AfghanistanAfghanistan was invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union in 1979. The USSR was forced to withdraw 10 years later by anti-communist mujahidin forces supplied and trained by the US, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting subsequently continued among the various mujahidin factions, but the fundamentalist Islamic Taliban movement has been able to seize most of the country. In addition to the continuing civil strife, the country suffers from enormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread land mines.Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran33 00 N, 65 00 EAsia647,500 sq km647,500 sq km0 sq kmslightly smaller than Texastotal- 5,529 kmChina 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summersmostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwestAmu Darya 258 mNowshak 7,485 mnatural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones12%0%46%3%39% (1993 est.)30,000 sq km (1993 est.)damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughtssoil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertificationDesertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test BanBiodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservationlandlocked26,813,057 (July 2001 est.) 42.2% (male 5,775,921; female 5,538,836) 55.01% (male 7,644,242; female 7,106,568) 2.79% (male 394,444; female 353,046) (2001 est.)3.48% (2001 est.) note- this rate reflects the continued return of refugees from Iran41.42 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)17.72 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)11.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.12 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female (2001 est.)147.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 46.24 years 46.97 years 45.47 years (2001 est.)5.79 children born/woman (2001 est.)less than 0.01% (1999 est.)NANAAfghan(s)AfghanPashtun 38%, Tajik 25%, Hazara 19%, minor ethnic groups (Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others) 12%, Uzbek 6%Sunni Muslim 84%, Shi a Muslim 15%, other 1%Pashtu 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism age 15 and over can read and write 31.5% 47.2% 15% (1999 est.)Islamic State of Afghanistan; note - the self-proclaimed Taliban government refers to the country as Islamic Emirate of AfghanistanAfghanistanDowlat-e Eslami-ye AfghanestanAfghanestanRepublic of Afghanistanno functioning central government, administered by factionsKabul30 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol; note - there may be two new provinces of Nurestan (Nuristan) and Khowst19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs)Independence Day, 19 August (1919)nonea new legal system has not been adopted but all factions tacitly agree they will follow Shari a (Islamic law)NA; previously males 15-50 years of agenone (landlocked)on 27 September 1996, the ruling members of the Afghan Government were displaced by members of the Islamic Taliban movement; the Islamic State of Afghanistan has no functioning government at this time, and the country remains divided among fighting factions note- the Taliban have declared themselves the legitimate government of Afghanistan; however, the UN still recognizes the government of Burhanuddin RABBANI; the Organization of the Islamic Conference has left the Afghan seat vacant until the question of legitimacy can be resolved through negotiations among the warring factions; the country is essentially divided along ethnic lines; the Taliban controls the capital of Kabul and approximately two-thirds of the country including the predominately ethnic Pashtun areas in southern Afghanistan; opposing factions have their stronghold in the ethnically diverse northnon-functioning as of June 1993upper courts were non-functioning as of March 1995 (local Shari a or Islamic law courts are functioning throughout the country)Taliban (Religious Students Movement) [Mullah Mohammad OMAR]; United National Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan or UNIFSA [Burhanuddin RABBANI, chairman; Gen. Abdul Rashid DOSTAM, vice chairman; Ahmad Shah MASOOD, military commander; Mohammed Yunis QANUNI, spokesman]; note - made up of 13 parties opposed to the Taliban including Harakat-i-Islami Afghanistan (Islamic Movement of Afghanistan), Hizb-i-Islami (Islamic Party), Hizb-i-Wahdat-i-Islami (Islamic Unity Party), Jumaat-i-Islami Afghanistan (Islamic Afghan Society), Jumbish-i-Milli (National Front), Mahaz-i-Milli-i-Islami (National Islamic Front)Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Australia, US, and elsewhere have organized politically; Mellat (Social Democratic Party) [leader NA]; Peshawar, Pakistan-based groups such as the Coordination Council for National Unity and Understanding in Afghanistan or CUNUA [Ishaq GAILANI]; tribal elders represent traditional Pashtun leadership; Writers Union of Free Afghanistan or WUFA [A. Rasul AMIN]AsDB, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO New Yorkthree equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a gold emblem centered on the three bands; the emblem features a temple-like structure with Islamic inscriptions above and below, encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bolder Islamic inscription above, all of which are encircled by two crossed scimitars note- the Taliban uses a plain white flag Afghanistan EconomyAfghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals during two decades of war, including the nearly 10-year Soviet military occupation (which ended 15 February 1989). During that conflict one-third of the population fled the country, with Pakistan and Iran sheltering a combined peak of more than 6 million refugees. In early 2000, 2 million Afghan refugees remained in Pakistan and about 1.4 million in Iran. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the past 20 years because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport; severe drought added to the nation s difficulties in 1998-2000. The majority of the population continues to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, and medical care. Inflation remains a serious problem throughout the country. International aid can deal with only a fraction of the humanitarian problem, let alone promote economic development. In 1999-2000, internal civil strife continued, hampering both domestic economic policies and international aid efforts. Numerical data are likely to be either unavailable or unreliable. Afghanistan was by far the largest producer of opium poppies in 2000, and narcotics trafficking is a major source of revenue.purchasing power parity - $21 billion (2000 est.)NA%purchasing power parity - $800 (2000 est.)53%28.5%18.5% (1990)NA%NA%NA%NA%10 million (2000 est.)agriculture 70%, industry 15%, services 15% (1990 est.)NA%$NA$NA, including capital expenditures of $NAsmall-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper420 million kWh (1999)35.71%64.29%0% 0% (1999)480.6 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)90 million kWh (1999)opium poppies, wheat, fruits, nuts; wool, mutton, karakul pelts$80 million (does not include opium) (1996 est.)opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gemsFSU, Pakistan, Iran, Germany, India, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic$150 million (1996 est.)capital goods, food and petroleum products; most consumer goodsFSU, Pakistan, Iran, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Germany$5.5 billion (1996 est.)US provided about $70 million in humanitarian assistance in 1997; US continues to contribute to multilateral assistance through the UN programs of food aid, immunization, land mine removal, and a wide range of aid to refugees and displaced personsafghani (AFA)AFAafghanis per US dollar - 4,700 (January 2000), 4,750 (February 1999), 17,000 (December 1996), 7,000 (January 1995), 1,900 (January 1994), 1,019 (March 1993), 850 (1991); note - these rates reflect the free market exchange rates rather than the official exchange rate, which was fixed at 50.600 afghanis to the dollar until 1996, when it rose to 2,262.65 per dollar, and finally became fixed again at 3,000.00 per dollar in April 199621 March - 20 March Afghanistan Communications29,000 (1996) note- there were 21,000 main lines in service in Kabul in 1998NA very limited telephone and telegraph service in 1997, telecommunications links were established between Mazar-e Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad, and Kabul through satellite and microwave systems satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) linked only to Iran and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); commercial satellite telephone center in GhazniAM 7 (6 are inactive; the active station is in Kabul), FM 1, shortwave 1 (broadcasts in Pushtu, Dari, Urdu, and English) (1999)167,000 (1999)at least 10 (one government run central television station in Kabul and regional stations in nine of the 30 provinces; the regional stations operate on a reduced schedule; also, in 1997, there was a station in Mazar-e Sharif reaching four northern Afghanistan provinces) (1998)100,000 (1999).af1 (2000)NA24.6 km broad gauge- 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to Towraghondi; 15 km 1.524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya21,000 km2,793 km18,207 km (1998 est.)1,200 km note- chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels with DWT up to about 500 (2001)petroleum products - Uzbekistan to Bagram and Turkmenistan to Shindand; natural gas 180 kmKheyrabad, Shir Khan45 (2000 est.) 10 3 4 2 1 (2000 est.) 35 4 15 4 12 (2000 est.)3 (2000 est.)NA; note - the military does not exist on a national basis; some elements of the former Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), and tribal militias still exist but are factionalized among the various groups22 years of agemales age 15-49- 6,645,023 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 3,561,957 (2001 est.)males- 252,869 (2001 est.)$NANA%international- support to Islamic militants worldwide by some factions; question over which group should hold Afghanistan s seat at the UNworld s largest illicit opium producer, surpassing Burma (potential production in 1999 - 1,670 metric tons; cultivation in 1999 - 51,500 hectares, a 23% increase over 1998); a major source of hashish; increasing number of heroin-processing laboratories being set up in the country; major political factions in the country profit from drug tradeAlbaniaIn 1990 Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents. International observers judged local elections in 2000 to be acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but serious deficiencies remain to be corrected before the the 2001 parliamentary elections.Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia41 00 N, 20 00 EEurope28,748 sq km27,398 sq km1,350 sq kmslightly smaller than Marylandtotal- 720 kmGreece 282 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 151 km, Yugoslavia 287 km362 km200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation12 NMmild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wettermostly mountains and hills; small plains along coastAdriatic Sea 0 mMaja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,753 mpetroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel, hydropower21%5%15%38%21% (1993 est.)3,410 sq km (1993 est.)destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; droughtdeforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluentsBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlandsnone of the selected agreementsstrategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)3,510,484 (July 2001 est.) 29.53% (male 536,495; female 500,026) 63.48% (male 1,073,351; female 1,155,115) 6.99% (male 107,476; female 138,021) (2001 est.)0.88% (2001 est.)19.01 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-3.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.08 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 0.78 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2001 est.)39.