 2004)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and
Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils
election results: NA
Guam
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20
January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January
2001)
head of government: Governor Felix P. CAMACHO (since 6 January 2003)
and Lieutenant Governor Kaleo MOYLAN (since 6 January 2003)
cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor
with the consent of the Guam legislature
elections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president
and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the
same ticket by popular vote for four-year term (can serve two
consecutive terms, then must wait a full term before running again);
election last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2010)
election results: Felix P. CAMACHO reelected governor; Dr. Michael
W. CRUZ elected lieutenant governor; percent of vote - NA
Guatemala
chief of state: President Oscar Jose Rafael BERGER Perdomo
(since 14 January 2004); Vice President Eduardo STEIN Barillas
(since 14 January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Oscar Jose Rafael BERGER Perdomo
(since 14 January 2004); Vice President Eduardo STEIN Barillas
(since 14 January 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 9 November
2003; runoff held 28 December 2003 (next to be held September 2007)
election results: Oscar BERGER Perdomo elected president; percent of
vote - Oscar BERGER Perdomo (GANA) 54.1%, Alvarado COLOM (UNE) 45.9%
Guernsey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28
October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Laurie MORGAN (since 1 May 2004)
cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation
elections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch; chief minister is elected by States of Delibertion
election results: Laurie MORGAN elected chief minister, percent of
vote of the States of Deliberation NA
Guinea
chief of state: President Lansana CONTE (head of military
government since 5 April 1984, elected president 19 December 1993)
head of government: vacant; note - Prime Minister Cellou Dalein
DIALLO was dismissed on 5 April 2006
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes
cast to be elected president; election last held 21 December 2003
(next to be held December 2010); the prime minister is appointed by
the president
election results: Lansana CONTE reelected president; percent of vote
- Lansana CONTE (PUP) 95.3%, Mamadou Boye BARRY (UPR) 4.6%
Guinea-Bissau
chief of state: President Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA
(since 1 October 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Aristides GOMES (since 2 November
2005)
cabinet: NA
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held 24 July 2005 (next to be held
in 2010); prime minister appointed by the president after
consultation with party leaders in the legislature
election results: Joao Bernardo VIEIRA elected president; percent of
vote, second ballot - Joao Bernardo VIEIRA 52.4%, Malan Bacai SANHA
47.6%
Guyana
chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August
1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President
Janet JAGAN and reelected in 2001, and again in 2006
head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992,
except for a period as chief of state after the death of President
Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president,
responsible to the legislature
elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party
list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every
five years (no term limits); elections last held 28 August 2006
(next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of
vote 54.6%
Haiti
chief of state: President Rene PREVAL (since 14 May 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jacques-Edouard ALEXIS (since 30
May 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 7 February
2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister appointed by the
president, ratified by the National Assembly
election results: Rene PREVAL elected president; percent of vote -
Rene PREVAL 51%
Holy See (Vatican City)
chief of state: Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19
April 2005)
head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio BERTONE
(since 15 September 2006)
cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the pope
elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals;
election last held 19 April 2005 (next to be held after the death of
the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope
election results: Joseph RATZINGER elected Pope BENEDICT XVI
Honduras
chief of state: President Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27
January 2006); First Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez
(since 27 January 2006); Second Vice President (vacant); Third Vice
President (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: President Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (since 27
January 2006); First Vice President Elvin Ernesto SANTOS Ordonez
(since 27 January 2006); Second Vice President (vacant); Third Vice
President (vacant)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term;
election last held 27 November 2005 (next to be held November 2009)
election results: Manuel ZELAYA Rosales (PL) elected president -
49.8%, Porfirio "Pepe" LOBO Sosa (PN) 46.1%, other 4.1%
Hong Kong
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15
March 2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Donald TSANG (since 24 June 2005)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of 14 official members and 15
non-official members
elections: previous chief executive TUNG Chee-hwa was elected to
second five-year term in March 2002 by 800-member election committee
dominated by pro-Beijing forces, resignation accepted 12 March 2005;
Donald TSANG acted as chief executive between 12 March 2005 and 25
May 2005; Henry TANG acted as chief executive between 25 May 2005
and 24 June 2005; TSANG was elected on 16 June 2005 to fill final
two years of TUNG's term (next election to be held in March 2007)
Hungary
chief of state: Laszlo SOLYOM (since 5 August 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Ferenc GYURCSANY (since 29
September 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on
the recommendation of the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 6-7
June 2005 (next to be held by June 2010); prime minister elected by
the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president;
election last held 29 September 2004
election results: Laszlo SOLYOM elected president by a simple
majority in the third round of voting, 185 to 182; Ferenc GYURCSANY
elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 197 to 12
note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of
legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the
third round
Iceland
chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1
August 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Geir H. HAARDE (since 7 June 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: president, largely a ceremonial post, is elected by
popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last
held 26 June 2004 (next to be held June 2008); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually the prime minister
election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 85.6%, Baldur AGUSTSSON
12.5%, Astthor MAGNUSSON 1.9%
Iles Eparses
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by Senior Administrator Michel
CHAMPON
India
chief of state: President A.P.J. Abdul KALAM (since 25 July
2002); Vice President Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT (since 19 August 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan SINGH (since 22 May 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
elected members of both houses of Parliament and the legislatures of
the states for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held
July 2002 (next to be held 18 July 2007); vice president elected by
both houses of Parliament for a five-year term; election last held
12 August 2002 (next to be held August 2007); prime minister chosen
by parliamentary members of the majority party following legislative
elections; election last held April - May 2004 (next to be held May
2009)
election results: Abdul KALAM elected president; percent of
electoral college vote - 89.6%; Bhairon Singh SHEKHAWAT elected vice
president; percent of Parliament vote - 59.8%
Indonesia
chief of state: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since
20 October 2004) and Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (since 20
October 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO (since 20
October 2004) and Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (since 20
October 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president were elected for five-year
terms (eligible for a second term) by direct vote of the citizenry;
last held 20 September 2004 (next to be held in 2009)
election results: Susilo Bambang YUDHOYONO elected president
receiving 60.6% of vote; MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri received 39.4%
Iran
chief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4
June 1989)
head of government: President Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August
2005); First Vice President Parviz DAVUDI (since 11 September 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with
legislative approval; the Supreme Leader has some control over
appointments to the more sensitive ministries
note: also considered part of the Executive branch of government are
three oversight bodies: 1) Assembly of Experts, a popularly elected
body of 86 religious scholars constitutionally charged with
determining the succession of the Supreme Leader, reviewing his
performance, and deposing him if deemed necessary; 2) Expediency
Council or Council for the Discernment of Expediency is a policy
advisory and implementation board consisting of permanent and
temporary members representing all major government factions, some
of whom are appointed by the Supreme Leader; the Council exerts
supervisory authority over the executive, judicial, and legislative
branches and resolves legislative issues on which the Majles and the
Council of Guardians disagree; 3) Council of Guardians or Council of
Guardians of the Constitution is a 12-member board of clerics and
jurists serving six-year terms that determines whether proposed
legislation is both constitutional and faithful to Islamic law; the
Council also vets candidates for suitability and supervises national
elections
elections: Supreme Leader appointed for life by the Assembly of
Experts; president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 17 June 2005 with a
two-candidate runoff on 24 June 2005 (next to be held in 2009)
election results: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD elected president; percent of
vote - Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD 62%, Ali Akbar Hashemi RAFSANJANI 36%
Iraq
chief of state: President Jalal TALABANI (since 6 April 2005);
Vice Presidents Adil ABD AL-MAHDI and Tariq al-HASHIMI (since 22
April 2006); note - the president and vice presidents comprise the
Presidency Council)
head of government: Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI (since 20 May
2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Barham SALIH and Salam al-ZUBAI (since
20 May 2006)
cabinet: 37 ministers appointed by the Presidency Council, plus
Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI, and Deputy Prime Ministers Barham
SALIH and Salam al-ZUBAI
elections: held 15 December 2005 to elect a 275-member Council of
Representatives
Ireland
chief of state: President Mary MCALEESE (since 11 November
1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Bertie AHERN (since 26 June 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with previous nomination
by the prime minister and approval of the House of Representatives
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 31 October 1997
(next scheduled for October 2011); note - Mary MCALEESE appointed to
a second term when no other candidate qualified for the 2004
presidential election; prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the
House of Representatives and appointed by the president
election results: Mary MCALEESE elected president; percent of vote -
Mary MCALEESE 44.8%, Mary BANOTTI 29.6%
note: government coalition - Fianna Fail and the Progressive
Democrats
Isle of Man
chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Paul K.
HADDACKS (since 17 October 2005)
head of government: Chief Minister Donald GELLING (since 14 December
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed
by the monarch for a five-year term; the chief minister is elected
by the Tynwald; election last held 14 December 2004 (next to be held
December 2006)
election results: Donald GELLING elected chief minister by the
Tynwald; note - Richard CORKILL resigned 2 December 2004
Israel
chief of state: President Moshe KATZAV (since 31 July 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Ehud OLMERT (since May 2006);
Deputy Prime Minister Tzipora "Tzipi" LIVNI (since May 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the
Knesset
elections: president is largely a ceremonial role and is elected by
the Knesset for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last
held 31 July 2000 (next to be held mid-2007); following legislative
elections, the president assigns a Knesset member - traditionally
the leader of the largest party - the task of forming a governing
coalition
election results: Moshe KATZAV elected president by the 120-member
Knesset with a total of 60 votes, other candidate, Shimon PERES,
received 57 votes (there were three abstentions); Ariel SHARON
continued as prime minister after Likud Party victory in January
2003 Knesset elections; Likud won 38 seats and then formed coalition
government with Shinui, the National Religious Party, and the
National Union; controversy surrounding SHARON's disengagement plan
ultimately led to the formation of a Likud-Labor-United Torah
Judaism (UTJ) coalition government in January 2005
Italy
chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May
2006)
head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the
president of the Council of Ministers) Romano PRODI (since 17 May
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
approved by the president
elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of
both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a
seven-year term (no term limits); election last held 10 May 2006
(next to be held May 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president and confirmed by parliament
election results: Giorgio NAPOLITANO elected president on the fourth
round of voting; electoral college vote - 543
Jamaica
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Kenneth O. HALL (since 15 February
2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Portia SIMPSON-MILLER (since 30
March 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime
minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House
of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor
general; the deputy prime minister is recommended by the prime
minister
Japan
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 September
2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires
that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following
legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of
majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime
minister; monarch is hereditary
election results: ABE was elected prime minister with 339 of 476
votes cast in the House of Representatives and 136 of 240 votes cast
in the House of Councilors.
Jersey
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Lieutenant Governor Andrew RIDGEWAY (since 14
June 2006); Bailiff Philip Martin BAILHACHE (since February 1995)
cabinet: committees appointed by the Assembly of the States
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor and
bailiff appointed by the monarch
Jordan
chief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999);
Prince HUSSEIN (born 1994), eldest son of King ABDALLAH, is first in
line to inherit the throne
head of government: Prime Minister Marouf al-BAKHIT (since 24
November 2005); Deputy Prime Minister Ziad FARIZ (since 24 November
2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister in consultation
with the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed
by the monarch
Kazakhstan
chief of state: President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV
(chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 22 February 1990, elected
president 1 December 1991)
head of government: Prime Minister Daniyal AKHMETOV (since 13 June
2003); Deputy Prime Minister Karim MASIMOV (since 19 January 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(no term limits); election last held 4 December 2005 (next to be
held in 2012); prime minister and first deputy prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV reelected president;
percent of vote - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV 91.1%, Zharmakhan A.