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 71.83 years 69.01 years 74.87 years (2001 est.)2.32 children born/woman (2001 est.)less than 0.01% (1999 est.)less than 100 (2000 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)Albanian(s)AlbanianAlbanian 95%, Greeks 3%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) note- in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% note- all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practiceAlbanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek age 9 and over can read and write 93% (1997 est.) NA% NA%Republic of AlbaniaAlbaniaRepublika e ShqiperiseShqiperiaPeople s Socialist Republic of Albaniaemerging democracyTirana36 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth) and 1 municipality* (bashki); Berat, Bulqize, Delvine, Devoll (Bilisht), Diber (Peshkopi), Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Has (Krume), Kavaje, Kolonje (Erseke), Korce, Kruje, Kucove, Kukes, Kurbin, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Malesi e Madhe (Koplik), Mallakaster (Ballsh), Mat (Burrel), Mirdite (Rreshen), Peqin, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar (Corovode), Tepelene, Tirane (Tirana), Tirane* (Tirana), Tropoje (Bajram Curri), Vlore note- administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)Independence Day, 28 November (1912)a new constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998; note - the opposition Democratic Party boycotted the votehas not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universal and compulsoryPresident of the Republic Rexhep MEIDANI (since 24 July 1997)Prime Minister Ilir META (since 29 October 1999)Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and approved by the president president elected by the People s Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 24 July 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); prime minister appointed by the president Rexhep MEIDANI elected president; People s Assembly vote by number - total votes 122, for 110, against 3, abstained 2, invalid 7unicameral People s Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (155 seats; most members are elected by direct popular vote and some by proportional vote for four-year terms) last held 29 June 1997 (next held 24 June 2001, 2nd round 8 July 2001) percent of vote by party - PS 53.36%, PD 25.33%, PSD 2.5%, PBDNJ 2.78%, PBK 2.36%, PAD 2.85%, PR 2.25%, PLL 3.09%, PDK 1.00%, PBSD 0.84%; seats by party - PS 101, PD 27, PSD 8, PBDNJ 4, PBK 3, PAD 2, PR 2, PLL 2, PDK 1, PBSD 1, PUK 1, independents 3Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People s Assembly for a four-year term)Albanian National Front (Balli Kombetar) or PBK [Abaz ERMENJI]; Albanian Republican Party or PR [Fatmir MEDIU]; Albanian Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albania Workers Party) [Fatos NANO, chairman]; Christian Democratic Party or PDK [Zef BUSHATI]; Democratic Alliance or PAD [Neritan CEKA]; Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Group of Reformist Democrats [Leonard NDOKA]; Liberal Union Party [Teodor LACO]; note - Teodor LACO of the Liberal Union Party was leader of the Social Democratic Union of Albania or PBSD; Movement of Legality Party or PLL [Nderim KUPI]; OMONIA [Vagjelis DULES]; Party of National Unity or PUK [Idajet BEQUIRI]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Skender GJINUSHI]; Unity for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ [Vasil MELO, chairman]NAACCT (associate), BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Petrit BUSHATI 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 223-4942 [1] (202) 628-7342 Ambassador Joseph LIMPRECHT Rruga Elbasanit Labinoti 103, Tirana PSC 59, Box 100(A), APO AE 09624 [355] (42) 32875, 33520 [355] (42) 32222red with a black two-headed eagle in the center Albania EconomyPoor by European standards, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more open-market economy. The economy rebounded in 1993-95 after a severe depression accompanying the end of the previous centrally planned system in 1990 and 1991. However, a weakening of government resolve to maintain stabilization policies in the election year of 1996 contributed to renewal of inflationary pressures, spurred by the budget deficit which exceeded 12% of GDP. The collapse of financial pyramid schemes in early 1997 - which had attracted deposits from a substantial portion of Albania s population - triggered severe social unrest which led to more than 1,500 deaths, widespread destruction of property, and a 7% drop in GDP. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to revive economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by remittances from some 20% of the labor force that works abroad, mostly in Greece and Italy. These remittances supplement GDP and help offset the large foreign trade deficit. Most agricultural land was privatized in 1992, substantially improving peasant incomes. In 1998, Albania recovered the 7% drop in GDP of 1997 and pushed ahead by 8% in 1999 and by 7.5% in 2000. International aid helped defray the high costs of receiving and returning refugees from the Kosovo conflict. Privatization scored some successes in 2000, but other reforms lagged.purchasing power parity - $10.5 billion (2000 est.)7.5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $3,000 (2000 est.)55%24%21% (2000)19.6% (1996 est.)NA%NA%1% (2000 est.)1.692 million (including 352,000 emigrant workers and 261,000 domestically unemployed) (1994 est.)agriculture 50%, industry and services 50%16% (2000 est.) officially; may be as high as 25%$393 million$676 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1997 est.)food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower9% (2000 est.)5.332 billion kWh (1999)3.81%96.19%0% 0% (1999)5.379 billion kWh (1999)100 million kWh (1999)600 million kWh (2000)wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets, grapes; meat, dairy products$310 million (f.o.b., 2000 est.)textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobaccoItaly 67%, Greece 15%, Germany 5%, Austria 2%, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2% (2000)$1 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicalsItaly 37%, Greece 28%, Turkey 6%, Germany 6%, Bulgaria 3% (2000)$1 billion (2000)$NA; aid for energy from China, Germany, Norway (2000)lek (ALL)ALLleke per US dollar - 146.08 (December 2000),143.71 (2000) 137.69 (1999), 150.63 (1998), 148.93 (1997), 104.50 (1996); note - leke is the plural of lekcalendar year Albania Communications87,000 (1997)3,100 (1999) Albania has the poorest telephone service in Europe with fewer than two telephones per 100 inhabitants; it is doubtful that every village has telephone service obsolete wire system; no longer provides a telephone for every village; in 1992, following the fall of the communist government, peasants cut the wire to about 1,000 villages and used it to build fences inadequate; international traffic carried by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and GreeceAM 16, FM 3, shortwave 2 (1999)810,000 (1997)9 (plus 264 repeaters) (1995)405,000 (1997).al7 (2000)2,500 (2000)447 km447 km 1.435-m gauge (2001)18,000 km5,400 km12,600 km (1998 est.)43 km note- includes Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa (1990)crude oil 145 km; petroleum products 55 km; natural gas 64 km (1991)Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 17,797 GRT/26,324 DWTcargo 9 (2000 est.)11 (2000 est.) 3 3 (2000 est.) 8 1 1 2 4 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Guards19 years of agemales age 15-49- 870,768 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 712,763 (2001 est.)males- 35,792 (2001 est.)$42 million (FY99)1.5% (FY99)international- the Albanian Government supports protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians outside of its borders but has downplayed them to further its primary foreign policy goal of regional cooperation; Albanian majority in Kosovo seeks independence from Yugoslavia; Albanians in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia claim discrimination in education, access to public-sector jobs, and representation in governmentincreasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to a far lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium and cannabis production; ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and rapidly expanding in EuropeAlgeriaAfter a century of rule by France, Algeria became independent in 1962. The surprising first round success of the fundamentalist FIS (Islamic Salvation Front) party in December 1991 balloting caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS, and postpone the subsequent elections. The FIS response has resulted in a continuous low-grade civil conflict with the secular state apparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties. FIS s armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded itself in January 2000 and many armed militants surrendered under an amnesty program designed to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, residual fighting continues. Other concerns include large-scale unemployment and the need to diversify the petroleum-based economy.Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia28 00 N, 3 00 EAfrica2,381,740 sq km2,381,740 sq km0 sq kmslightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texastotal- 6,343 kmLibya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km998 kmexclusive fishing zone- 32-52 NM12 NMarid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summermostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plainChott Melrhir -40 mTahat 3,003 mpetroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc3%0%13%2%82% (1993 est.)5,550 sq km (1993 est.)mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mud slidessoil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable waterBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, WetlandsNuclear Test Bansecond-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)31,736,053 (July 2001 est.) 34.21% (male 5,528,755; female 5,328,083) 61.72% (male 9,901,319; female 9,687,449) 4.07% (male 594,973; female 695,474) (2001 est.)1.71% (2001 est.)22.76 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)5.22 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-0.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.86 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2001 est.)40.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 69.95 years 68.6 years 71.34 years (2001 est.)2.72 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.07% (1999 est.)NANAAlgerian(s)AlgerianArab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects age 15 and over can read and write 61.6% 73.9% 49% (1995 est.)People s Democratic Republic of AlgeriaAlgeriaAl Jumhuriyah al Jaza iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Sha biyahAl Jaza irrepublicAlgiers48 provinces (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen5 July 1962 (from France)Revolution Day, 1 November (1954)19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996; note - referendum approving the revisions of 28 November 1996 was signed into law 7 December 1996socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universalexclusive fishing zone- 32-52 NMPresident Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999)Prime Minister Ali BENFLIS (since 26 August 2000)Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 15 April 1999 (next to be held NA April 2004); prime minister appointed by the president Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA elected president; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA over 70%; note - his six opposing candidates withdrew on the eve of the election citing electoral fraudbicameral Parliament consists of the National People s Assembly or Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani (380 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Council of Nations (144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote; members serve six-year terms; the constitution requires half the council to be renewed every three years) National People s Assembly - last held 5 June 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); Council of Nations - last held 30 December 2000 (next to be held NA 2003) National People s Assembly - percent of vote by party - RND 40.8%, MSP 18.2%, FLN 16.8%, Nahda Movement 8.9%, FFS 5%, RCD 5%, PT 1.1%, Progressive Republican Party 0.8%, Union for Democracy and Liberty 0.3%, Social Liberal Party 0.3%, independents 2.8%; seats by party - RND 155, MSP 69, FLN 64, Nahda Movement 34, FFS 19, RCD 19, PT 4, Progressive Republican Party 3, Union for Democracy and Liberty 1, Social Liberal Party 1, independents 11; Council of Nations - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RND 79, FLN 12, FFS 4, MSP 1 (remaining 48 seats appointed by the president, party breakdown NA)Supreme Court or Cour SupremeDemocratic National Rally or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA, chairman]; Islamic Salvation Front or FIS (outlawed April 1992) [Ali BELHADJ and Dr. Abassi MADANI (imprisoned), Rabeh KEBIR (self-exile in Germany)]; Movement of a Peaceful Society or MSP [Mahfoud NAHNAH, chairman]; National Liberation Front or FLN [Boualem BENHAMOUDA, secretary general]; Progressive Republican Party [Khadir DRISS]; Rally for Culture and Democracy or RCD [Said SAADI, secretary general]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda Movement [Lahbib ADAMI]; Social Liberal Party or PSL [Ahmed KHELIL]; Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general (self-exile in Switzerland)]; Union for Democracy and Liberty [Mouley BOUKHALAFA]; Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUN] note- a party law banning political parties based on religion was enacted in March 1997NAABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Idriss JAZAIRY 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 265-2800 [1] (202) 667-2174 Ambassador Janet A. SANDERSON 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers [213] (21) 69-11-86, 69-12-55, 69-18-54, 69-38-75 [213] (21) 69-39-79two 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) Algeria EconomyThe hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. Algeria has the fifth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the second largest gas exporter; it ranks fourteenth for oil reserves. Algiers efforts to reform one of the most centrally planned economies in the Arab world stalled in 1992 as the country became embroiled in political turmoil. Algeria s financial and economic indicators improved during the mid-1990s, in part because of policy reforms supported by the IMF and debt rescheduling from the Paris Club. Algeria s finances in 2000 benefited from the spike in oil prices and the government s tight fiscal policy, leading to a large increase in the trade surplus, the near tripling of foreign exchange reserves, and reduction in foreign debt. The government continues efforts to diversify the economy by attracting foreign and domestic investment outside the energy sector, but has had little success in reducing high unemployment and improving living standards.purchasing power parity - $171 billion (2000 est.)5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $5,500 (2000 est.)11%37%52% (1999 est.)23% (1999 est.)2.8%26.8% (1995)2% (2000 est.)9.1 million (2000 est.)government 29%, agriculture 25%, construction and public works 15%, industry 11%, other 20% (1996 est.)30% (1999 est.)