TUYAKBAI 6.6%, Alikhan M. BAIMENOV 1.6%
note: President NAZARBAYEV arranged a referendum in 1995 that
extended his term of office and expanded his presidential powers:
only he can initiate constitutional amendments, appoint and dismiss
the government, dissolve Parliament, call referenda at his
discretion, and appoint administrative heads of regions and cities
Kenya
chief of state: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December
2002); Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Mwai KIBAKI (since 30 December 2002);
Vice President Moody AWORI (since 25 September 2003); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving the largest
number of votes in absolute terms, the presidential candidate must
also win 25% or more of the vote in at least five of Kenya's seven
provinces and one area to avoid a runoff; election last held 27
December 2002 (next to be held December 2007); vice president
appointed by the president
election results: President Mwai KIBAKI elected; percent of vote -
Mwai KIBAKI 63%, Uhuru KENYATTA 30%
Kiribati
chief of state: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003);
Vice President Teima ONORIO; note - the president is both the chief
of state and head of government
head of government: President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003); Vice
President Teima ONORIO
cabinet: 12-member cabinet appointed by the president from among the
members of the House of Parliament
elections: the House of Parliament chooses the presidential
candidates from among its members and then those candidates compete
in a general election; president is elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held 4
July 2003 (next to be held not later than July 2007); vice president
appointed by the president
election results: Anote TONG 47.4%, Harry TONG 43.5%, Banuera BERINA
9.1%
Korea, North
chief of state: KIM Jong Il (since July 1994); note -
on 3 September 2003, rubberstamp Supreme People's Assembly (SPA)
reelected KIM Jong Il chairman of the National Defense Commission, a
position accorded nation's "highest administrative authority"; SPA
reelected KIM Yong Nam president of its Presidium also with
responsibility of representing state and receiving diplomatic
credentials; SPA appointed PAK Pong Ju premier
head of government: Premier PAK Pong Ju (since 3 September 2003);
Vice Premiers KWAK Pom Gi (since 5 September 1998), JON Sung Hun
(since 3 September 2003), RO Tu Chol (since 3 September 2003)
cabinet: Naegak (cabinet) members, except for Minister of People's
Armed Forces, are appointed by SPA
elections: last held in September 2003 (next to be held in September
2008)
election results: KIM Jong Il and KIM Yong Nam were only nominees
for positions and ran unopposed
Korea, South
chief of state: President ROH Moo-hyun (since 25
February 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister HAN Myeong-sook (since 20 April
2006); Deputy Prime Ministers KIM Woo-sik (since 10 February 2006);
KWON O-kyu (since 18 July 2006); KIM Shin-il (since 20 September
2006)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime
minister's recommendation
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year
term; election last held 19 December 2002 (next to be held in
December 2007); prime minister appointed by president with consent
of National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
on prime minister's recommendation
election results: ROH Moo-hyun elected president; percent of vote -
ROH Moo-hyun (MDP) 48.9%; LEE Hoi-chang (GNP) 46.6%; other 4.5%
Kuwait
chief of state: Amir SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since
29 January 2006); Crown Prince NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Sabah
head of government: Prime Minister NASIR al-Muhammad al-Ahmad
al-Sabah (since 7 February 2006) First Deputy Prime Minister JABIR
Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 9 February 2006); Deputy Prime
Ministers MUHAMMAD al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah (since 9 February
2006) and Ismail al-SHATTI (since 10 July 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and
approved by the amir
elections: none; the amir is hereditary; prime minister and deputy
prime ministers appointed by the amir
Kyrgyzstan
chief of state: President Kurmanbek BAKIYEV (since 14
August 2005); note - former President Askar AKAYEV resigned
effective 11 April 2005 following widespread protests that forced
him to flee the country on 24 March 2005
head of government: Prime Minister Feliks KULOV (since 1 September
2005); First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar USENOV (since 10 May 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister; note - the new constitution of
November 2006 calls for the legislature to appoint the prime
minister and members of the Cabinet after the elections of 2010
elections: Kurmanbek BAKIYEV elected by popular vote for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 10 July 2005
(next scheduled for 2010); prime minister nominated by the president
for approval by Parliament; note - the new constitution of November
2006 calls for the legislature to appoint the prime minister and
members of the Cabinet after the elections of 2010
election results: Kurmanbek BAKIYEV elected president; percent of
vote - Kurmanbek BAKIYEV 88.6%, Tursunbai BAKIR-UULU 3.9%, other
candidates 7.5%; Feliks KULOV approved as prime minister 55-8
Laos
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. CHOUMMALI Saignason (since 8
June 2006) and Vice President BOUN-GNANG Volachit (since 8 June 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister BOUASONE Bouphavanh (since 8 June
2006); Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. ASANG Laoli (since May 2002),
Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. DOUANGCHAI Phichit [since 8 June
2006], Deputy Prime Minister SOMSAVAT Lengsavat (since 26 February
1998), and Deputy Prime Minister THONGLOUN Sisolit (since 27 March
2001)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved
by the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly for five-year terms; election last held 8 June 2006 (next
to be held in 2011); prime minister nominated by the president and
elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term
election results: CHOUMMALI Saignason elected president; BOUN-GNANG
Volachit elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote -
100%; BOUASONE Bouphavanh elected prime minister; percent of
National Assembly vote - 97%
Latvia
chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July
1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Aigars KALVITIS (since 2 December
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
appointed by the Parliament
elections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term
(no term limits); election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held
by June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president;
parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast
Lebanon
chief of state: President Emile LAHUD (since 24 November
1998)
head of government: Prime Minister Fuad SINIORA (since 30 June
2005); Deputy Prime Minister Elias MURR (since April 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with
the president and members of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a six-year
term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held 15
October 1998 (next to be held in 2007 based on three-year
extension); note - on 3 September 2004 the National Assembly voted
96 to 29 to extend Emile LAHUD's six-year term by three years; the
prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president
in consultation with the National Assembly; by agreement, the
president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni
Muslim, and the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim
election results: for 15 October 1998 election: Emile LAHUD elected
president; National Assembly vote - 118 votes in favor, 0 against,
10 abstentions
Lesotho
chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996);
note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November
1990 to February 1995, while his father was in exile
head of government: Prime Minister Pakalitha MOSISILI (since 23 May
1998)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: none - according to the constitution, the leader of the
majority party in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister;
the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution,
which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is
a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative
powers; under traditional law the college of chiefs has the power to
depose the monarch, determine who is next in the line of succession,
or who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not
of mature age
Liberia
chief of state: President Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (since 16
January 2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (since 6 January
2006); note - the President is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president and confirmed by the
Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 8 November 2005
(next to be held NA 2011)
election results: Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF elected president; percent
of vote, second round - Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF (UP) 59.6%, George
WEAH (CDC) 40.4%
note: a UN-brokered cease-fire among warring factions and the
Liberian Government resulted in the August 2003 resignation of
former president, Charles TAYLOR; a jointly agreed upon replacement,
Chairman Gyude BRYANT, assumed office as head of the National
Transitional Government on 14 October 2003; free elections were held
11 October 2005, with a runoff election between the two leading
candidates on 8 November 2005
Libya
chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar
al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969); note - holds no official title,
but is de facto chief of state
head of government: Secretary of the General People's Committee
(Prime Minister) al-Baghdadi Ali al-MAHMUDI (since 5 March 2006)
cabinet: General People's Committee established by the General
People's Congress
elections: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of
people's committees; head of government elected by the General
People's Congress; election last held 2 March 2000 (next to be held
NA)
election results: NA
Liechtenstein
chief of state: Prince HANS ADAM II (since 13 November
1989, assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince
ALOIS, son of the monarch (born 11 June 1968); note - on 15 August
2004, HANS ADAM transferred the official duties of the ruling prince
to ALOIS, but HANS ADAM retains status of chief of state
head of government: Head of Government Ottmar HASLER (since 5 April
2001) and Deputy Head of Government Rita KIEBER-BECK (since 5 April
2001)
cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party in the Landtag is
usually appointed the head of government by the monarch and the
leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag is usually
appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch
Lithuania
chief of state: President Valdas ADAMKUS (since 12 July
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Gediminas KIRKILAS (since 4 July
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
nomination of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 13 and 27 June 2004
(next to be held June 2009); prime minister appointed by the
president on the approval of the Parliament
election results: Valdas ADAMKUS elected president; percent of vote
- Valdas ADAMKUS 52.2%, Kazimiera PRUNSKIENE 47.8%; Gediminas
KIRKILAS approved by Parliament 85-13, with 5 abstentions
Luxembourg
chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000);
Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November
1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNCKER (since 1
January 1995) and Vice Prime Minister Jean ASSELBORN (since 31 July
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister and
appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following popular
elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed
prime minister by the monarch; the deputy prime minister is
appointed by the monarch; they are responsible to the Chamber of
Deputies
note: government coalition - CSV and LSAP
Macau
chief of state: President of China HU Jintao (since 15 March
2003)
head of government: Chief Executive Edmund HO Hau-wah (since 20
December 1999)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of one government secretary,
three legislators, four businessmen, one pro-Beijing unionist, and
one pro-Beijing educator
elections: chief executive chosen by a 300-member Election Committee
for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last
held 29 August 2004 (next to be held in 2009)
election results: Edmund HO Hau-wah reelected received 296 votes;
three members submitted blank ballots; one member was absent
Macedonia
chief of state: President Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 12 May
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Nikola GRUEVSKI (since 28 August
2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all
the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the
government coalition parties VMRO/DPMNE, NSDP, PDSH/DPA, and several
small parties
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); two-round election last held 14 April
and 28 April 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); prime minister
elected by the Assembly following legislative elections
election results: Branko CRVENKOVSKI elected president on
second-round ballot; percent of vote - Branko CRVENKOVSKI 62.7%,
Sasko KEDEV 37.3%
Madagascar
chief of state: President Marc RAVALOMANANA (since 6 May
2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Jacques SYLLA (27 May 2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 16 December 2001
(next to be held December 2006); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: percent of vote - Marc RAVALOMANANA (TIM) 50.5%,
Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 37.7%
Malawi
chief of state: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (since 24 May
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: 46-member Cabinet named by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 20 May 2004 (next
to be held May 2009)
election results: Bingu wa MUTHARIKA elected president; percent of
vote - Bingu wa MUTHARIKA (UDF) 35.9%, John TEMBO (MCP) 27.1%,
Gwandaguluwe CHAKUAMBA (MC) 25.7%, Brown MPINGANJIRA (NDA) 8.7%,
Justin MALEWEZI (independent) 2.5%
Malaysia
chief of state: Paramount Ruler Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin
(since 13 December 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister ABDULLAH bin Ahmad Badawi (since
31 October 2003); Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul
Razak (since 7 January 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament with consent of the paramount ruler
elections: paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers
of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 3
November 2006 (next to be held in 2011); prime minister designated
from among the members of the House of Representatives; following
legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality
of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister
election results: Sultan MIZAN Zainal Abidin elected paramount ruler
Maldives
chief of state: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11
November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11
November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president nominated by the Majlis and then the nomination
must be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approval
margin is required); president elected for a five-year term;
election last held 17 October 2003 (next to be held NA 2008)
election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected in
referendum held 17 October 2003; percent of popular vote - Maumoon
Abdul GAYOOM 90.3%
Mali
chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June
2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi MAIGA (since 30
April 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 12 May 2002 (next
to be held April 2007); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Amadou Toumani TOURE elected president; percent of
vote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 64.4%, Soumaila CISSE 35.6%
Malta
chief of state: President Edward FENECH ADAMI (since 4 April
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the
prime minister
elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 29
March 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority
coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a
five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the
president on the advice of the prime minister
election results: Eddie FENECH ADAMI elected president; House of
Representatives vote - 33 out of 65 votes
Marshall Islands
chief of state: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 5
January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 5 January 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of
the legislature
elections: president elected by Parliament from among its own
members for a four-year term; election last held 17 November 2003
(next to be held November 2007)
election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent of
Parliament vote - 100%
Martinique
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since
17 May 1995); Prefect Yves DASSONVILLE (since 14 January 2004); note
- took office 8 February 2004
head of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE
(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Alfred
MARIE-JEANNE (since NA March 1998)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and
Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils for
six-year terms
Mauritania
chief of state: Col. Ely Ould Mohamed VALL, whose
Military Council for Justice and Democracy deposed longtime
President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA in a coup on 3 August 2005
head of government: Prime Minister Sidi Mohamed Ould BOUBAKAR (since
8 August 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second consecutive term); note - passage of a
constitutional reform referendum in July 2006 limits president to
two five-year terms; election last held 7 November 2003 (next to be
held 11 March 2007); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelected
for a third term with 60.8% of the vote
Mauritius
chief of state: President Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 7
October 2003) and Vice President Abdool Raouf BUNDHUN (since 25
February 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM (since 5
July 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly for five-year terms (eligible for a second term); election
last held 25 February 2002 (next to be held in 2007); prime minister
and deputy prime minister appointed by the president, responsible to
the National Assembly
election results: Karl OFFMANN elected president and Raouf BUNDHUN
elected vice president; percent of vote by the National Assembly -
NA%; note - Karl OFFMANN stepped down on 30 September 2003
Mayotte
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17
May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Paul KIHL (since 17 January
2005)
head of government: President of the General Council Said Omar OILI
(since 8 April 2004)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of the Interior; president of the General Council
elected by the members of the General Council for a six-year term;
next election to be held in 2010
Mexico
chief of state: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006); note - the president is both the chief of
state and head of government
head of government: President Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
(since 1 December 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of
attorney general requires consent of the Senate
elections: president elected by popular vote for a single six-year
term; election last held 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
election results: Felipe CALDERON elected president; percent of vote
- Felipe CALDERON (PAN) 35.89%, Andres Manuel Lopez OBRADOR (PRD)
35.31%, Roberto MADRAZO (PRI) 22.26%, other 6.54%
Micronesia, Federated States of
chief of state: President Joseph J.
URUSEMAL (since 11 May 2003); Vice President Redley KILLION (11 May
2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Joseph J. URUSEMAL (since 11 May
2003); Vice President Redley KILLION (11 May 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the
eight executive departments
elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from
among the four senators at large for a four-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held 11 May 2003 (next to be held May
2007); note - a proposed constitutional amendment to establish
popular elections for president and vice president failed
election results: Joseph J. URUSEMAL elected president; percent of
Congress vote - NA%; Redley KILLION elected vice president; percent
of Congress vote - NA%
Moldova
chief of state: President Vladimir VORONIN (since 4 April
2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Vasile TARLEV (since 15 April
2001), First Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida GRECIANII (since 10
October 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by president, subject to approval of
Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 4 April 2005 (next
to be held in 2009); note - prime minister designated by the
president, upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from
designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of
confidence from the Parliament regarding his/her work program and
entire cabinet; prime minister designated 15 April 2001, cabinet
received a vote of confidence 19 April 2001
election results: Vladimir VORONIN reelected president;
parliamentary votes - Vladimir VORONIN 75, Gheorghe DUCA 1; Vasile
TARLEV designated prime minister; parliamentary votes of confidence
- 75 of 101
Monaco
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Minister of State Jean-Paul PROUST (since 1 June
2005)
cabinet: Council of Government is under the authority of the monarch
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state
appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national
candidates presented by the French Government
Mongolia
chief of state: President Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (since 24 June
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 25
January 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Mendsaikhan ENKHSAIKHAN (since
28 January 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation
with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural
(parliament)
elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties
represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 22
May 2005 (next to be held in May 2009); following legislative
elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition is usually
elected prime minister by State Great Hural
election results: Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR elected president; percent of
vote - Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR (MPRP) 53.44%, Mendsaikhanin ENKHSAIKHAN
(DP) 20.05%, Bazarsadyn JARGALSAIKHAN (MRP) 13.92%, Badarchyn
ERDENEBAT (M-MNSDP) 12.59%; Miegombyn ENKHBOLD elected prime
minister by the State Great Hural 56 to 10
Montenegro
chief of state: President Filip VUJANOVIC (since 11 May
2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Zeljko STURANOVIC (since 10
November 2006)
cabinet: Ministries act as cabinet
elections: president elected by direct vote for five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 11 May 2003 (next
to be held in 2008); prime minister proposed by president, accepted
by Assembly
election results: Filip VUJANOVIC elected on the third round; Filip
VUJANOVIC 63.3%, Miodrag ZIVKOVIC 30.8%
Montserrat
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor Deborah BARNES-JONES (since 10 May
2004)
head of government: Chief Minister Lowell LEWIS (since 2 June 2006)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief
minister, three other ministers, the attorney general, and the
finance secretary
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the
monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority
party usually becomes chief minister
Morocco
chief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Driss JETTOU (since 9 October
2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed
by the monarch following legislative elections
Mozambique
chief of state: President Armando GUEBUZA (since 2
February 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Luisa DIOGO (since 17 February
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 1-2 December 2004
(next to be held December 2009); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Armando GUEBUZA elected president; percent of vote
- Armando GUEBUZA 63.7%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 31.7%
Namibia
chief of state: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21
March 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21 March 2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 15 November 2004
(next to be held November 2009)
election results: Hifikepunye POHAMBA elected president; percent of
vote - Hifikepunye POHAMBA 76.4%, Den ULENGA 7.3%, Katuutire KAURA
5.1%, Kuaima RIRUAKO 4.2%, Justus GAROEB 3.8%, other 3.2%
Nauru
chief of state: President Ludwig SCOTTY (since 22 June 2004);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Ludwig SCOTTY (since 22 June 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term;
election last held 23 October 2004 (next to be held NA 2007)
election results: Ludwig SCOTTY was unopposed in the parliamentary
elections for president
Nepal
chief of state: King GYANENDRA Bir Bikram Shah (since 4 June
2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 30
April 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Khadga Prasad OLI (since 2 May
2006) and Amik SHERCHAN since June 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet historically appointed by the monarch on the
recommendation of the prime minister; note - the prime minister
selected the Cabinet in May 2006 in consultation with the political
parties
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; note - following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of
a majority coalition historically has been appointed prime minister
by the monarch
Netherlands
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX (since 30 April 1980);
Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER (born 27 April 1967), son of the
monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Jan Peter BALKENENDE (since 22
July 2002) and Deputy Prime Ministers Gerrit ZALM (since 27 May
2003) and Laurens Jan BRINKHORST (since 31 March 2005); note - Prime
Minister BALKENENDE tendered his resignation on 30 June 2006
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following Second
Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a
majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the
monarch; vice prime ministers appointed by the monarch
note: there is also a Council of State composed of the monarch, heir
apparent, and councilors that provides consultations to the cabinet
on legislative and administrative policy
Netherlands Antilles
chief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the
Netherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General
Frits GOEDGEDRAG (since 1 July 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Emily de JONGH-ELHAGE (since 26
March 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Staten (legislature)
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch for a six-year term; following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party is usually elected prime minister
by the Staten; election last held 27 January 2006 (next to be held
by 2007)
note: government coalition - PAR, PNP, DP St. Maarten, UP Bonaire,
WIPM Saba, DP Statia
New Caledonia
chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC
(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Commissioner Michel MATHIEU
(since 15 July 2005)
head of government: President of the Government Marie-Noelle
THEMEREAU (since 10 June 2004)
cabinet: Consultative Committee consists of eight members chosen
from leading figures on the island to advise the High Commissioner
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the
government elected by the members of the Territorial Congress for a
five-year term (no term limits); note - last election held 29 June
2004 when Marie-Noelle THEMEREAU was elected on the third vote with
8 votes for and 3 abstentions
New Zealand
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Anand SATYANAND (since 23
August 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Helen CLARK (since 10 December
1999) and Deputy Prime Minister Michael CULLEN (since NA July 2002)
cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general
Nicaragua
chief of state: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10
January 2002); Vice President Alfredo GOMEZ Urcuyo (since 10 October
2005); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government; Alfredo GOMEZ Urcuyo was elected Vice President by the
deputies of the National Assembly after Vice President Jose RIZO
Castellon resigned on 27 September 2005
head of government: President Enrique BOLANOS Geyer (since 10
January 2002); Vice President Alfredo GOMEZ Urcuyo (since 10 October
2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term);
election last held 5 November 2006 (next to be held by November 2011)
election results: Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) elected president -
38.07%, Eduardo MONTEALEGRE (ALN) 29%, Jose RIZO (PLC) 26.21%,
Edmundo JARQUIN (MRS) 6.44%; note - ORTEGA will take office 10
January 2007
Niger
chief of state: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December
1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Mamadou TANDJA (since 22 December
1999); note - the president is both chief of state and head of
government; Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 31 December 1999) was
appointed by the president and shares some executive
responsibilities with the president
cabinet: 26-member Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); second round last held 4 December 2004
(next to be held December 2009); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Mamadou TANDJA reelected president; percent of
vote - Mamadou TANDJA 65.5%, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU 34.5%
Nigeria
chief of state: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May
1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Olusegun OBASANJO (since 29 May 1999);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Federal Executive Council
elections: president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 19 April 2003 (next
to be held April 2007)
election results: Olusegun OBASANJO elected president; percent of
vote - Olusegun OBASANJO (PDP) 61.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI (ANPP) 31.2%,
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu OJUKWU (APGA) 3.3%, other 3.6%
Niue
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by
New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since NA May 2000)
head of government: Premier Young VIVIAN (since 1 May 2002)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers
elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the
Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 12
May 2005 (next to be held May 2008)
election results: Young VIVIAN reelected premier; percent of
Legislative Assembly vote - Young VIVIAN (NPP) 85%, O'Love JACOBSEN
(independent) 15%
Norfolk Island
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); the UK and Australia are represented by Administrator Grant
TAMBLING (since 1 November 2003)
head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister Geoffrey
Robert GARDNER (since 5 December 2001)
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of
the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and
acts as an advisor to the administrator
elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the
governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the
Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;
election last held 20 October 2004 (next to be held by December 2007)
election results: Geoffrey Robert GARDNER elected chief minister;
percent of Legislative Assembly vote - 17.2%
Northern Mariana Islands
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of
the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY
(since 20 January 2001)
head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January
2006); Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. VILLAGOMEZ (since 9 January
2006)
cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal
departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members
include Special Assistants to the governor and office heads
appointed by and reporting directly to the governor
elections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice
president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same
ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second
term); election last held 5 November 2005 (next to be held November
2009)
election results: Benigno R. FITIAL elected governor in a four-way
race; percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL (Covenant Party) 28.07%,
Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (Independent) 27.34%, Juan BABAUTA (Republican)
26.6%, Froilan TENORIO (Democrat) 17.99%
Norway
chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir
Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20
July 1973)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17
October 2005)
cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of
parliament
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the
monarch with the approval of the parliament
Oman
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said
al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July
1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Pakistan
note: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999,
Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee, General Pervez MUSHARRAF, suspended Pakistan's
constitution and assumed the additional title of Chief Executive; on
12 May 2000, Pakistan's Supreme Court unanimously validated the
October 1999 coup and granted MUSHARRAF executive and legislative
authority for three years from the coup date; on 20 June 2001,
MUSHARRAF named himself as president and was sworn in, replacing
Mohammad Rafiq TARAR; in a referendum held on 30 April 2002,
MUSHARRAF's presidency was extended by five more years; on 1 January
2004, MUSHARRAF won a vote of confidence in the Senate, National
Assembly, and four provincial assemblies
chief of state: President General Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June
2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Shaukat AZIZ (since 28 August
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: the president is elected by Parliament for a five-year
term; note - in a referendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF's
presidency was extended by five more years (next to be held in
2007); the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly (next
to be held in 2007)
election results: AZIZ elected by the National Assembly on 27 August
2004 with 191 of the votes
Palau
chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since
19 January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January
2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19
January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005)
cabinet: NA
elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 2 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008)
election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. reelected president;
percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 64%, Polycarp BASILIUS
33%; Elias Camsek CHIN elected vice president; percent of vote -
Elias Camsek CHIN 70%, Sandra PIERANTOZZI 29%
Panama
chief of state: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1
September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1
September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since
1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1
September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1
September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since
1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state
and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for two more terms);
election last held 2 May 2004 (next to be held 3 May 2009); note -
beginning in 2009, Panama will have only one vice president.