$15.8 billion$16 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.3 billion (2001 est.)petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing7% (1999 est.)23.215 billion kWh (1999)99.14%0.86%0% 0% (1999)21.613 billion kWh (1999)307 million kWh (1999)330 million kWh (1999)wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle$19.6 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97%Italy 22%, US 15%, France 12%, Spain 11%, Brazil 8%, Netherlands 5% (1999)$9.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)capital goods, food and beverages, consumer goodsFrance 30%, Italy 9%, Germany 7%, Spain 6%, US 5%, Turkey 5% (1999)$25 billion (2000 est.)$100 million (1999 est.)Algerian dinar (DZD)DZDAlgerian dinars per US dollar - 74,813 (January 2001), 75.260 (2000), 66.574 (1999), 58.739 (1998), 57.707 (1997), 54.749 (1996)calendar year Algeria Communications2.3 million (1998)33,500 (1999) telephone density in Algeria is very low, not exceeding five telephones per 100 persons; the number of fixed main lines has been increased in the last few years to a little more than 2,000,000, but only about two-thirds of these have subscribers; much of the infrastructure is outdated and inefficient good service in north but sparse in south; domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic earth stations are planned) 5 submarine cables; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat (1998)AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999)7.1 million (1997)46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995)3.1 million (1997).dz2 (2000)20,000 (2000)4,820 km3,664 km 1.435-m gauge (301 km electrified; 215 km double track)1,156 km 1.055-m gauge (1996)104,000 km71,656 km (including 640 km of expressways)32,344 km (1996 est.)nonecrude oil 6,612 km; petroleum products 298 km; natural gas 2,948 kmAlgiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 896,911 GRT/1,047,991 DWTbulk 9, cargo 25, chemical tanker 7, liquefied gas 10, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 13, short-sea passenger 4, specialized tanker 1 (2000 est.)135 (2000 est.) 51 9 24 12 5 1 (2000 est.) 84 3 23 40 18 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)National Popular Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie19 years of agemales age 15-49- 8,794,622 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 5,383,770 (2001 est.)males- 388,939 (2001 est.)$1.87 billion (FY99)4.1% (FY99)international- part of southeastern region claimed by Libya; Algeria supports exiled West Saharan Polisario Front and rejects Moroccan administration of Western SaharaAmerican SamoaSettled as early as 1000 B. C., Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand14 20 S, 170 00 WOceania199 sq km199 sq km0 sq km note- includes Rose Island and Swains Islandslightly larger than Washington, DC0 km116 km200 NM12 NMtropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variationfive volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)Pacific Ocean 0 mLata 966 mpumice, pumicite5%10%0%70%15% (1993 est.)NA sq kmtyphoons common from December to Marchlimited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelinesPago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean67,084 (July 2001 est.) 38.44% (male 13,278; female 12,512) 56.57% (male 18,784; female 19,163) 4.99% (male 1,779; female 1,568) (2001 est.)2.42% (2001 est.)24.88 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)4.31 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)3.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.06 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 1.13 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2001 est.)10.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 75.32 years 70.89 years 80.02 years (2001 est.)3.5 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANAAmerican Samoan(s)American SamoanSamoan (Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5%Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and other 30%Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English note- most people are bilingual age 15 and over can read and write 97% 98% 97% (1980 est.)Territory of American SamoaAmerican Samoa abbreviation- ASunincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the InteriorNAPago Pagonone (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Westernnone (territory of the US)Flag Day, 17 April (1900)ratified 1966, in effect 1967NA18 years of age; universalPresident George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)Governor Tauese P. SUNIA (since 3 January 1997) and Lieutenant Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 3 January 1997)NA US president and vice president elected on the same ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004) Tauese P. SUNIA reelected governor; percent of vote - Tauese P. SUNIA (Democrat) 50.7%, Lealaifuaneva Peter REID (independent) 47.8%bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the House of Representatives (21 seats - 20 of which are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms) and the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs and serve four-year terms) House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2002); Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2004) House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; note - only independents elected note- American Samoa elects one delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2002); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA (Democrat) reelected as delegate for a sixth termHigh Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior)Democratic Party [leader NA]; Republican Party [leader NA]NAESCAP (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPCblue, 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 American Samoa EconomyThis is a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts the great bulk of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa s economic well-being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa s remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism, a developing sector, has been held back by the recurring financial difficulties in East Asia.purchasing power parity - $500 million (2000 est.)NA%purchasing power parity - $8,000 (2000 est.)NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%14,000 (1996)government 33%, tuna canneries 34%, other 33% (1990)16% (1993)$121 million (37% in local revenue and 63% in US grants)$127 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY96/97)tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign fishing vessels), handicraftsNA%130 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)120.9 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock$500 million (1998)canned tuna 93%US 99.6%$471 million (1996)materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery and parts 6%US 62%, Japan 9%, NZ 7%, Australia 11%, Fiji 4%, other 7%$NAimportant financial support from the US, more than $40 million in 1994US dollar (USD)USDthe US dollar is used1 October - 30 September American Samoa Communications13,000 (1997)2,550 (1997) NA good telex, telegraph, facsimile and cellular telephone services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)57,000 (1997)1 (1997)14,000 (1997).as1 (2000)NA Railways- 0 km350 km150 km200 kmnoneAunu u (new construction), Auasi, Faleosao, Ofu, Pago Pago, Ta u Merchant marine- none (2000 est.)4 (2000 est.) 2 1 1 (2000 est.) 2 2 (2000 est.) Military - note- defense is the responsibility of the USinternational- noneAndorraLong isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra has achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain42 30 N, 1 30 EEurope468 sq km468 sq km0 sq km2.5 times the size of Washington, DCtotal- 120.3 kmFrance 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summersrugged mountains dissected by narrow valleysRiu Runer 840 mComa Pedrosa 2,946 mhydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead4%0%45%35%16% (1998 est.)NA sq kmsnowslides, avalanchesdeforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposalHazardous Wastesnone of the selected agreementslandlocked67,627 (July 2001 est.) 15.29% (male 5,425; female 4,917) 72.06% (male 25,654; female 23,078) 12.65% (male 4,299; female 4,254) (2001 est.)1.17% (2001 est.)10.29 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)5.41 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)6.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.07 male(s)/female 1.1 male(s)/female 1.11 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 1.1 male(s)/female (2001 est.)4.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 83.47 years 80.57 years 86.57 years (2001 est.)1.25 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANAAndorran(s)AndorranSpanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998)Roman Catholic (predominant)Catalan (official), French, Castilian NA 100% NA% NA%Principality of AndorraAndorraPrincipat d AndorraAndorraparliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its heads of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces representativesAndorra la Vella7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of France and Spain)Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278)Andorra s first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universalnone (landlocked)French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented by Frederic de SAINT-SERNIN (since NA); Spanish Coprince Episcopal Monseigneur Joan MARTI Alanis (since 31 January 1971), represented by Nemesi MARQUES OSTE (since NA)Executive Council President Marc FORNE Molne (since 21 December 1994)Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive Council president Executive Council president elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year term; election last held 16 February 1997 (next to be held NA 2001) Marc FORNE Molne elected executive council president; percent of General Council vote - 64%unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the 7 parishes; members serve four-year terms) last held 16 February 1997 (next to be held NA February 2001) percent of vote by party - UL 57%, AND 21%, IDN 7%, ND 7%, other 8%; seats by party - UL 16, AND 6, ND 2, IDN 2, UPO 2Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal Superior de Justicia d Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Fiscal Ministry or Ministeri Fiscal; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal ConstitucionalLiberal Union or UL [Marc Forne MOLNE] (renamed Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA); National Democratic Group or AND [Ladislau BARO SOLA]; National Democratic Initiative or IDN [Vincenc MATEU Zamora]; New Democracy or ND [Jaume BARTOMEU Cassany]; Union of the People of Ordino (Unio Parroquial d Ordino) or UPO [Simo DURO Coma] note- there are two other small partiesNACCC, CE, ECE, ICAO, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OSCE, UN, UNESCO, WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador (vacant) 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017 [1] (212) 750-8064 [1] (212) 750-6630 Paseo Reina Elisenda, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (3493) 280-2227; (3493) 205-7705three 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 Andorra EconomyTourism, the mainstay of Andorra s tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra s duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra s comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (1996 est.)NA%purchasing power parity - $18,000 (1996 est.)NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%1.62% (1998)30,787 salaried employees (1998)agriculture 1%, industry 21%, services 78% (1998)0%$385 million$342 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1997)tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber, tobacco, bankingNA%NA%NA%NA% NA%NA kWhNA kWhNA kWh note- most electricity supplied by Spain and France; Andorra generates a small amount of hydropowersmall quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep$58 million (f.o.b., 1998)tobacco products, furnitureFrance 34%, Spain 58% (1998)$1.077 billion (c.i.f., 1998)consumer goods, food, electricitySpain 48%, France 35%, US 2.3% (1998)$NAnoneFrench franc (FRF); Spanish peseta (ESP); euro (EUR)FRF; ESP; EUReuros per US dollar - 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); French francs per US dollar - 5.8995 (1998), 5.8367 (1997), 5.1155 (1996); Spanish pesetas per US dollar - 149.40 (1998), 146.41 (1997), 126.66 (1996)calendar year Andorra Communications32,946 (December 1998)14,117 (December 1998) NA modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges landline circuits to France and SpainAM 0, FM 15, shortwave 0 (1998)16,000 (1997)0 (1997)27,000 (1997).ad1 (2000)5,000 (2000) Railways- 0 km269 km198 km71 km (1994 est.)nonenonenone (2000 est.) Military - note- defense is the responsibility of France and Spaininternational- noneAngolaCivil war has been the norm in Angola since independence from Portugal in 1975. A 1994 peace accord between the government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) provided for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into the government and armed forces. A national unity government was installed in April of 1997, but serious fighting resumed in late 1998, rendering hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost in fighting over the past quarter century.Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo12 30 S, 18 30 EAfrica1,246,700 sq km1,246,700 sq km0 sq kmslightly less than twice the size of Texastotal- 5,198 kmDemocratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of which 220 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province), Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km1,600 km24 NM200 NM12 NMsemiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateauAtlantic Ocean 0 mMorro de Moco 2,620 mpetroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium2%0%23%43%32% (1993 est.)750 sq km (1993 est.)locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateauoveruse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable waterBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protectionnone of the selected agreementsCabinda is separated from rest of country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo10,366,031 (July 2001 est.) 43.31% (male 2,266,870; female 2,222,262) 53.98% (male 2,847,089; female 2,748,091) 2.71% (male 127,798; female 153,921) (2001 est.)2.15% (2001 est.)46.54 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)24.68 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.83 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2001 est.)193.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 38.59 years 37.36 years 39.87 years (2001 est.)6.48 children born/woman (2001 est.)2.78% (1999 est.)160,000 (1999 est.)15,000 (1999 est.)Angolan(s)AngolanOvimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (1998 est.)Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages age 15 and over can read and write 42% 56% 28% (1998 est.)Republic of AngolaAngolaRepublica de AngolaAngolaPeople s Republic of Angolatransitional government, nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential systemLuanda18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire11 November 1975 (from Portugal)Independence Day, 11 November (1975)11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets18 years of age; universalPresident Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of governmentPresident Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of governmentCouncil of Ministers appointed by the president 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 NA) 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 resumedunicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms) last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA) percent of vote by party - MPLA 54%, UNITA 34%, others 12%; seats by party - MPLA 129, UNITA 70, PRS 6, FNLA 5, PLD 3, others 7Supreme Court or Tribunal da Relacao (judges are appointed by the president)Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Analia de Victoria PEREIRA]; National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [disputed leadership- Lucas NGONDA, Holden ROBERTO]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Jonas SAVIMBI], largest opposition party has engaged in years of armed resistance; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS] ruling party in power since 1975; Social Renewal Party or PRS [disputed leadership- Eduardo KUANGANA, Antonio MUACHICUNGO]; UNITA-Renovada [Eugenio NGOLO "Manuvakola", leader] note- about a dozen minor parties participated in the 1992 elections but won few seats and have little influence in the National AssemblyFront for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC [N zita Henriques TIAGO; Antonio Bento BEMBE] note- FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed struggle for the independence of Cabinda ProvinceACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKIDI 1615 M Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 785-1156 [1] (202) 785-1258 New York Ambassador Joseph G. SULLIVAN number 32 Rua Houari Boumeddienne, Luanda international mail- Caixa Postal 6484, Luanda; pouch- American Embassy Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2550 [244] (2) 345-481, 346-418 [244] (2) 346-924two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) Angola EconomyAngola is an economy in disarray because of a quarter century of nearly continuous warfare. Despite its abundant natural resources, output per capita is among the world s lowest. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and 90% of exports. Violence continues, millions of land mines remain, and many farmers are reluctant to return to their fields. As a result, much of the country s food must still be imported. To fully take advantage of its rich resources - gold, diamonds, extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil deposits - Angola will need to end its conflict and continue reforming government policies. Despite the increase in the pace of civil warfare in late 1998, the economy grew by an estimated 5% in 2000. The government introduced new currency denominations in 1999, including 1 and 5 kwanza notes. Internal strife discourages investment outside of the petroleum sector, which is producing roughly 800,000 barrels of oil per day. Angola has entered into a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) with the IMF. Continued growth depends on sharp cuts in inflation, further economic reform, and a lessening of fighting.purchasing power parity - $10.1 billion (2000 est.)4.9% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2000 est.)7%60%33% (1999 est.)NA%NA%NA%325% (2000 est.)5 million (1997 est.)agriculture 85%, industry and services 15% (1997 est.)extensive unemployment and underemployment affecting more than half the population (2000 est.)$928 million$2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $963 million (1992 est.)petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textilesNA%1.475 billion kWh (1999)32.2%67.8%0% 0% (1999)1.372 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish$7.8 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)crude oil 90%, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cottonUS 54%, South Korea 14%, Benelux 11%, China 7%, Taiwan 6% (1999)$2.5 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles, military goodsSouth Korea 16%, Portugal 15%, US 13%, South Africa 10%, France 8% (1999)$10.8 billion (2000 est.)$493.1 million (1995)kwanza (AOA)AOAkwanza per US dollar - 17,910,800 (January 2001), 10,041,000 (2000), 2,790,706 (1999), 392,824 (1998), 229,040 (1997), 128,029 (1996); note - in December 1999 the kwanza was revalued with six zeroes dropped off the old valuecalendar year Angola Communications62,000 (1997)7,052 (1997) telephone service limited mostly to government and business use; HF radiotelephone used extensively for military links limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)AM 34, FM 7, shortwave 9 (1999)630,000 (1997)7 (1999)150,000 (1997).ao1 (2000)12,000 (1999)2,771 km (inland, much of the track is unusable because of land mines still in place from the civil war)2,648 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2000)76,626 km19,156 km57,470 km (1997)1,295 kmcrude oil 179 kmAmbriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malongo, Mocamedes, Namibe, Porto Amboim, Soyo9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 39,305 GRT/63,067 DWTcargo 8, petroleum tanker 1 (2000 est.)247 (2000 est.) 31 4 8 12 6 1 (2000 est.) 216 2 5 30 96 83 (2000 est.)Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Police Force18 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,480,016 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 1,246,224 (2001 est.)males- 103,807 (2001 est.)$1.2 billion (FY97)22% (1999)international- noneincreasingly used as a transshipment point for cocaine and heroin destined for Western Europe and other African statesAnguillaColonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico18 15 N, 63 10 WCentral America and the Caribbean91 sq km91 sq km0 sq kmabout half the size of Washington, DC0 km61 kmexclusive fishing zone- 200 NM3 NMtropical; moderated by northeast trade windsflat and low-lying island of coral and limestoneCaribbean Sea 0 mCrocus Hill 65 msalt, fish, lobster0%0%0%0%100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds)NA sq kmfrequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system12,132 (July 2001 est.) 25.55% (male 1,574; female 1,526) 67.47% (male 4,200; female 3,985) 6.98% (male 376; female 471) (2001 est.)2.68% (2001 est.)15.17 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)5.61 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)17.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.03 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.8 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2001 est.)24.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 76.31 years 73.41 years 79.29 years (2001 est.)1.79 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANAAnguillan(s)AnguillanblackAnglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12%English (official) age 12 and over can read and write 95% 95% 95% (1984 est.)noneAnguillaoverseas territory of the UKNAThe Valleynone (overseas territory of the UK)none (overseas territory of the UK)Anguilla Day, 30 MayAnguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990based on English common law18 years of age; universalexclusive fishing zone- 200 NMQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Peter JOHNSTON (since NA February 2000)Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March 2000)Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister appointed by the governor from among the members of the House of Assemblyunicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members and 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms) last held 3 March 2000 (next to be held NA March 2005) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - UF 4, AUM 2, independent 1High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]; The United Front or UF [Osbourne FLEMMING, Victor BANKS], a coalition of the Anguilla Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANANACaricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS (associate), ECLAC (associate)blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy water below Anguilla EconomyAnguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. The economy, and especially the tourism sector, suffered a setback in late 1995 due to the effects of Hurricane Luis in September but recovered in 1996. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector. A comprehensive package of financial services legislation was enacted in late 1994. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend on the tourism sector and, therefore, on continuing income growth in the industrialized nations as well as favorable weather conditions.purchasing power parity - $96 million (1999 est.)7% (1999 est.)purchasing power parity - $8,200 (1999 est.)4%18%78% (1997 est.)NA%NA%NA%2.5% (1998 est.)4,400 (1992)commerce 36%, services 29%, construction 18%, transportation and utilities 10%, manufacturing 3%, agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4%7% (1992 est.)$20.4 million$23.3 million, including capital expenditures of $3.8 million (1997 est.)tourism, boat building, offshore financial services3.1% (1997 est.)NA kWhNA%NA%NA% NA%NA kWhsmall quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising$4.5 million (1998)lobster, fish, livestock, saltNA$57.6 million (1998)NANA$8.8 million (1998)$3.5 million (1995)East Caribbean dollar (XCD)XCDEast Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)1 April - 31 March Anguilla Communications5,000 (1997)NA NA modern internal telephone system microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles)AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)3,000 (1997)1 (1997)1,000 (1997).ai16 (2000)NA Railways- 0 km279 km253 km26 km (1998 est.)noneBlowing Point, Road Bay Merchant marine- none (2000 est.)3 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.) 2 2 (2000 est.) Military - note- defense is the responsibility of the UKinternational- nonetransshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and EuropeAntarcticaSpeculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Peninsula region and areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1838 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Various "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century, including- 1902, first balloon flight (by British explorer Robert Falcon SCOTT); 1912, first to the South Pole (five Norwegian explorers under Roald AMUNDSEN); 1928, first fixed-wing aircraft flight (by Australian adventurer/explorer Sir Hubert WILKINS); 1929, first flight over the South Pole (by Americans Richard BYRD and Bernt BALCHEN); and 1935, first transantarctic flight (American Lincoln ELLSWORTH). Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but no other country recognizes these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle90 00 S, 0 00 EAntarctic Region14 million sq km14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km ice-covered) (est.) note- fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the subcontinent of Europeslightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US0 km note- see entry on International disputes17,968 kmnone; twenty of 27 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes - international entrysevere low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezingabout 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to 5,140 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continentBentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 mVinson Massif 5,140 m note- the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world s lowest elevation not under sea wateriron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish, and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries0%0%0%0%100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%)0 sq km (1993)katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may calve from ice shelfin 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the antarctic ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet light coming through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown to harm one-celled antarctic marine plantsthe coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitableno indigenous inhabitants, but there are seasonally staffed research stations note- approximately 29 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, send personnel to perform seasonal (summer) and year-round research on the continent and in its surrounding oceans; the population of persons doing and supporting science on the continent and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty) varies from approximately 4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel including ship s crew and scientists doing onboard research are present in the waters of the treaty region; Summer (January) population - 3,687 total; Argentina 302, Australia 201, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Bulgaria 16, Chile 352, China 70, Finland 11, France 100, Germany 51, India 60, Italy 106, Japan 136, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 60, Norway 40, Peru 28, Poland 70, Russia 254, South Africa 80, Spain 43, Sweden 20, UK 192, US 1,378 (1998-99); Winter (July) population - 964 total; Argentina 165, Australia 75, Brazil 12, Chile 129, China 33, France 33, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 14, NZ 10, Poland 20, Russia 102, South Africa 10, UK 39, US 248 (1998-99); year-round stations - 42 total; Argentina 6, Australia 4, Brazil 1, Chile 4, China 2, Finland 1, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 6, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Ukraine 1, UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (1998-99); Summer-only stations - 32 total; Argentina 3, Australia 4, Bulgaria 1, Chile 7, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 3, NZ 1, Peru 1, Russia 3, Sweden 2, UK 5 (1998-99); in addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research (July 2001 est.)noneAntarcticaAntarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. The 23rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Peru in May 1999. At the end of 2000, there were 44 treaty member nations- 27 consultative and 17 non-consultative. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 20 nonclaimant nations. The US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims. The US does not recognize the claims of others. Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their own national laws. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1983), Bulgaria (1998) China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), and the US. Non-consultative (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1995), Ukraine (1992), and Venezuela (1999). Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes; Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations. Other agreements - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for Fauna and Flora (1964) which were later incorporated into the Environmental Protocol; Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes- 1) marine pollution, 2) fauna and flora, 3) environmental impact assessments, 4) waste management, and 5) protected area management; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research.Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations. Decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (within their areas) in accordance with their own national laws. US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply extra-territorially. Some US laws directly apply to Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the following activities, unless authorized by regulation of statute- the taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica. Violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison. The National Science Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs, Room 5801, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty. For more information, contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone- (703) 292-8030, or see their website at www.nsf.gov. Antarctica Economynone; twenty of 27 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes - international entryFishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in 1998-99 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 119,898 metric tons. Unregulated fishing landed five to six times more than the regulated fishery, and allegedly illegal fishing in antarctic waters in 1998 resulted in the seizure (by France and Australia) of at least eight fishing ships. Companies interested in commercial fishing activities in Antarctica have put forward proposals. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 13,193 tourists visited in the 1999-2000 summer, up from the 10,013 who visited the previous year. Nearly all of them were passengers on 24 commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that made 143 trips during the summer. Most tourist trips lasted approximately two weeks. Antarctica Communications0 note- information for US bases only (2001)NA NA NA NAAM NA, FM 2, shortwave 1 note- information for US bases only (1998)NA1 (the US Navy Antarctic Support Group operates a cable system with six channels for the American Forces Antarctic Network-McMurdo) note- information for US bases only (2000)several hundred at McMurdo Sound note- information for US bases only (2001).aqNAthere are no developed ports and harbors in Antarctica; most coastal stations have offshore anchorages, and supplies are transferred from ship to shore by small boats, barges, and helicopters; a few stations have a basic wharf facility US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E), Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under "Legal System"); offshore anchorage is sparse and intermittent19 note- 27 stations, operated by 16 national governments party to the Antarctic Treaty, have aircraft landing facilities for either helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft; commercial enterprises operate two additional aircraft landing facilities; helicopter pads are available at 27 stations; runways at 15 locations are gravel, sea-ice, blue-ice, or compacted snow suitable for landing wheeled, fixed-wing aircraft; of these, 1 is greater than 3 km in length, 6 are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 3 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 3 are less than 1 km in length, and 2 are of unknown length; snow surface skiways, limited to use by ski-equipped, fixed-wing aircraft, are available at another 15 locations; of these, 4 are greater than 3 km in length, 3 are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 2 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 2 are less than 1 km in length, and 4 are of unknown length; aircraft landing facilities generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions; aircraft landing facilities do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from the respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization required for landing (2001 est.) 19 6 3 1 4 5 (2000 est.)27 stations have helicopter landing facilities (helipads) (2001 est.) Military - note- the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposesinternational- Antarctic Treaty freezes claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary in Government type entry); sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and UK; the US and most other nations do not recognize the territorial claims of other nations and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia reserve the right to do so); no claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees westAntigua and BarbudaThe islands of Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Some 3,000 refugees fleeing a volcanic eruption on nearby Montserrat have settled in Antigua and Barbuda since 1995.Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico17 03 N, 61 48 WCentral America and the Caribbean442 sq km (Antigua 281 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km)442 sq km0 sq km note- includes Redonda2.5 times the size of Washington, DC0 km153 km24 NM200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin200 NM12 NMtropical marine; little seasonal temperature variationmostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areasCaribbean Sea 0 mBoggy Peak 402 mNEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism18%0%9%11%62% (1993 est.)NA sq kmhurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughtswater management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quicklyBiodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whalingnone of the selected agreements66,970 (July 2001 est.) 27.97% (male 9,527; female 9,203) 67.15% (male 22,450; female 22,519) 4.88% (male 1,360; female 1,911) (2001 est.)0.74% (2001 est.)19.5 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)5.87 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-6.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female (2001 est.)22.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 70.74 years 68.45 years 73.14 years (2001 est.)2.31 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANAAntiguan(s), Barbudan(s)Antiguan, Barbudanblack, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, SyrianAnglican (predominant), other Protestant, some Roman CatholicEnglish (official), local dialects age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling 89% 90% 88% (1960 est.)noneAntigua and Barbudaconstitutional monarchy with UK-style parliamentSaint John s6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip1 November 1981 (from UK)Independence Day, 1 November (1981)1 November 1981based on English common law18 years of age; universalQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE (since NA 1993)Prime Minister Lester Bryant BIRD (since 8 March 1994)Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosen by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; prime minister appointed by the governor generalbicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms) House of Representatives - last held 9 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2004) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ALP 12, UPP 4, independent 1Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia; one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction)Antigua Labor Party or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; Barbuda People s Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three opposition parties - United National Democratic Party or UNDP, Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM, and Progressive Labor Movement or PLM)Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William ROBINSON]; People s Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL]ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Ambassador Lionel Alexander HURST 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 [1] (202) 362-5211 [1] (202) 362-5225 Miamired, 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 Antigua and Barbuda EconomyTourism continues to be the dominant activity in the economy accounting directly or indirectly for more than half of GDP. The budding offshore financial sector has been seriously hurt by financial sanctions imposed by the US and UK as a result of the loosening of its money-laundering controls. The government has made efforts to comply with international demands in order to get the sanctions lifted. Antigua and Barbuda was listed as a tax haven by the OECD in 2000. The dual island nation s agricultural production is mainly directed to the domestic market; the sector is constrained by the limited water supply and labor shortages that reflect the pull of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for about one-third of all tourist arrivals.purchasing power parity - $533 million (1999 est.)4.6% (1999 est.)purchasing power parity - $8,200 (1999 est.)4%12.5%83.5% (1996 est.)NA%NA%NA%1.6% (1999 est.)30,000commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983)7% (1999 est.)