election results: Martin TORRIJOS Espino elected president; percent
of vote - Martin TORRIJOS Espino 47.5%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany
30.6%, Jose Miguel ALEMAN 17%, Ricardo MARTINELLI 4.9%
note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party),
PP (Popular Party)
Papua New Guinea
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by governor general Sir Paulius MATANE
(since 29 June 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2
August 2002); deputy prime minister Don Polye (since 5 July 2006)
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor
general on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the National Executive Council; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition usually is appointed prime minister by the
governor general
Paraguay
chief of state: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15
August 2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI Joria (since 15 August
2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS (since 15 August
2003); Vice President Luis CASTIGLIONI Joria (since 15 August 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 27
April 2003 (next to be held April 2008)
election results: Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS elected president; percent
of vote - Nicanor DUARTE FRUTOS 37.1%, Julio Cesar Ramon FRANCO
Gomez 23.9%, Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella 21.3%, Guillermo
SANCHEZ Guffanti 13.5%, other 4.2%
Peru
chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas; Second Vice
President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July
2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas; Second Vice
President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006)
note: Prime Minister Jorge DEL CASTILLO Galvez (since 28 August
2006) does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands
of the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); presidential and congressional
elections held 9 April 2006, with runoff election held 4 June 2006;
next to be held April 2011
election results: Alan GARCIA elected president in runoff election;
percent of vote - Alan GARCIA 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA Tasso 47.5%
Philippines
chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since
20 January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20
January 2001); note - president is both chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of
Commission of Appointments
elections: president and vice president (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO)
elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year
term; election last held 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)
election results: results of the election - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
elected president; percent of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%,
Fernando POE 37%, three others 23%
Pitcairn Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand
and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON
(since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since
September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the
Island Council
head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006);
Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Jay WARREN (since 15
December 2004)
cabinet: NA
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner
appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a
three-year term; election last held December 2004 (next to be held
December 2007)
election results: Jay WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the
Island Council
Poland
chief of state: President Lech KACZYNSKI (since 23 December
2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI (since 10 July
2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Ludwik DORN (since 23 November 2005),
Roman GIERTYCH (since 5 May 2006), Zyta GILOWSKA (since 22 September
2006), Andrzej LEPPER (since 16 October 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and
the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and
the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 9 and 23 October
2005 (next to be held October 2010); prime minister and deputy prime
ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm
election results: Lech KACZYNSKI elected president; percent of
popular vote - Lech KACZYNSKI 54%, Donald Tusk 46%
Portugal
chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO Silva (since 9
March 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES (since 12 March
2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
recommendation of the prime minister
note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative
body to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 22 January 2006
(next to be held January 2011); following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is
usually appointed prime minister by the president
election results: Anibal CAVACO Silva elected president; percent of
vote - Anibal CAVACO Silva 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario SOARES
14.3%, Jeronimo de SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%
Puerto Rico
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US
(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20
January 2001)
head of government: Governor Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA (since 2 January
2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the
legislature
elections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US
president and vice president; governor elected by popular vote for a
four-year term (no term limits); election last held 2 November 2004
(next to be held November 2008)
election results: Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA (PPD) elected governor;
percent of vote - 48.4%
Qatar
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 27 June
1995 when, as crown prince, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin
Hamad al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Crown Prince TAMIM bin Hamad
bin Khalifa al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir
Apparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also
holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-chief of
the Armed Forces
head of government: Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Khalifa al-Thani,
brother of the monarch (since 30 October 1996); Deputy Prime
Minister MUHAMMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani, brother of the monarch
(since 20 January 1998); First Deputy Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim
bin Jabir al-Thani (since 16 September 2003, also Foreign Minister
since 1992); Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad
al-ATIYAH (since 16 September 2003, also Electricity and Water
Minister since 1999 and Energy and Industry Minister since 1992)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
note: in April 2003, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member
Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has consultative powers aimed
at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election
for the CMC was held in March 1999
Reunion
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17
May 1995), represented by Prefect Pierre-Henry MACCIONI (since 28
August 2006)
head of government: President of the General Council Nassimah DINDAR
(since NA March 2004) and President of the Regional Council Paul
VERGES (since NA March 1993)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the General and
Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils
Romania
chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Calin Popescu-TARICEANU (since 29
December 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 28 November 2004,
with runoff between the top two candidates held 12 December 2004
(next to be held November-December 2009); prime minister appointed
by the president with the consent of the Parliament
election results: percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 51.23%, Adrian
NASTASE 48.77%
Russia
chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN
(acting president 31 December 1999-6 May 2000, president since 7 May
2000)
head of government: Premier Mikhail Yefimovich FRADKOV (since 5
March 2004); First Deputy Premier Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV
(since 14 November 2005), Deputy Premiers Aleksandr Dmitriyevich
ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004) and Sergey Borisovich IVANOV (since 14
November 2005)
cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of
the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other
individuals; all are appointed by the president
note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides
staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential
decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a
Security Council also reports directly to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 14 March 2004 (next
to be held March 2008); note - no vice president; if the president
dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is
impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until
a new presidential election is held, which must be within three
months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the
Duma
election results: Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN reelected president;
percent of vote - Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN 71.2%, Nikolay
KHARITONOV 13.7%, other (no candidate above 5%) 15.1%
Rwanda
chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March
2000)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); elections last held 25 August 2003
(next to be held NA 2008)
election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first direct
popular vote; Paul KAGAME 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%,
Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%
Saint Helena
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952)
head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Michael CLANCY
(since 15 October 2004)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, three
ex-officio officers, and five elected members of the Legislative
Council
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by
the monarch
Saint Kitts and Nevis
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Governor General Cuthbert Montraville
SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July
1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation
with the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is
usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Lucia
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since
September 1997)
head of government: Prime Minister Sir John COMPTON (since 15
December 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition
is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC
of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Yves FAUQUEUR
(since 28 August 2006)
head of government: President of the General Council Marc
PLANTAGENEST (since NA)
cabinet: NA
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; election last held, 21 April 2002 (first round) and 5 May 2002
(second round) (next to be held in 2007); prefect appointed by the
French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior;
president of the General Council is elected by the members of the
council
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II
(since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir
Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29
March 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is
appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by
the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the
governor general on the advice of the prime minister
Samoa
chief of state: Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA (cochief of state
from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole chief of state 5 April 1963)
head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA
(since 1996); note - TUILA'EPA served as deputy prime minister from
1992 and assumed the duties of acting prime minister in 1996, when
former Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana resigned in poor health;
TUILA'EPA was confirmed as prime minister (November 1998) after
TOFILAU died; Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members, appointed by the chief of
state on the prime minister's advice
elections: upon the death of Chief Tanumafili II MALIETOA, a new
chief of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve
a five-year term (no term limits); following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister
by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly
San Marino
chief of state: Cochiefs of State Captain Regent Antonio
CARATTONI and Captain Regent Roberto GIORGETTI (for the period 1
October 2006-31 March 2007)
head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political
Affairs Fiorenzo STOLFI (since 27 July 2006)
cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council
for a five-year term
elections: cochiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great
and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in
September 2006 (next to be held March 2007); secretary of state for
foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General
Council for a five-year term; election last held 13 December 2003
(next to be held NA)
election results: Antonio CARATTONI and Roberto GIORGETTI elected
captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Fabio BERARDI
elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs;
percent of legislative vote - NA
note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council)
selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (cochiefs
of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the
Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which
has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council;
assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the
secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some of the
prerogatives of a prime minister
Sao Tome and Principe
chief of state: President Fradique DE MENEZES
(since 3 September 2001)
head of government: Prime Minister Tome Soares da VERA CRUZ (since
21 April 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
proposal of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 30 July 2006 (next
to be held July 2011); prime minister chosen by the National
Assembly and approved by the president
election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of
vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%
Saudi Arabia
chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin
Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown
Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the monarch,
born 5 January 1928) note - the monarch is both the chief of state
and head of government
head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz
Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SULTAN bin
Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the monarch, born 5 January
1928) note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch and
includes many royal family members
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Senegal
chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Macky SALL (since 21 April 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last
held under prior constitution (seven-year terms) 27 February and 19
March 2000 (next to be held 27 February 2007); prime minister
appointed by the president
election results: Abdoulaye WADE elected president; percent of vote
in the second round of voting - Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 58.49%, Abdou
DIOUF (PS) 41.51%
Serbia
chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Vojislav KOSTUNICA (since 3 March
2004)
cabinet: Federal Ministries act as cabinet
elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 27 June 2004 (next
to be held June 2009); prime minister elected by the Assembly
election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round
of voting; Boris TADIC received 53% of the vote
Seychelles
chief of state: President James MICHEL (since 14 April
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for two more terms); election last held 28-30 July 2006
(next to be held in 2011)
election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent
of vote - James MICHEL (SPPF) 53.73%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN (SNP) 45.71%,
Philippe BOULLE 0.56%; note - this was the first election in which
President James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as
president after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in
April 2004
Sierra Leone
chief of state: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29
March 1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both
the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (since 29 March
1996, reinstated 10 March 1998); note - the president is both the
chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the
approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible
to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 14 May 2002 (next
to be held 28 July 2007)
election results: Ahmad Tejan KABBAH reelected president; percent of
vote - Ahmad Tejan KABBAH (SLPP) 70.6%, Ernest KOROMA (APC) 22.4%
Singapore
chief of state: President S. R. NATHAN (since 1 September
1999)
note: uses S. R. NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal
communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN
head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August
2004); Deputy Prime Minister Shunmugan JAYAKUMAR (since 12 August
2004); Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005);
Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Minister
Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004)
cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament
elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; last
appointed 17 August 2005 - see note (next election to be held by
August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority
party or leader of majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president
election results: Sellapan Rama (S. R.) NATHAN appointed president
in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified
three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held
Slovakia
chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Robert FICO (since 4 July 2006);
Deputy Prime Ministers Dusan CAPLOVIC, Robert KALINAK, Stefan
HARABIN, Jan MIKOLAJ (since 4 July 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of
the prime minister
elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 3 April and 17
April 2004 (next to be held April 2009); following National Council
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a
majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the
president
election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC elected president in runoff;
percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 59.9%, Vladimir MECIAR 40.1%
Slovenia
chief of state: President Janez DRNOVSEK (since 22 December
2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Janez JANSA (since 9 November
2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and
elected by the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 10 November and 1
December 2002 (next to be held in the fall of 2007); following
National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the
leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime
minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly;
election last held 9 November 2004 (next National Assembly elections
to be held October 2008)
election results: Janez DRNOVSEK elected president; percent of vote
- Janez DRNOVSEK 56.5%, Barbara BREZIGAR 43.5%; Janez JANSA elected
prime minister; National Assembly vote - 57 to 27
Solomon Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Governor General Nathaniel WAENA (since 7 July
2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE (since 4 May
2006); note - Prime Minister Snyder RINI, elected on 18 April 2006
and sworn in on 20 April 2006, resigned on 26 April prior to no
confidence vote in parliament; SOGAVARE elected on 4 May
cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor
general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members
of Parliament
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general
appointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to five
years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections,
the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority
coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament; deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of
the prime minister from among the members of Parliament
Somalia
chief of state: Transitional Federal President Abdullahi
YUSUF Ahmed (since 14 October 2004); note - a transitional governing
entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional Federal
Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the TFI
relocated to Somalia in June 2004, but its members remain divided
between Mogadishu and Jowhar inside Somalia, and the government
continues to struggle to establish effective governance in the
country
head of government: Prime Minister Ali Mohamed GEDI (since 24
December 2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the
Transitional Federal Assembly
election results: Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed, the former leader of the
semi-autonomous Puntland region of Somalia, was elected president by