$122.6 million$141.2 million, including capital expenditures of $17.3 million (1997 est.)tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)6% (1997 est.)95 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)88.4 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock$38 million (1998)petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, machinery and transport equipment 17%, food and live animals 4%, other 8%OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3%$330 million (1998)food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oilUS 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%$357 million (1998)$2.3 million (1995)East Caribbean dollar (XCD)XCDEast Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)1 April - 31 March Antigua and Barbuda Communications28,000 (1996)1,300 (1996) NA good automatic telephone system 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Saba (Netherlands Antilles) and GuadeloupeAM 4, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)36,000 (1997)2 (1997)31,000 (1997).ag16 (2000)8,000 (2000)77 km64 km 0.760-m gauge; 13 km 0.610-m gauge (used almost exclusively for handling sugarcane)1,165 km384 km781 km (1999 est.)noneSaint John s681 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,070,390 GRT/5,289,904 DWTbulk 15, cargo 424, chemical tanker 10, combination bulk 4, container 176, liquefied gas 4, multi-functional large-load carrier 6, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 29 note- includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience- Cyprus 2, Germany 4, Slovenia 2 (2000 est.)3 (2000 est.) 2 1 1 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (includes Coast Guard)$NANA%international- noneconsidered a minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as a drug-money-laundering centerArctic OceanThe Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world s five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle90 00 N, 0 00 EArctic Region14.056 million sq km note- includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodiesslightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US45,389 kmpolar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snowcentral surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight-line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling landmasses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonosov Ridge)Fram Basin -4,665 msea level 0 msand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales)ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to Mayendangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepackmajor chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months Arctic Ocean EconomyEconomic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US) Transportation - note- sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterwaysinternational- some maritime disputes (see littoral states)ArgentinaFollowing independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist dictatorship was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina s progress in democratic consolidation.Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay34 00 S, 64 00 WSouth America2,766,890 sq km2,736,690 sq km30,200 sq kmslightly less than three-tenths the size of the UStotal- 9,665 kmBolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km4,989 km24 NM200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin200 NM12 NMmostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwestrich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western borderSalinas Chicas -40 m (located on Peninsula Valdes)Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 mfertile plains of the Pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium9%1%52%19%19% (1993 est.)17,000 sq km (1993 est.)San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the Pampas and northeast; heavy floodingenvironmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution note- Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targetsAntarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, WhalingClimate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Life Conservationsecond-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)37,384,816 (July 2001 est.) 26.54% (male 5,077,593; female 4,842,811) 63.04% (male 11,795,282; female 11,773,855) 10.42% (male 1,609,672; female 2,285,603) (2001 est.)1.15% (2001 est.)18.41 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)7.58 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)0.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.7 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2001 est.)17.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 75.26 years 71.88 years 78.82 years (2001 est.)2.44 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.69% (1999 est.)130,000 (1999 est.)1,800 (1999 est.)Argentine(s)Argentinewhite (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3%nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French age 15 and over can read and write 96.2% 96.2% 96.2% (1995 est.)Argentine RepublicArgentinaRepublica ArgentinaArgentinarepublicBuenos Aires23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Capital Federal*; Catamarca; Chaco; Chubut; Cordoba; Corrientes; Entre Rios; Formosa; Jujuy; La Pampa; La Rioja; Mendoza; Misiones; Neuquen; Rio Negro; Salta; San Juan; San Luis; Santa Cruz; Santa Fe; Santiago del Estero; Tierra del Fuego, Antartica e Islas del Atlantico Sur; Tucuman note- the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica9 July 1816 (from Spain)Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)1 May 1853; revised August 1994mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universal and mandatoryPresident Fernando DE LA RUA (since 10 December 1999); Vice President Carlos "Chacho" ALVAREZ resigned 6 October 2000 and a replacement has not yet been named; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentPresident Fernando DE LA RUA (since 10 December 1999); Vice President Carlos "Chacho" ALVAREZ resigned 6 October 2000 and a replacement has not yet been named; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentCabinet appointed by the president president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2003) Fernando DE LA RUA elected president; percent of vote - 48.5%bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; formerly, three members appointed by each of the provincial legislatures; presently transitioning to one-third of the members being elected every two years to six-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; one-half of the members elected every two years to four-year terms) Senate - transition phase will begin in the 2001 elections when all seats will be fully contested; winners will randomly draw to determine whether they will serve a two-year, four-year, or full six-year term, beginning a rotating cycle renovating one-third of the body every two years; Chamber of Deputies - last held 24 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2001) Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA%; seats by bloc or party - Peronist 40, UCR 20, Frepaso 1, other 11; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA%; seats by bloc or party - Alliance 124 (UCR 85, Frepaso 36, others 3), Peronist 101, AR 12, other 20Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the nine Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval by the Senate)Action for the Republic or AR [Domingo CAVALLO]; Front for a Country in Solidarity or Frepaso (a four-party coalition) [Carlos ALVAREZ]; Justicialist Party or PJ [Carlos Saul MENEM] (Peronist umbrella political organization); Radical Civic Union or UCR [Raul ALFONSIN]; several provincial partiesArgentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA); Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners association); business organizations; General Confederation of Labor or CGT (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Peronist-dominated labor movement; Roman Catholic Church; studentsAfDB, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MIPONUH, MTCR, NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC Ambassador Guillermo Enrique GONZALEZ 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 [1] (202) 238-6400 [1] (202) 332-3171 Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York Ambassador James D. WALSH Avenida Colombia 4300, 1425 Buenos Aires international mail- use street address; APO address- Unit 4334, APO AA 34034 [54] (11) 4777-4533/4534 [54] (11) 4511-4997three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May Argentina EconomyArgentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. However, when President Carlos MENEM took office in 1989, the country had piled up huge external debts, inflation had reached 200% per month, and output was plummeting. To combat the economic crisis, the government embarked on a path of trade liberalization, deregulation, and privatization. In 1991, it implemented radical monetary reforms which pegged the peso to the US dollar and limited the growth in the monetary base by law to the growth in reserves. Inflation fell sharply in subsequent years. In 1995, the Mexican peso crisis produced capital flight, the loss of banking system deposits, and a severe, but short-lived, recession; a series of reforms to bolster the domestic banking system followed. Real GDP growth recovered strongly, reaching 8% in 1997. In 1998, international financial turmoil caused by Russia s problems and increasing investor anxiety over Brazil produced the highest domestic interest rates in more than three years, halving the growth rate of the economy. Conditions worsened in 1999 with GDP falling by 3%. President Fernando DE LA RUA, who took office in December 1999, sponsored tax increases and spending cuts to reduce the deficit, which had ballooned to 2.5% of GDP in 1999. Growth in 2000 was a disappointing 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained skeptical of the government s ability to pay debts and maintain its fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. One bright spot at the start of 2001 was the IMF s offer of $13.7 billion in support.purchasing power parity - $476 billion (2000 est.)0.8% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $12,900 (2000 est.)6%32%62% (2000 est.)37% (1999 est.)NA%NA%-0.9% (2000 est.)15 million (1999)agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%15% (December 2000)$44 billion$48 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel1% (2000 est.)77.087 billion kWh (1999)60.3%30.7%8.75% 0.25% (1999)77.111 billion kWh (1999)1.08 billion kWh (1999)6.5 billion kWh (1999)sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock$26.5 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor vehiclesBrazil 24%, EU 21%, US 11% (1999 est.)$25.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal manufactures, plasticsEU 28%, US 22%, Brazil 21% (1999 est.)$154 billion (2000 est.)IMF offer of $13.7 billion (January 2001)Argentine peso (ARS)ARSArgentine pesos per US dollar - 1.000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)calendar year Argentina Communications7.5 million (1998)3 million (December 1999) by opening the telecommunications market to competition and foreign investment with the "Telecommunications Liberalization Plan of 1998", Argentina encouraged the growth of modern telecommunication technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major cities; the major networks are entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is being improved; however, telephone density is presently minimal, and making telephone service universally available will take some time microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network; more than 110,000 pay telephones are installed and mobile telephone use is rapidly expanding satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); Atlantis II and Unisur submarine cables; two international gateways near Buenos Aires (1999)AM 260 (including 10 inactive stations), FM NA (probably more than 1,000, mostly unlicensed), shortwave 6 (1998)24.3 million (1997)42 (plus 444 repeaters) (1997)7.95 million (1997).ar33 (2000)900,000 (2000)33,744 km (167 km electrified) broad gauge- 20,594 km 1.676-m gauge (141 km electrified)2,739 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified)10,154 km 1.000-m gauge; 257 km 0.750-m gauge (2000)215,434 km63,553 km (including 734 km of expressways)151,881 km (1998 est.)10,950 kmcrude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 kmBahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion del Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe, Ushuaia26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 185,355 GRT/281,475 DWTcargo 9, petroleum tanker 11, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 2 (2000 est.)1,359 (2000 est.) 143 4 25 57 48 9 (2000 est.) 1,216 2 2 56 601 555 (2000 est.)Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic (includes Naval Aviation, Marines, and Coast Guard), Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Aeronautical Police Force20 years of agemales age 15-49- 9,404,434 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 7,625,425 (2001 est.)males- 335,085 (2001 est.)$4.3 billion (FY99)1.3% (FY99)international- claims UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims UK-administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps British and Chilean claimsuse as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe and the US; increasing use as a money-laundering center; domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers is increasingArmeniaAn Orthodox Christian country, Armenia was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated exclave, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the exclave in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution.Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey40 00 N, 45 00 ECommonwealth of Independent States29,800 sq km28,400 sq km1,400 sq kmslightly smaller than Marylandtotal- 1,254 kmAzerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)highland continental, hot summers, cold wintersArmenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valleyDebed River 400 mAragats Lerr 4,095 msmall deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina17%3%24%15%41% (1993 est.)2,870 sq km (1993 est.)occasionally severe earthquakes; droughtssoil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; energy blockade, the result of conflict with Azerbaijan, has led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant without adequate (IAEA-recommended) safety and backup systemsAir Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, WetlandsAir Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutantslandlocked3,336,100 (July 2001 est.) 23.23% (male 394,194; female 380,911) 67.04% (male 1,094,646; female 1,141,760) 9.73% (male 135,477; female 189,112) (2001 est.)-0.21% (2001 est.)11.47 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)9.74 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-3.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.72 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)41.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 66.49 years 62.12 years 71.08 years (2001 est.)1.5 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.01% (1999 est.)less than 500 (1999 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)Armenian(s)ArmenianArmenian 93%, Azeri 3%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 2% (1989) note- as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from ArmeniaArmenian Orthodox 94%Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2% age 15 and over can read and write 99% 99% 98% (1989 est.)Republic of ArmeniaArmeniaHayastani Hanrapetut yunHayastanArmenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian RepublicrepublicYerevan10 provinces (marzer, singular - marz) and 1 city* (k aghak ner, singular - k aghak ); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark unik , Kotayk , Lorri, Shirak, Syunik , Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Yerevan*21 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)Independence Day, 21 September (1991)adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995based on civil law system18 years of age; universalnone (landlocked)President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March 1998)Prime Minister Andranik MARKARYAN (since 12 May 2000)Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; special election last held 30 March 1998 (next to be held NA March 2003); prime minister appointed by the president Robert KOCHARIAN elected president; percent of vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 59.5%, Karen DEMIRCHYAN 40.5%unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members serve four-year terms) last held 30 May 1999 (next to be held in the spring of 2003) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - unity bloc 61 (Republican Party 41, People s Party of Armenia 20), Stability Group (independent Armenian deputies who have formed a bloc) 21, ACP 10, ARF (Dashnak) 8, Law and Unity Party 7, NDU 6, Law-Governed Party 6, independents 10, unfilled 2; note - seats by party change frequentlySupreme Court; Constitutional CourtArmenia Party [Myasnik ALKHASYAN]; Armenian Communist Party or ACP [Vladimir DARBINYAN]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation ("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Hrant MARKARYAN]; Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Azat ARSHAKYN, chairman]; Democratic Liberal Party [Ramkavar AZATAKAN, chairman]; Free Armenian s Mission [Ruben MNATSANIAN, chairman]; Law and Unity Party [Artashes GEGAMIAN, chairman]; Law-Governed Party [Artur BAGDASARIAN, chairman]; Mission Party [Artush PAPOIAN, chairman]; National Democratic Union or NDU [Vazgen MANUKIAN]; National State Party [Samvel SHAGINIAN]; Pan-Armenian National Movement or PANM [Vano SIRADEGHYAN]; People s Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHYAN]; Republican Party or RPA [Andranik MARKARYAN]; Shamiram Women s Movement or SWM [Gayane SARUKHYAN]; Social Democratic (Hnchakian) Party [Ernst SOGOMONYAN]; Stability Group [Vartan AYVAZIAN, chairman]; Union of National Self-Determination or NSDU [Paruir HAIRIKIAN, chairman]; Unity Bloc [Stepan DEMIRCHIAN and Andranik MARKARYAN] (a coalition of the Republican Party and People s Party of Armenia)NABSEC, CCC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Arman KIRAKOSIAN 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 319-1976 [1] (202) 319-2982 Los Angeles Ambassador Michael C. LEMMON 18 Marshal Bagramian Avenue, Yerevan American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7020 [374] (2) 52-16-11 [374] (2) 151-550three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange Armenia EconomyUnder the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy. Since the implosion of the USSR in December 1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale agriculture away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. The agricultural sector has long-term needs for more investment and updated technology. The privatization of industry has been at a slower pace, but has been given renewed emphasis by the current administration. Armenia is a food importer, and its mineral deposits (gold, bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the breakup of the centrally directed economic system of the former Soviet Union contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s. By 1994, however, the Armenian Government had launched an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic program that has resulted in positive growth rates in 1995-2000. Armenia also managed to slash inflation and to privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. The chronic energy shortages Armenia suffered in recent years have been largely offset by the energy supplied by one of its nuclear power plants at Metsamor. Armenia s severe trade imbalance, importing three times its exports, has been offset somewhat by international aid, domestic restructuring of the economy, and foreign direct investment.purchasing power parity - $10 billion (2000 est.)5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $3,000 (2000 est.)40%25%35% (1999 est.)45% (1999 est.)NA%NA%1% (1999 est.)1.5 million (1999)agriculture 55%, services 25%, industry 20% (1999 est.)20% (1998 est.) note- official rate is 9.3% for 1998$360 million$566 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999 est.)metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, gem cutting, jewelry manufacturing, software development, brandy5% (2000 est.)6.668 billion kWh (1999)45.56%23.25%31.19% 0% (1999)6.201 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock$284 million (f.o.b., 2000 est.)diamonds, scrap metal, machinery and equipment, brandy, copper oreBelgium 36%, Iran 15%, Russia 14%, US 7%, Turkmenistan, Georgia (1999)$913 million (f.o.b., 2000 est.)natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs, diamondsRussia 17%, US 11%, Belgium 11%, Iran 10%, UK, Turkey (1999)$836 million (January 2001)$245.5 million (1995)dram (AMD)AMDdrams per US dollar - 554.29 (1 February 2001), 539.53 (2000), 535.06 (1999), 504.92 (1998), 490.85 (1997), 414.04 (1996)calendar year Armenia Communications568,000 (1997)6,220 (1997) system inadequate; now 90% privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion the majority of subscribers and the most modern equipment are in Yerevan (this includes paging and mobile cellular service) Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and through the Moscow international switch and by satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 1 IntelsatAM 9, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)850,000 (1997)4 (1998)825,000 (1997).am1 (1999)30,000 (2000)852 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge- 852 km 1.520-m gauge (779 km electrified) (2001)8,431 km ()NANA (1997)NA kmnatural gas 900 km (1991)none7 (2000 est.) 7 1 2 3 1 (2000 est.)Army, Air Force and Air Defense Aviation, Air Defense Force, Security Forces (internal and border troops)18 years of agemales age 15-49- 905,154 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 715,734 (2001 est.)males- 34,998 (2001 est.)$75 million (FY99)4% (FY99)international- Armenia supports ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the longstanding, separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; traditional demands regarding former Armenian lands in Turkey have subsidedillicit cultivator of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; increasingly used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs - mostly opium and hashish - to Western Europe and the US via Iran, Central Asia, and RussiaArubaDiscovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island s economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba s request in 1990.Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela12 30 N, 69 58 WCentral America and the Caribbean193 sq km193 sq km0 sq kmslightly larger than Washington, DC0 km68.5 km12 NMtropical marine; little seasonal temperature variationflat with a few hills; scant vegetationCaribbean Sea 0 mMount Jamanota 188 mNEGL; white sandy beaches7% (including aloe 0.01%)0%0%0%93% (1993 est.)0.01 sq kmlies outside the Caribbean hurricane beltNA70,007 (July 2001 est.) 21.29% (male 7,709; female 7,193) 68.52% (male 23,111; female 24,859) 10.19% (male 2,954; female 4,181) (2001 est.)0.64% (2001 est.)12.64 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)6.21 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)NEGL 1.05 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 0.71 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female (2001 est.)6.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 78.52 years 75.16 years 82.04 years (2001 est.)1.8 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANAAruban(s)Aruban; Dutchmixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80%Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, JewishDutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish NA 97% NA% NA%noneArubapart of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairsparliamentary democracyOranjestadnone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)Flag Day, 18 March1 January 1986based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence18 years of age; universalQueen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since 1 January 1992)Prime Minister Jan (Henny) H. EMAN (since 29 July 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Lili BEKE-MARTINEZCouncil of Ministers (elected by the Staten) 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 12 July 1997 (next to be held by December 2001) Jan (Henny) H. EMAN elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA%; Lili BEKE-MARTINEZ elected deputy prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA%unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held 12 December 1997 (next to be held by NA December 2001) percent of vote by party - AVP 43%, MEP 39%, OLA 9% PPA 4%, ADN 2%, PARA 1%, MAS 0.5%; seats by party - AVP 10, MEP 9, OLA 2Joint High Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the monarch)Aruba Solidarity Movement or MAS [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Party or PDA [Leo BERLINSKI]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People s Party or AVP [Tico CROES]; Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson ODUBER]; For a Restructured Aruba Now or PARA [leader NA]; National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro KELLY]NACaricom (observer), ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WToO (associate) Consul General Barbara J. STEPHENSON J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Curacao P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao [599] (9) 461-3066 [599] (9) 461-6489blue, 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 Aruba EconomyTourism is the mainstay of the Aruban economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition, the reopening of the country s oil refinery in 1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, has further spurred growth. Aruba s small labor force and less than 1% unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years.purchasing power parity - $2 billion (2000 est.)3.5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2000 est.)NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%NA%4.2% (2000 est.)41,501 (1997 est.)most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining0.6% (1999 est.)