the Transitional Federal Assembly
South Africa
chief of state: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June
1999); Executive Deputy President Phumzile MLAMBO-NGCUKA (since 23
June 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head
of government
head of government: President Thabo MBEKI (since 16 June 1999);
Executive Deputy President Phumzile MLAMBO-NGCUKA (since 23 June
2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 24
April 2004 (next to be held April 2009)
election results: Thabo MBEKI elected president; percent of National
Assembly vote - 100% (by acclamation)
Spain
chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975);
Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968
head of government: President of the Government and Prime Minister
Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004); First Vice
President and Deputy Prime Minister (and Minister of the Presidency)
Maria Teresa FERNANDEZ DE LA VEGA (since 18 April 2004) and Second
Vice President (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Pedro SOLBES
(since 18 April 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president
note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme
consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are
non-binding
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually proposed president by the monarch and
elected by the National Assembly; election last held 14 March 2004
(next to be held March 2008); vice presidents appointed by the
monarch on the proposal of the president
election results: Jose Luis RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO (PSOE) elected
president; percent of National Assembly vote - 52.29%
Sri Lanka
chief of state: President Mahinda RAJAPAKSE (since 19
November 2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government; Ratnasiri WICKREMANAYAKE (since 21 November
2005) holds the ceremonial title of prime minister
head of government: President Mahinda RAJAPAKSE (since 19 November
2005)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the
prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 17 November 2005
(next to be held 2011)
election results: Mahinda RAJAPAKSE elected president; percent of
vote - Mahinda RAJAPAKSE 50.3%, Ranil WICKREMESINGHE 48.4%, other
1.3%
Sudan
chief of state: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since
16 October 1993); First Vice President Salva KIIR (since 4 August
2005), Vice President Ali Osman TAHA (since 20 September 2005); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16
October 1993); First Vice President Salva KIIR (since 4 August
2005), Vice President Ali Osman TAHA (since 20 September 2005); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - the
National Congress Party or NCP (formerly the National Islamic Front
or NIF) dominates al-BASHIR's cabinet
elections: election last held 13-23 December 2000; next to be held
no later than July 2009 under terms of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace
Agreement
election results: Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR reelected president;
percent of vote - Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR 86.5%, Ja'afar
Muhammed NUMAYRI 9.6%, three other candidates received a combined
vote of 3.9%; election widely viewed as rigged; all popular
opposition parties boycotted elections because of a lack of
guarantees for a free and fair election
note: al-BASHIR assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary
Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served
concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister,
and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed
president by the RCC; he was elected president by popular vote for
the first time in March 1996
Suriname
chief of state: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since
12 August 2000); Vice President Ram SARDJOE (since 3 August 2005);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12
August 2000); Vice President Ram SARDJOE (since 3 August 2005); note
- the president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected by the National
Assembly or, if no presidential or vice presidential candidate
receives a two-thirds constitutional majority in the National
Assembly after two votes, by a simple majority in the larger United
People's Assembly (893 representatives from the national, local, and
regional councils), for five-year terms (no term limits); election
last held 25 May 2005 (next to be held in 2010)
election results: Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN reelected president;
percent of vote - Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN 62.9%, Rabin PARMESSAR
35.4%, other 1.7%; note - after two votes in the parliament failed
to secure a two-thirds majority for a candidate, the vote then went
to a special session of the United People's Assembly on 3 August 2005
Svalbard
chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January
1991)
head of government: Governor Odd Olsen INGERO (since 8 June 2001)
and Assistant Governor Rune Baard HANSEN (since NA)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor and assistant
governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of
Justice
Swaziland
chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Absolom Themba DLAMINI (since 14
November 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by
the monarch
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed
by the monarch
Sweden
chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September
1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree,
daughter of the monarch (born 14 July 1977)
head of government: Prime Minister Fredrik REINFELDT (since 5
October 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the prime minister is elected by the parliament; election
last held 17 September 2006 (next to be held in September 2010)
election results: Fredrik REINFELDT elected prime minister with 175
out of 349 votes
Switzerland
chief of state: President Moritz LEUENBERGER (since 8
January 2006); Vice President Micheline CALMY-REY (since 8 January
2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Moritz LEUENBERGER (since 8 January
2006); Vice President Micheline CALMY-REY (since 8 January 2006)
cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal
(in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) elected by the Federal
Assembly usually from among its own members for a four-year term
elections: president and vice president elected by the Federal
Assembly from among the members of the Federal Council for a
one-year term (they may not serve consecutive terms); election last
held 7 December 2005 (next to be held December 2006)
election results: Moritz LUENBERGER elected president; percent of
Federal Assembly vote - NA; Micheline CALMY-REY elected vice
president; percent of legislative vote - NA
Syria
chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000);
Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 11 February 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-UTRI (since 10
September 2003); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah al-DARDARI (since 14
June 2005)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president approved by popular referendum for a seven-year
term (no term limits); referendum last held 10 July 2000 - after the
death of President Hafiz al-ASAD, father of Bashar al-ASAD - (next
to be held 2007); vice president appointed by the president; prime
minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of
vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.29%
note: Hafiz al-ASAD died on 10 June 2000; on 20 June, the Ba'th
Party nominated Bashar al-ASAD for president and presented his name
to the People's Council on 25 June; he was approved by a popular
referendum on 10 July
Taiwan
chief of state: President CHEN Shui-bian (since 20 May 2000)
and Vice President Annette LU (LU Hsiu-lien) (since 20 May 2000)
head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) SU
Tseng-chang (since 25 January 2006) and Vice Premier (Vice President
of the Executive Yuan) TSAI Ing-wen (since 25 January 2006)
cabinet: Executive Yuan appointed by the president
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 20 March 2004 (next to be held in March 2008);
premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the
president on the recommendation of the premier
election results: CHEN Shui-bian re-elected president; percent of
vote - CHEN Shui-bian (DPP) 50.1%, LIEN Chan (KMT) 49.9%
Tajikistan
chief of state: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6
November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19
November 1992)
head of government: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January
1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved
by the Supreme Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 6 November 2006
(next to be held November 2013); prime minister appointed by the
president
election results: Emomali RAHMONOV reelected president; percent of
vote - Emomali RAHMONOV 76.4%, Olimzon BOBOYEV 7.2%, other 16.4%
Tanzania
chief of state: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001);
note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jakaya KIKWETE (since 21 December
2005); Vice President Dr. Ali Mohammed SHEIN (since 5 July 2001);
note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
note: Zanzibar elects a president who is head of government for
matters internal to Zanzibar; Amani Abeid KARUME was reelected to
that office on 30 October 2005
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ballot
by popular vote for five-year terms (eligible for a second term);
election last held 14 December 2005(next to be held in December
2010); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Jakaya KIKWETE elected president; percent of vote
- Jakaya KIKWETE 80.3%, Ibrahim LIPUMBA 11.7%, Freeman MBOWE 5.9%
Thailand
chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946)
head of government: Interim Prime Minister SURAYUT Chulanon (since 1
October 2006); Interim Deputy Prime Ministers KHOSIT Panpiamrat
(since 9 October 2006); PRIDIYATHON Thewakun (since 9 October 2006)
note: Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat was overthrown on 19
September 2006 in a coup led by General SONTHI Boonyaratglin
cabinet: Council of Ministers
note: there is also a Privy Council
elections: none; monarch is hereditary; according to 1997
constitution, prime minister was designated from among members of
House of Representatives; following national elections for House of
Representatives, leader of party that could organize a majority
coalition usually was appointed prime minister by king
Togo
chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 6 February
2005); note - Gnassingbe EYADEMA died on 5 February 2005 and was
succeeded by his son, Faure GNASSINGBE; popular elections in April
2005 validated the succession
head of government: Prime Minister Yawovi AGBOYIBO (since 16
September 2006)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and the
prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held 24 April 2005 (next to be held
NA); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Faure GNASSINGBE elected president; percent of
vote - Faure GNASSINGBE 60.2%, Emmanuel Akitani BOB 38.3%, Nicolas
LAWSON 1%, Harry OLYMPIO 0.5%
Tokelau
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND
(since 23 August 2006); New Zealand is represented by Administrator
David PAYTON (since 17 October 2006)
head of government: Kolouei O'BRIEN (2006); note - position rotates
annually among the three Faipule (village leaders)
cabinet: the Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau,
consisting of three Faipule (village leaders) and three Pulenuku
(village mayors), functions as a cabinet
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed
by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the
head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves
a one-year term
Tonga
chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Feleti SEVELE (since 11
February 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Viliami TANGI (since 16
May 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet currently consists of 14 members, 10 appointed by
the monarch for life; 4 appointed from among the elected members of
the Legislative Assembly, including 2 each from the nobles and
peoples representatives serving three year terms
note: there is also a Privy Council that consists of the monarch,
the cabinet, and two governors
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and
deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch
Trinidad and Tobago
chief of state: President George Maxwell
RICHARDS (since 17 March 2003)
head of government: Prime Minister Patrick MANNING (since 24
December 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among the members of Parliament
elections: president elected by an electoral college, which consists
of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, for a
five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 14
February 2003 (next to be held in 2008); the president usually
appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the
House of Representatives
election results: George Maxwell RICHARDS elected president; percent
of electoral college vote - 43%
Tunisia
chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7
November 1987)
head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed GHANNOUCHI (since 17
November 1999)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(no term limits); election last held 24 October 2004 (next to be
held October 2009); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI reelected for a
fourth term; percent of vote - Zine El Abidine BEN ALI 94.5%,
Mohamed BOUCHIHA 3.8%, Mohamed Ali HALOUANI 1%
Turkey
chief of state: President Ahmet Necdet SEZER (since 16 May
2000)
head of government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (14 March
2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
nomination of the prime minister
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a single
seven-year term; election last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held May
2007); prime minister appointed by the president from among members
of parliament
election results: Ahmed Necdet SEZER elected president on the third
ballot; percent of National Assembly vote - 60%
note: president must have a two-thirds majority of the National
Assembly on the first two ballots and a simple majority on the third
ballot
Turkmenistan
chief of state: President and Chairman of the Cabinet
of Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the
first direct presidential election occurred); note - the president
is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President and Chairman of the Cabinet of
Ministers Saparmurat NIYAZOV (since 27 October 1990, when the first
direct presidential election occurred)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
note: NIYAZOV's term in office was extended indefinitely on 28
December 1999 during a session of the People's Council (Halk
Maslahaty); in November 2005, the People's Council voted down
NIYAZOV's suggestion to hold presidential elections in 2009
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 21 June 1992; note - President NIYAZOV was
unanimously approved as president for life by the People's Council
on 28 December 1999; deputy chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers are
appointed by the president
election results: Saparmurat NIYAZOV elected president without
opposition; percent of vote - Saparmurat NIYAZOV 99.5%
Turks and Caicos Islands
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6
February 1952), represented by Governor Richard TAUWHARE (since 11
July 2005)
head of government: Premier Michael Eugene MISICK (since 15 August
2003); note - the office of premier was created in the new
constitution
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the governor, the premier, six
ministers appointed by the governor from among the members of the
Legislative Council, and the attorney general
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party is appointed premier by the governor
Tuvalu
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Filoimea TELITO (since 15 April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Apisai IELEMIA (since 14 August
2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime
minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members
of Parliament; election last held 14 August 2006 (next to be held
following parliamentary elections in 2010)
election results: Apisai IELEMIA elected Prime Minister in a
Parliamentary election on 14 August 2006
Uganda
chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI
(since seizing power 26 January 1986); note - the president is both
chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since
seizing power 29 January 1986); Prime Minister Apollo NSIBAMBI
(since 5 April 1999); note - the president is both chief of state
and head of government; the prime minister assists the president in
the supervision of the cabinet
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected
legislators
elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;
election last held 23 February 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI elected president;
percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI 59.3%, Kizza
BESIGYE 37.4%, other 3.3%
Ukraine
chief of state: President Viktor A. YUSHCHENKO (since 23
January 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Viktor YANUKOVYCH (since 4 August
2006); First Deputy Prime Minister - Mykola AZAROV (since 5 August
2006)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers selected by the prime minister; the
only exceptions are the foreign and defense ministers, who are
chosen by the president
note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC
originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the
NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on
domestic and international matters and advising the president; a
Presidential Secretariat helps draft presidential edicts and
provides policy support to the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); note - a special repeat runoff
presidential election between Viktor YUSHCHENKO and Viktor
YANUKOVYCH took place on 26 December 2004 after the earlier 21
November 2004 contest - won by Mr. YANUKOVYCH - was invalidated by
the Ukrainian Supreme Court because of widespread and significant
violations; under constitutional reforms that went into effect 1
January 2006, the majority in parliament takes the lead in naming
the prime minister
election results: Viktor YUSHCHENKO elected president; percent of
vote - Viktor YUSHCHENKO 51.99%, Viktor YANUKOVYCH 44.2%
United Arab Emirates
chief of state: President KHALIFA bin Zayid
al-Nuhayyan (since 3 November 2004), ruler of Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
(since 4 November 2004); Vice President and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD
bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006)
head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin
Rashid al-Maktum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers
SULTAN bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 20 November 1990) and HAMDAN bin
Zayid al-Nuhayyan (since 20 October 2003)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the
seven emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional
authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions
federal legislation; meets four times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi)
and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power
elections: president and vice president elected by the FSC for
five-year terms (no term limits); election last held 3 November 2004
upon the death of the UAE's Founding Father and first President
ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (next to be held 2009); prime minister
and deputy prime minister appointed by the president
election results: KHALIFA bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan elected president by
a unanimous vote of the FSC; MUHAMMAD bin Rashid al-Maktum
unanimously reaffirmed vice president
United Kingdom
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14
November 1948)
head of government: Prime Minister Anthony (Tony) BLAIR (since 2 May
1997)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative
elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the
majority coalition is usually the prime minister
United States
chief of state: President George W. BUSH (since 20
January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January
2001); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President George W. BUSH (since 20 January
2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with Senate approval
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by a college of representatives who are elected directly from each
state; president and vice president serve four-year terms (eligible
for a second term); election last held 2 November 2004 (next to be
held 4 November 2008)
election results: George W. BUSH reelected president; percent of
popular vote - George W. BUSH (Republican Party) 50.9%, John KERRY
(Democratic Party) 48.1%, other 1.0%
Uruguay
chief of state: President Tabare VAZQUEZ Rosas (since 1
March 2005) and Vice President Rodolfo NIN NOVOA (since 1 March
2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: President Tabare VAZQUEZ Rosas (since 1 March
2005) and Vice President Rodolfo NIN NOVOA (since 1 March 2005);
note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with
parliamentary approval
elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket
by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive
terms); election last held 31 October 2004 (next to be held October
2009)
election results: Tabare VAZQUEZ elected president; percent of vote
- Tabare VAZQUEZ 50.5%, Jorge LARRANAGA 35.1%, Guillermo STIRLING
10.3%; other 4.1%
Uzbekistan
chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March
1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet)
head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYAYEV (since 11
December 2003)
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with
approval of the Supreme Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term
(eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term,
extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 9
January 2000 (next to be held in 2007); prime minister, ministers,
and deputy ministers appointed by the president
election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote
- Islom KARIMOV 91.9%, Abdulkhafiz JALALOV 4.2%
Vanuatu
chief of state: President Kalkot Matas KELEKELE (since 16
August 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Ham LINI (since 11 December
2004); Deputy Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 11 December 2004)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,
responsible to Parliament
elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral
college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional
councils; election for president last held 16 August 2004 (next to
be held in 2009); following legislative elections, the leader of the
majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime
minister by Parliament from among its members; election for prime
minister last held 29 July 2004 (next to be held following general
elections in 2008)
election results: Kalkot Matas KELEKELE elected president, with 49
votes out of 56, after several ballots on 16 August 2004
Venezuela
chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3
February 1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL Vale (since 28
April 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and
head of government
head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February
1999); Vice President Jose Vicente RANGEL Vale (since 28 April 2002)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 3 December 2006
(next to be held December 2012)
note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new
constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an
election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of
this new constitution
election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of
vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 63%, Manuel ROSALES 37%
Vietnam
chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June
2006); Vice President Truong My HOA (since 25 July 2002)
head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June
2006); Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28 June 2006),
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006), and
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime
minister and confirmed by National Assembly
elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its
members for five-year term; election last held 27 June 2006; prime
minister appointed by the president from among the members of the
National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime
minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers
confirmed by National Assembly
election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of
National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime
minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%
Virgin Islands
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US
(since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20
January 2001)
head of government: Governor Dr. Charles Wesley TURNBULL (since 5
January 1999)
cabinet: NA
elections: under the US Consitution, residents of unincorporated
territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections
for US president and vice president; governor and lieutenant
governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year
terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 7 and 21
November 2006 (next to be held November 2010)
election results: John DeJONGH elected governor and takes office in
January 2007; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 57.3%, Kenneth MAPP
42.7%
Wallis and Futuna
chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France
(since 17 May 1995), represented by High Administrator Richard
DIDIER (since 19 July 2006)
head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Patalione
KANIMOA (since January 2001)
cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of three kings and three
members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the
Territorial Assembly
note: there are three traditional kings with limited powers
elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year
term; high administrator appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the
Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by
the members of the assembly
Western Sahara
none
Yemen
chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May
1990, the former president of North Yemen, assumed office upon the
merger of North and South Yemen); Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd
al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since 3 October 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Abd al-Qadir BA JAMAL; Deputy
Prime Ministers Rashid Muhammad al-ALIMI, Alawi Salah al-SALAMI,
Ahmad Muhammad Abdallah al-SUFAN
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the
advice of the prime minister
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;
election last held 20 September 2006 (next to be held September
2013); vice president appointed by the president; prime minister and
deputy prime ministers appointed by the president
election results: Ali Abdallah SALIH elected president; percent of
vote - Ali Abdallah SALIH 77.2%, Faisal bin SHAMLAN 21.8%
Zambia
chief of state: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January
2002); Vice President Rupiah BANDA (since 9 October 2006); note -
the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Levy MWANAWASA (since 2 January 2002);
Vice President Rupiah BANDA (since 9 October 2006); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members
of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term
(eligible for a second term); election last held 28 September 2006
(next to be held 2011); vice president appointed by the president
election results: Levy MWANAWASA reelected president; percent of
vote - Levy MWANAWASA 43.0%, Michael SATA 29.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA
25.3%, Godfrey MIYANDA 1.6%, Winright NGONDO 0.8%
Zimbabwe
chief of state: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE
(since 31 December 1987); Vice President Joseph MSIKA (since
December 1999) and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December
2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of
government
head of government: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since
31 December 1987); Vice President Joseph MSIKA (since December 1999)
and Vice President Joyce MUJURU (since 6 December 2004); note - the
president is both the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; responsible to the
House of Assembly
elections: presidential candidates nominated with a nomination paper
signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least one from each
province) and elected by popular vote for a six-year term (no term
limits); election last held 9-11 March 2002 (next to be held March
2008); co-vice presidents appointed by the president
election results: Robert Gabriel MUGABE reelected president; percent
of vote - Robert Gabriel MUGABE 56.2%, Morgan TSVANGIRAI 41.9%
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2078 Exports
Afghanistan
$471 million; note - not including illicit exports or
reexports (2005 est.)
Albania
$650.1 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Algeria
$49.59 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
American Samoa
$445.6 million (FY04 est.)
Andorra
$145 million f.o.b. (2004)
Angola
$26.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Anguilla
$14.56 million (2005 est.)
Antigua and Barbuda
$46.81 million (2004 est.)
Argentina
$40 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Armenia
$800 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Aruba
$80 million f.o.b.; note - includes oil reexports (2004 est.)
Australia
$103 billion (2005 est.)
Austria
$122.5 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Azerbaijan
$6.117 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Bahamas, The
$469.3 million (2004 est.)
Bahrain
$11.17 billion (2005 est.)
Bangladesh
$9.372 billion (2005 est.)
Barbados
$209 million (2004 est.)
Belarus
$16.14 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Belgium
$269.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Belize
$349.9 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Benin
$826.9 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Bermuda
$1.469 billion (2004 est.)
Bhutan
$154 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)
Bolivia
$2.371 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
$2.7 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Botswana
$3.68 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Brazil
$115.1 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
British Virgin Islands
$25.3 million (2002)
Brunei
$4.514 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Bulgaria
$11.67 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Burkina Faso
$395 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Burma
$3.111 billion f.o.b.
note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the
value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled
to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh (2004)
Burundi
$52 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cambodia
$2.663 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cameroon
$3.236 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Canada
$364.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cape Verde
$73.35 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cayman Islands
$2.52 million (2004)
Central African Republic
$131 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Chad
$3.016 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Chile
$38.03 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
China
$752.2 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Christmas Island
$NA
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
$NA
Colombia
$19.3 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Comoros
$34 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$1.108 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Congo, Republic of the
$2.209 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cook Islands
$5.222 million (2005)
Costa Rica
$7.005 billion (2005 est.)
Cote d'Ivoire
$6.49 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Croatia
$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cuba
$2.388 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus: $1.237 billion f.o.b.; north Cyprus: $69
million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Czech Republic
$78.37 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Denmark
$84.95 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Djibouti
$250 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Dominica
$74 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Dominican Republic
$5.818 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
East Timor
$10 million; note - excludes oil (2005 est.)
Ecuador
$9.224 billion (2005 est.)
Egypt
$14.33 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
El Salvador
$3.586 billion (2005 est.)
Equatorial Guinea
$6.727 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Eritrea
$33.58 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Estonia
$7.439 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Ethiopia
$612 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
European Union
$1.318 trillion; note - external exports, excluding
intra-EU trade (2004)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$125 million (2004 est.)
Faroe Islands
$533 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Fiji
$719.6 million f.o.b. (2005)
Finland
$67.88 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
France
$443.4 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
French Guiana
$137.5 million f.o.b. (2003)
French Polynesia
$211 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Gabon
$5.813 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Gambia, The
$140.3 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Gaza Strip
$270 million f.o.b.; note - includes West Bank (2003)
Georgia
$1.4 billion (2005 est.)
Germany
$1.016 trillion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Ghana
$2.911 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Gibraltar
$271 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Greece
$18.54 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Greenland
$480 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Grenada
$40 million (2004 est.)
Guadeloupe
$147.8 million f.o.b. (2002)
Guam
$45 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Guatemala
$3.94 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Guernsey
$NA
Guinea
$612.1 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Guinea-Bissau
$116 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Guyana
$587.2 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Haiti
$390.7 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Honduras
$1.726 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Hong Kong
$286.3 billion f.o.b., including reexports (2005 est.)
Hungary
$61.75 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Iceland
$3.215 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
India
$76.23 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Indonesia
$83.64 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Iran
$55.42 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Iraq
$17.78 billion f.o.b. (2004)
Ireland
$102 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Isle of Man
$NA
Israel
$40.14 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Italy
$371.9 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Jamaica
$1.608 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Japan
$550.5 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Jersey
$NA
Jordan
$4.226 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Kazakhstan
$30.09 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Kenya
$3.173 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Kiribati
$17 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Korea, North
$1.275 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Korea, South
$288.2 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Kuwait
$44.43 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Kyrgyzstan
$759 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Laos
$379 million (2005 est.)
Latvia
$4.86 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Lebanon
$1.782 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Lesotho
$602.8 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Liberia
$910 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Libya
$30.79 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Liechtenstein
$2.47 billion (1996)
Lithuania
$11.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Luxembourg
$13.39 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Macau
$3.465 billion f.o.b.; note - includes reexports (2004)
Macedonia
$2.047 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Madagascar
$951 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Malawi
$364 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Malaysia
$147.1 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Maldives
$123 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Mali
$323 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Malta
$2.744 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Marshall Islands
$9.1 million f.o.b. (2000)
Martinique
$404.2 million f.o.b. (2002)
Mauritania
$784 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Mauritius
$1.949 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Mayotte
$4.85 million f.o.b. (2004)
Mexico
$213.7 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Micronesia, Federated States of
$14 million (f.o.b.) (2004 est.)
Moldova
$1.04 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Monaco
$656.5 million $NA
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and
rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market
system through customs union with France
Mongolia
$852 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Montenegro
$171.3 million (2003)
Montserrat
$700,000 (2001)
Morocco
$9.472 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Mozambique
$1.69 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Namibia
$2.04 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Nauru
$64,000 f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Nepal
$822 million f.o.b.; note - does not include unrecorded border
trade with India (2005 est.)
Netherlands
$365.1 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Netherlands Antilles
$2.076 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
New Caledonia
$999 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
New Zealand
$22.21 billion (2005 est.)
Nicaragua
$1.55 billion f.o.b.; note - includes free trade zones
(2005 est.)
Niger
$222 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Nigeria
$52.16 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Niue
$201,400 (2004)
Norfolk Island
$1.5 million f.o.b. (FY91/92)
Northern Mariana Islands
$NA
Norway
$111.2 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Oman
$19.01 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Pakistan
$14.85 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Palau
$5.882 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Panama
$7.481 billion f.o.b.; note - includes the Colon Free Zone
(2005 est.)
Papua New Guinea
$2.833 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Paraguay
$3.13 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Peru
$15.95 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Philippines
$41.25 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Pitcairn Islands
$NA
Poland
$92.72 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Portugal
$38.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Puerto Rico
$46.9 billion f.o.b. (2001)
Qatar
$24.9 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Reunion
$248.5 million f.o.b. (2002)
Romania
$31.2 billion f.o.b. (2005)
Russia
$245 billion (2005 est.)
Rwanda
$98 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Saint Helena
$19 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Saint Kitts and Nevis
$70 million (2004 est.)
Saint Lucia
$82 million (2004 est.)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$7 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$37 million (2004 est.)
Samoa
$94 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
San Marino
trade data are included with the statistics for Italy
Sao Tome and Principe
$8 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Saudi Arabia
$165 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Senegal
$1.526 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Serbia
$4.553 billion (excluding Kosovo and Montenegro) (2005 est.)
Seychelles
$312.1 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Sierra Leone
$185 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Singapore
$204.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Slovakia
$30.7 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Slovenia
$18.53 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Solomon Islands
$171 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Somalia
$241 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
South Africa
$50.91 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Spain
$194.3 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Sri Lanka
$6.442 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Sudan
$6.989 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Suriname
$881 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Svalbard
$NA
Swaziland
$1.991 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Sweden
$126.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Switzerland
$148.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Syria
$6.344 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Taiwan
$189.4 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Tajikistan
$950 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Tanzania
$1.581 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Thailand
$105.8 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Togo
$768 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Tokelau
$0 f.o.b. (2002)
Tonga
$34 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Trinidad and Tobago
$9.161 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Tunisia
$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Turkey
$72.49 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Turkmenistan
$4.7 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Turks and Caicos Islands
$169.2 million (2000)
Tuvalu
$1 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Uganda
$768 million f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Ukraine
$38.22 billion (2005 est.)
United Arab Emirates
$103.1 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
United Kingdom
$372.7 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
United States
$927.5 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Uruguay
$3.55 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Uzbekistan
$5 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Vanuatu
$34.11 million f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Venezuela
$52.73 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Vietnam
$32.23 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Virgin Islands
$4.234 billion $NA
Wallis and Futuna
$47,450 f.o.b. (2004)
West Bank
$270 million f.o.b.; note - includes Gaza Strip (2003)
Western Sahara
$NA
World
$10.33 trillion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Yemen
$6.387 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Zambia
$1.947 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
Zimbabwe
$1.644 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2079 Debt - external
Afghanistan
$8 billion in bilateral debt, mostly to Russia;
Afghanistan has $500 million in debt to Multilateral Development
Banks (2004)
Albania
$1.55 billion (2004)
Algeria
$19.45 billion (2005 est.)
American Samoa
$NA
Andorra
$NA
Angola
$9.401 billion (2005 est.)
Anguilla
$8.8 million (1998)
Antigua and Barbuda $427.3 million; note - data are for public external debt, not total external debt (2000)
Argentina
$118.2 billion (2005 est.)
Armenia
$1.819 billion (20 September 2005)
Aruba
$478.6 million (2005 est.)
Australia
$323.4 billion (2005 est.)
Austria
$510.6 billion (30 June 2005 est.)
Azerbaijan
$1.873 billion (2005 est.)
Bahamas, The
$342.6 million (2004 est.)
Bahrain
$6.814 billion (2005 est.)
Bangladesh
$20.63 billion (2005 est.)
Barbados
$668 million (2003)
Belarus
$4.662 billion (30 June 2005 est.)
Belgium
$980.1 billion (30 June 2005 est.)
Belize
$1.362 billion (June 2004 est.)
Benin
$1.6 billion (2000)
Bermuda
$160 million (FY99/00)
Bhutan
$593 million (2004)
Bolivia
$6.309 billion (2005 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
$3.116 billion (2005 est.)
Botswana
$519 million (2005 est.)
Brazil
$188 billion (2005 est.)
British Virgin Islands
$36.1 million (1997)
Brunei
$0 $NA
Bulgaria
$15.32 billion (2005 est.)
Burkina Faso
$1.85 billion (2003)
Burma
$6.99 billion (2005 est.)
Burundi
$1.2 billion (2003)
Cambodia
$800 million (2003 est.)
Cameroon
$9.168 billion (2005 est.)
Canada
$439.8 billion (30 November 2005)
Cape Verde
$325 million (2002)
Cayman Islands
$70 million (1996)
Central African Republic
$1.06 billion (2002 est.)
Chad
$1.5 billion (2003 est.)
Chile
$47.45 billion (2005 est.)
China
$252.8 billion (2005 est.)
Colombia
$32.35 billion (2005 est.)
Comoros
$232 million (2000 est.)
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
$10.6 billion (2003 est.)
Congo, Republic of the
$5 billion (2000 est.)
Cook Islands
$141 million (1996 est.)
Costa Rica
$5.049 billion (2005 est.)
Cote d'Ivoire
$13.43 billion (2005 est.)
Croatia
$30.62 billion (2005 est.)
Cuba
$12.56 billion (convertible currency); another $15-20 billion
owed to Russia (2005 est.)
Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus: $10.53 billion; north Cyprus: $NA (2005
est.)
Czech Republic
$49.14 billion (2005 est.)
Denmark
$352.9 billion (30 June 2005)
Djibouti
$394 million (2004 est.)
Dominica
$213 million (2004)
Dominican Republic
$7.687 billion (2005 est.)
East Timor
$0
Ecuador
$18.09 billion (2005 est.)
Egypt
$35.26 billion (2005 est.)
El Salvador
$8.087 billion (2005 est.)
Equatorial Guinea
$353 million (2005 est.)
Eritrea
$311 million (2000 est.)
Estonia
$11.03 billion (2005 est.)
Ethiopia
$5.101 billion (2005 est.)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
$NA
Faroe Islands
$64 million (1999)
Fiji
$127 million (2004 est.)
Finland
$211.7 billion (30 June 2005)
France
$2.826 trillion (30 June 2005)
French Guiana
$800.3 million (2003)
French Polynesia
$NA
Gabon
$3.903 billion (2005 est.)
Gambia, The
$628.8 million (2003 est.)
Gaza Strip
$0; note - includes West Bank (2002)
Georgia
$2.04 billion (2004)
Germany
$3.626 trillion (30 June 2005)
Ghana
$6.999 billion (2005 est.)
Gibraltar
$NA (2000 est.)
Greece
$75.18 billion (2005 est.)
Greenland
$25 million (1999)
Grenada
$347 million (2004)
Guadeloupe
$NA
Guam
$NA
Guatemala
$5.503 billion (2005 est.)
Guernsey
$NA
Guinea
$3.46 billion (2003 est.)
Guinea-Bissau
$941.5 million (2000 est.)
Guyana
$1.2 billion (2002)
Haiti
$1.313 billion (2005 est.)
Honduras
$5.795 billion (2005 est.)
Hong Kong
$72.04 billion (2005 est.)
Hungary
$66.22 billion (2005 est.)
Iceland
$3.073 billion (2002)
India
$125.5 billion (2005 est.)
Indonesia
$135 billion (2005 est.)
Iran
$19.06 billion (2005 est.)
Iraq
$92.33 billion (2005 est.)
Ireland
$1.049 trillion (30 June 2005)
Isle of Man
$NA
Israel
$75.55 billion (2005 est.)
Italy
$922.5 billion (2005 est.)
Jamaica
$7.162 billion (2005 est.)
Japan
$1.545 trillion (31 December 2004)
Jersey
$NA
Jordan
$8.528 billion (2005 est.)
Kazakhstan
$41.66 billion (2005 est.)
Kenya
$7.391 billion (2005 est.)
Kiribati
$10 million (1999 est.)
Korea, North
$12 billion (1996 est.)
Korea, South
$153.9 billion (2005 est.)
Kuwait
$16.12 billion (2005 est.)
Kyrgyzstan
$2.428 billion (31 December 2004 est.)
Laos
$2.49 billion (2001)
Latvia
$10.8 billion (1 January 2006)
Lebanon
$26 billion (2005 est.)
Lesotho
$735 million (2002)
Liberia
$3.2 billion (2005 est.)
Libya
$4.267 billion (2005 est.)
Liechtenstein
$0 (2001)
Lithuania
$11.7 billion (2 February 2006)
Luxembourg
$NA
Macau
$3.1 billion (2004)
Macedonia
$2.19 billion (2005 est.)
Madagascar
$4.6 billion (2002)
Malawi
$3.287 billion (2005 est.)
Malaysia
$52 billion (2005 est.)
Maldives
$304 million (2004 est.)
Mali
$2.8 billion (2002)
Malta
$188.8 million (2005)
Marshall Islands
$86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)
Martinique
$180 million (1994)
Mauritania
$2.5 billion (2000)
Mauritius
$3.246 billion (2005 est.)
Mayotte
$NA
Mexico
$137.2 billion (2005 est.)
Micronesia, Federated States of
$60.8 million (FY05 est.)
Moldova
$1.986 billion (2005 est.)
Monaco
$18 billion (2000 est.)
Mongolia
$1.36 billion (2004)
Montenegro
NA
Montserrat
$8.9 million (1997)
Morocco
$15.61 billion (2005 est.)
Mozambique
$5.456 billion (2005 est.)
Namibia
$712.9 million (2005 est.)
Nauru
$33.3 million (2002)
Nepal
$3.34 billion (March 2005)
Netherlands
$1.645 trillion (30 June 2005)
Netherlands Antilles
$2.68 billion (2004)
New Caledonia
$79 million (1998 est.)
New Zealand
$42.84 billion (2005 est.)
Nicaragua
$3.188 billion (2005 est.)
Niger
$2.1 billion (2003 est.)
Nigeria
$32.45 billion (2005 est.)
Niue
$418,000 (2002 est.)
Norfolk Island
$NA
Northern Mariana Islands
$NA
Norway
$281 billion; note - Norway is a net external creditor (30
June 2005)
Oman
$4.361 billion (2005 est.)
Pakistan
$38.8 billion (2005 est.)
Palau
$0 (FY99/00)
Panama
$9.758 billion (2005 est.)
Papua New Guinea
$1.882 billion (2005 est.)
Paraguay
$3.45 billion (2005 est.)
Peru
$30.94 billion (2005 est.)
Philippines
$65.71 billion (2005 est.)
Poland
$101.5 billion (2005 est.)
Portugal
$287.8 billion (2005 est.)
Puerto Rico
$NA
Qatar
$21.13 billion (2005 est.)
Reunion
$NA
Romania
$35.68 billion (2005 est.)
Russia
$215.3 billion (2005 est.)
Rwanda
$1.4 billion (2004 est.)
Saint Helena
$NA
Saint Kitts and Nevis
$314 million (2004)
Saint Lucia
$257 million (2004)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
$NA
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
$223 million (2004)
Samoa
$177 million (2004)
San Marino
$NA
Sao Tome and Principe
$318 million (2002)
Saudi Arabia
$36.78 billion (2005 est.)
Senegal
$3.529 billion (2005 est.)
Serbia
$15.43 billion (including Montenegro) (2005 est.)
Seychelles
$508 million (2005 est.)
Sierra Leone
$1.61 billion (2003 est.)
Singapore
$23.76 billion (2005 est.)
Slovakia
$26.94 billion (2005 est.)
Slovenia
$18.97 billion (2005 est.)
Solomon Islands
$166 million (2004)
Somalia
$3 billion (2001 est.)
South Africa
$29.97 billion (2005 est.)
Spain
$970.7 billion (2005 est.)
Sri Lanka
$11.05 billion (2005 est.)
Sudan
$27.34 billion (2005 est.)
Suriname
$504.3 million (2005 est.)
Swaziland
$357 million (2003 est.)
Sweden
$516.1 billion (30 June 2005)
Switzerland
$856 billion (30 June 2005)
Syria
$8.566 billion; note - excludes military debt and debt to
Russia (2005 est.)
Taiwan
$87.5 billion (2005 est.)
Tajikistan
$888 million (2004 est.)
Tanzania
$8.178 billion (2005 est.)
Thailand
$52.46 billion (2005 est.)
Togo
$2 billion (2005)
Tokelau
$0
Tonga
$80.7 million (2004)
Trinidad and Tobago
$2.767 billion (2005 est.)
Tunisia
$16.09 billion (2005 est.)
Turkey
$170.1 billion (2005 est.)
Turkmenistan
$2.4 billion to $5 billion (2001 est.)
Turks and Caicos Islands
$NA
Tuvalu
$NA
Uganda
$4.973 billion (2005 est.)
Ukraine
$23.93 billion (2005 est.)
United Arab Emirates
$34.47 billion (2005 est.)
United Kingdom
$7.107 trillion (30 June 2005)
United States
$8.837 trillion (30 June 2005 est.)
Uruguay
$13.24 billion (2005 est.)
Uzbekistan
$5.032 billion (2005 est.)
Vanuatu
$81.2 million (2004)
Venezuela
$41.51 billion (2005 est.)
Vietnam
$20.16 billion (2005 est.)
Virgin Islands
$NA
Wallis and Futuna
$3.67 million $NA
West Bank
$0; note - includes Gaza Strip (2002)
Western Sahara
$NA
World
$36.89 trillion
note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt,
both public and private (2004 est.)
Yemen
$5.347 billion (2005 est.)
Zambia
$4.641 billion (2005 est.)
Zimbabwe
$5.216 billion (2005 est.)
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2080 Fiscal year
Afghanistan
21 March - 20 March
Albania
calendar year
Algeria
calendar year
American Samoa
1 October - 30 September
Andorra
calendar year
Angola
calendar year
Anguilla
1 April - 31 March
Antigua and Barbuda
1 April - 31 March
Argentina
calendar year
Armenia
calendar year
Aruba
calendar year
Australia
1 July - 30 June
Austria
calendar year
Azerbaijan
calendar year
Bahamas, The
1 July - 30 June
Bahrain
calendar year
Bangladesh
1 July - 30 June
Barbados
1 April - 31 March
Belarus
calendar year
Belgium
calendar year
Belize
1 April - 31 March
Benin
calendar year
Bermuda
1 April - 31 March
Bhutan
1 July - 30 June
Bolivia
calendar year
Bosnia and Herzegovina
calendar year
Botswana
1 April - 31 March
Brazil
calendar year
British Virgin Islands
1 April - 31 March
Brunei
calendar year
Bulgaria
calendar year
Burkina Faso
calendar year
Burma
1 April - 31 March
Burundi
calendar year
Cambodia
calendar year
Cameroon
1 July - 30 June
Canada
1 April - 31 March
Cape Verde
calendar year
Cayman Islands
1 April - 31 March
Central African Republic
calendar year
Chad
calendar year
Chile
calendar year
China
calendar year
Christmas Island
1 July - 30 June
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
1 July - 30 June
Colombia
calendar year
Comoros
calendar year
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
calendar year
Congo, Republic of the
calendar year
Cook Islands
1 April - 31 March
Costa Rica
calendar year
Cote d'Ivoire
calendar year
Croatia
calendar year
Cuba
calendar year
Cyprus
calendar year
Czech Republic
calendar year
Denmark
calendar year
Djibouti
calendar year
Dominica
1 July - 30 June
Dominican Republic
calendar year
East Timor
1 July - 30 June
Ecuador
calendar year
Egypt
1 July - 30 June
El Salvador
calendar year
Equatorial Guinea
calendar year
Eritrea
calendar year
Estonia
calendar year
Ethiopia
8 July - 7 July
European Union
NA
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
1 April - 31 March
Faroe Islands
calendar year
Fiji
calendar year
Finland
calendar year
France
calendar year
French Guiana
calendar year
French Polynesia
calendar year
Gabon
calendar year
Gambia, The
calendar year
Gaza Strip
calendar year
Georgia
calendar year
Germany
calendar year
Ghana
calendar year
Gibraltar
1 July - 30 June
Greece
calendar year
Greenland
calendar year
Grenada
calendar year
Guadeloupe
calendar year
Guam
1 October - 30 September
Guatemala
calendar year
Guernsey
calendar year
Guinea
calendar year
Guinea-Bissau
calendar year
Guyana
calendar year
Haiti
1 October - 30 September
Holy See (Vatican City)
calendar year
Honduras
calendar year
Hong Kong
1 April - 31 March
Hungary
calendar year
Iceland
calendar year
India
1 April - 31 March
Indonesia
calendar year; note - previously was 1 April - 31 March,
but starting with 2001, has been changed to calendar year
Iran
21 March - 20 March
Iraq
calendar year
Ireland
calendar year
Isle of Man
1 April - 31 March
Israel
calendar year
Italy
calendar year
Jamaica
1 April - 31 March
Japan
1 April - 31 March
Jersey
1 April - 31 March
Jordan
calendar year
Kazakhstan
calendar year
Kenya
1 July - 30 June
Kiribati
NA
Korea, North
calendar year
Korea, South
calendar year
Kuwait
1 April - 31 March
Kyrgyzstan
calendar year
Laos
1 October - 30 September
Latvia
calendar year
Lebanon
calendar year
Lesotho
1 April - 31 March
Liberia
calendar year
Libya
calendar year
Liechtenstein
calendar year
Lithuania
calendar year
Luxembourg
calendar year
Macau
calendar year
Macedonia
calendar year
Madagascar
calendar year
Malawi
1 July - 30 June
Malaysia
calendar year
Maldives
calendar year
Mali
calendar year
Malta
calendar year
Marshall Islands
1 October - 30 September
Martinique
calendar year
Mauritania
calendar year
Mauritius
1 July - 30 June
Mayotte
calendar year
Mexico
calendar year
Micronesia, Federated States of
1 October - 30 September
Moldova
calendar year
Monaco
calendar year
Mongolia
calendar year
Montenegro
calendar year
Montserrat
1 April - 31 March
Morocco
calendar year
Mozambique
calendar year
Namibia
1 April - 31 March
Nauru
1 July - 30 June
Nepal
16 July - 15 July
Netherlands
calendar year
Netherlands Antilles
calendar year
New Caledonia
calendar year
New Zealand
1 July - 30 June
Nicaragua
calendar year
Niger
calendar year
Nigeria
calendar year
Niue
1 April - 31 March
Norfolk Island
1 July - 30 June
Northern Mariana Islands
1 October - 30 September
Norway
calendar year
Oman
calendar year
Pakistan
1 July - 30 June
Palau
1 October - 30 September
Panama
calendar year
Papua New Guinea
calendar year
Paraguay
calendar year
Peru
calendar year
Philippines
calendar year
Pitcairn Islands
1 April - 31 March
Poland
calendar year
Portugal
calendar year
Puerto Rico
1 July - 30 June
Qatar
1 April - 31 March
Reunion
calendar year
Romania
calendar year
Russia
calendar year
Rwanda
calendar year
Saint Helena
1 April - 31 March
Saint Kitts and Nevis
calendar year
Saint Lucia
1 April - 31 March
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
calendar year
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
calendar year
Samoa
June 1 - May 31
San Marino
calendar year
Sao Tome and Principe
calendar year
Saudi Arabia
1 March - 28 February
Senegal
calendar year
Seychelles
calendar year
Sierra Leone
calendar year
Singapore
1 April - 31 March
Slovakia
calendar year
Slovenia
calendar year
Solomon Islands
calendar year
Somalia
NA
South Africa
1 April - 31 March
Spain
calendar year
Sri Lanka
calendar year
Sudan
calendar year
Suriname
calendar year
Swaziland
1 April - 31 March
Sweden
calendar year
Switzerland
calendar year
Syria
calendar year
Taiwan
1 July - 30 June (up to FY98/99); 1 July 1999 - 31 December
2000 for FY00; calendar year (after FY00)
Tajikistan
calendar year
Tanzania
1 July - 30 June
Thailand
1 October - 30 September
Togo
calendar year
Tokelau
1 April - 31 March
Tonga
1 July - 30 June
Trinidad and Tobago
1 October - 30 September
Tunisia
calendar year
Turkey
calendar year
Turkmenistan
calendar year
Turks and Caicos Islands
calendar year
Tuvalu
calendar year
Uganda
1 July - 30 June
Ukraine
calendar year
United Arab Emirates
calendar year
United Kingdom
6 April - 5 April
United States
1 October - 30 September
Uruguay
calendar year
Uzbekistan
calendar year
Vanuatu
calendar year
Venezuela
calendar year
Vietnam
calendar year
Virgin Islands
1 October - 30 September
Wallis and Futuna
calendar year
West Bank
calendar year
Western Sahara
calendar year
Yemen
calendar year
Zambia
calendar year
Zimbabwe
calendar year
This page was last updated on 19 December, 2006
@2081 Flag description
Afghanistan
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist), red, and
green, with a gold emblem centered on the red band; the emblem
features a temple-like structure encircled by a wreath on the left
and right and by a bold Islamic inscription above
Akrotiri
the flag of the UK is used
Albania
red with a black two-headed eagle in the center
Algeria
two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a
red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the
two-color boundary; the crescent, star, and color green are
traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion)
American Samoa
blue, with a white triangle edged in red that is
based on the outer side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and
white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying
two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club
Andorra
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the
coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of
Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the
center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem
Angola
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a
centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half
a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)
Anguilla
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half
of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an
interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy
water below
Antigua and Barbuda
red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based
on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal
bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising
sun in the black band
Argentina
three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white,
and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun
with a human face known as the Sun of May
Armenia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange
Aruba
blue, with two narrow, horizontal, yellow stripes across the
lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the
upper hoist-side corner
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
the flag of Australia is used
Australia
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side
quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing
the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star
depicts one point for each of the six original states and one
representing all of Australia's internal and external territories;
on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross
constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four
larger, seven-pointed stars
Austria
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red
Azerbaijan
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and
green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in
red band
Bahamas, The
three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold,
and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist
side
Bahrain
red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states,
with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side;
the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
Baker Island
the flag of the US is used
Bangladesh
green field with a large red disk shifted slightly to the
hoist side of center; the red disk represents the rising sun and the
sacrifice to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the
lush vegetation of Bangladesh
Barbados
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and
blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the
trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the
colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)
Bassas da India
the flag of France is used
Belarus
red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half
the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side
bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red
Belgium
three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow,
and red; the design was based on the flag of France
Belize
blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom
edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the
coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a
mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in
the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green
garland
Benin
two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom)
with a vertical green band on the hoist side
Bermuda
red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and green shield with
a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship
Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the
flag
Bhutan
divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the
upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered
along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing
away from the hoist side
Bolivia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green
with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the
flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in
the yellow band
Bosnia and Herzegovina
a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly
side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top
of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven
full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom
along the hypotenuse of the triangle
Botswana
light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in
the center
Bouvet Island
the flag of Norway is used
Brazil
green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a
blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each
state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the
night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with
the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
British Indian Ocean Territory white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag
British Virgin Islands
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)
Brunei
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
Bulgaria
three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and
red; note - the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the
white stripe, has been removed
Burkina Faso
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
Burma
red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner
bearing, 14 white five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel
containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the seven
administrative divisions and seven states
Burundi
divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and
bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly 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)
Cambodia
three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width),
and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat
outlined in black in the center of the red band; only national flag
to incorporate an actual building in its design
Cameroon
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
Canada
two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width),
with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is
centered in the white square; the official colors of Canada are red
and white
Cape Verde
three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width),
white (with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light
blue; a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the
hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower
blue bands
Cayman Islands
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms 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
Central African Republic
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
Chad
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and
red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of
Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms
centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France
Chile
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 representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes
the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red stands for the
blood spilled to achieve independence; design was influenced by the
US flag
China
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
Christmas Island
territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper
hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image
of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, while the lower triangle is
blue with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia,
superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the
island; the flag of Australia is used for official purposes
Clipperton Island
the flag of France is used
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
the flag of Australia is used
Colombia
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
Comoros
four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and
blue with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered
within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing
the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a
line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and
the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago -
Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (a territorial collectivity of
France, but claimed by Comoros); the crescent, stars, and color
green are traditional symbols of Islam
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
sky blue field divided diagonally
from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe
bordered by two narrow yellow stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star
appears in the upper hoist corner
Congo, Republic of the
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
Cook Islands
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
Coral Sea Islands
the flag of Australia is used
Costa Rica
five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double
width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical
disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a
light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just
below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the
words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA
Cote d'Ivoire
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
Croatia
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue
superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms (red and white checkered)
Cuba
five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom)
alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the
hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center
Cyprus
white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the
name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper) above two
green crossed olive branches in the center of the flag; the branches
symbolize the hope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek
and Turkish communities
note: the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" flag has a
horizontal red stripe at the top and bottom between which is a red
crescent and red star on a white field
Czech Republic
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red
with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side (identical to
the flag of the former Czechoslovakia)
Denmark
red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the
flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side,
and that design element of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) was
subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden
Dhekelia
the flag of the UK is used
Djibouti
two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light
green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side
bearing a red five-pointed star in the center
Dominica
green, with a centered cross of three equal bands - the
vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the
horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in
the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot
encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10
stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)
Dominican Republic
a centered white cross that extends to the edges
divides the flag into four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist
side) and red, and the bottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a
small coat of arms featuring a shield supported by an olive branch
(left) and a palm branch (right) is at the center of the cross;
above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto, DIOS, PATRIA,
LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty), and below the shield, REPUBLICA
DOMINICANA appears on a red ribbon
East Timor
red, with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist
side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that
extends to the center of the flag; there is a white star in the
center of the black triangle
Ecuador
three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue,
and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the
flag; similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not
bear a coat of arms
Egypt
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black;
the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side
with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the
name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; design is
based on the Arab Liberation flag and similar to the flag of Syria,
which has two green stars, Iraq, which has three green stars (plus
an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white
band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band
El Salvador
three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and
blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a round emblem encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag
of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the
white band - it features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA
DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar
to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X
pattern centered in the white band
Equatorial Guinea
three equal horizontal bands of green (top),
white, and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist
side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and
five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton
tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ,
JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)
Eritrea
red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing
the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the
lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is
centered on the hoist side of the red triangle
Estonia
pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three
equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white
Ethiopia
three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and
red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from
the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the
three bands; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa,
and the three main colors of her flag were so often adopted by other
African countries upon independence that they became known as the
pan-African colors
Europa Island
the flag of France is used
European Union
on a blue field, 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged
in a circle, representing the union of the peoples of Europe; the
number of stars is fixed