$NA$541 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refiningNA%450 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)418.5 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)aloes; livestock; fish$2.2 billion (including oil reexports) (2000 est.)live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipmentUS 42%, Colombia 20%, Netherlands 12% (1999)$2.5 billion (2000 est.)machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffsUS 63%, Netherlands 11%, Netherlands Antilles 3%, Japan (1999)$285 million (1996)$26 million (1995); note - the Netherlands provided a $127 million aid package to Aruba and Suriname in 1996Aruban guilder/florin (AWG)AWGAruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986)calendar year Aruba Communications33,000 (1997)3,402 (1997) NA more than adequate 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay linksAM 4, FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998)50,000 (1997)1 (1997)20,000 (1997).awNA4,000 (2000) Railways- 0 km800 km513 km287 km note- most coastal roads are paved, while unpaved roads serve large tracts of the interior (1995)noneBarcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,120 GRT/3,635 DWTcargo 1 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)Royal Dutch Navy and Marines, Coast Guard Military - note- defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlandsinternational- nonedrug-money-laundering center and transit point for narcotics bound for the US and EuropeAshmore and Cartier IslandsThese uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983 it became a National Nature Reserve. Recent geological explorations have indicated promising petroleum formations.Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia12 14 S, 123 05 ESoutheast Asia5 sq km5 sq km0 sq km note- includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Islandabout eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC0 km74.1 km12 NM200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone- 200 NM3 NMtropicallow with sand and coralIndian Ocean 0 munnamed location 3 mfish0%0%0%0%100% (all grass and sand)0 sq km (1993)surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazardsNAAshmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983no indigenous inhabitants note- there are only seasonal caretakers (July 2001 est.)Territory of Ashmore and Cartier IslandsAshmore and Cartier Islandsterritory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territoriesthe laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, applythe flag of Australia is used Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economyno economic activitynonenone; offshore anchorage only Military - note- defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Forceinternational- noneAtlantic OceanThe Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world s five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the St. Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south.body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere0 00 N, 25 00 WWorld76.762 million sq km note- includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodiesslightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US111,866 kmtropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to Novembersurface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm-water gyre in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basinMilwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 msea level 0 moil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stonesicebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December)endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Seamajor chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean EconomyThe Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world s most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) Transportation - note- Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of USinternational- some maritime disputes (see littoral states)AustraliaAustralia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia s status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean27 00 S, 133 00 EOceania7,686,850 sq km7,617,930 sq km68,920 sq km note- includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Islandslightly smaller than the contiguous 48 states of the US0 km25,760 km24 NM200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin200 NM12 NMgenerally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in northmostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeastLake Eyre -15 mMount Kosciuszko 2,229 mbauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum6%0%54%19%21% (1993 est.)21,070 sq km (1993 est.)cyclones along the coast; severe droughtssoil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resourcesAntarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, WhalingClimate Change-Kyoto Protocolworld s smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor" occurs along the west coast in the summer19,357,594 (July 2001 est.) 20.64% (male 2,045,892; female 1,948,949) 66.86% (male 6,538,096; female 6,405,014) 12.5% (male 1,059,107; female 1,360,536) (2001 est.)0.99% (2001 est.)12.86 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)7.18 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)4.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.78 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female (2001 est.)4.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 79.87 years 77.02 years 82.87 years (2001 est.)1.77 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.15% (1999 est.)14,000 (1999 est.)100 (1999 est.)Australian(s)AustralianCaucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%English, native languages age 15 and over can read and write 100% 100% 100% (1980 est.)Commonwealth of AustraliaAustraliademocratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereignCanberra6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia Dependent areas- Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies)Australia Day, 26 January (1788)9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations18 years of age; universal and compulsoryQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Rev. Peter HOLLINGSWORTH (since 29 June 2001)Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11 March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister John ANDERSON (since NA)Cabinet selected from among the members of Federal Parliament by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general 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 for a three-year term note- government coalition - Liberal Party and National Partybicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats - 12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two territories; one-half of the members elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (148 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve three-year terms; no state can have fewer than five representatives) Senate - last held 3 October 1998 (next to be held by October 2001); House of Representatives - last held 3 October 1998 (next to be held by October 2001) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 35, Australian Labor Party 29, Australian Democratic Party 9, Green Party 1, One Nation Party 1, independent 1; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 80, Australian Labor Party 67, independent 1High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general)Australian Democratic Party [Meg LEES]; Australian Labor Party [Kim BEAZLEY]; Green Party [Bob BROWN]; Liberal Party [John Winston HOWARD]; National Party [John ANDERSON]; One Nation Party [Pauline HANSON]Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splinter group); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Party splinter group)ANZUS, APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMEE, UNTAET, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC Ambassador Michael THAWLEY 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 797-3000 [1] (202) 797-3168 Atlanta, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco Ambassador Edward W. GNEHM, Jr. Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 APO AP 96549 [61] (02) 6214-5600 [61] (02) 6214-5970 Sydney consulate(s)- Melbourne and Perthblue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars Australia EconomyAustralia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP at the level of the four dominant West European economies. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Commodities account for 57% of the value of total exports, so that a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. While Australia has suffered from the low growth and high unemployment characterizing the OECD countries in the early 1990s and during the recent financial problems in East Asia, the economy has expanded at a solid 4% annual growth pace in the last five years. Canberra s emphasis on reforms is a key factor behind the economy s resilience to the regional crisis and its stronger than expected growth rate. Growth in 2001 will depend on key international commodity prices, the extent of recovery in nearby Asian economies, and the strength of US and European markets.purchasing power parity - $445.8 billion (2000 est.)4.7% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $23,200 (2000 est.)3%26%71% (1999 est.)NA%2%25.4% (1994)1.4% (2000 est.)9.5 million (December 1999)services 73%, industry 22%, agriculture 5% (1997 est.)6.4% (2000)$94 billion$103 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999 est.)mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel1.5% (1999 est.)191.727 billion kWh (1999)89.93%8.36%0% 1.71% (1999)178.306 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry$69 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipmentJapan 19%, EU 14%, ASEAN 12%, US 9%, South Korea, NZ, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China (1999)$77 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum productsEU 24%, US 22%, Japan 14%, ASEAN 13% (1999)$220.6 billion (2000) Economic aid - donor- ODA, $1.43 billion (FY97/98)Australian dollar (AUD)AUDAustralian dollars per US dollar - 1.7995 (January 2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999), 1.5888 (1998), 1.3439 (1997), 1.2773 (1996)1 July - 30 June Australia Communications9.58 million (1998)6.4 million (1998) excellent domestic and international service domestic satellite system; much use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile cellular telephones submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat (Indian and Pacific Ocean regions) (1998)AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998)25.5 million (1997)104 (1997)10.15 million (1997).au264 (2000)7.77 million (2000)33,819 km (2,540 km electrified) broad gauge- 3,719 km 1.600-m gauge15,422 km 1.435-m gauge14,506 km 1.067-m gauge dual gauge- 172 km NA gauges (1999)913,000 km353,331 km (including 1,363 km of expressways)559,669 km (1996)8,368 km (mainly used by small, shallow-draft craft)crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 kmAdelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport (Tasmania), Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceston (Tasmania), Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville54 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,558,371 GRT/2,038,776 DWTbulk 26, cargo 3, chemical tanker 5, container 1, liquefied gas 4, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 6 (2000 est.)411 (2000 est.) 271 10 12 118 122 9 (2000 est.) 140 17 112 11 (2000 est.)Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force17 years of agemales age 15-49- 4,990,107 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 4,303,966 (2001 est.)males- 138,971 (2001 est.)$6.9 billion (FY98/99)1.9% (FY98/99)international- territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory)Tasmania is one of the world s major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrateAustriaOnce the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies, Austria s 1955 State Treaty declared the country "permanently neutral" as a condition of Soviet military withdrawal. Neutrality, once ingrained as part of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria s increasingly prominent role in European affairs. A prosperous country, Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and the euro monetary system in 1999.Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia47 20 N, 13 20 EEurope83,858 sq km82,738 sq km1,120 sq kmslightly smaller than Mainetotal- 2,562 kmCzech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showersin the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently slopingNeusiedler See 115 mGrossglockner 3,798 miron ore, oil, timber, magnesite, lead, coal, lignite, copper, hydropower17%1%23%39%20% (1996 est.)457 sq km (1995 est.)NAsome forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern EuropeAir Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, WhalingAir Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocollandlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere8,150,835 (July 2001 est.) 16.57% (male 691,925; female 658,375) 68.05% (male 2,802,019; female 2,744,536) 15.38% (male 478,498; female 775,482) (2001 est.)0.24% (2001 est.)9.74 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)9.8 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)2.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.62 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)4.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 77.84 years 74.68 years 81.15 years (2001 est.)1.39 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.23% (1999 est.)9,000 (1999 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)Austrian(s)AustrianGerman 98%, Croatian, Slovene, other (includes Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma)Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant 5%, Muslim and other 17%German age 15 and over can read and write 98% NA% NA%Republic of AustriaAustriaRepublik OesterreichOesterreichfederal republicVienna9 states (bundeslaender, singular - bundesland); Burgenland, Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien1156 (from Bavaria)National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the passage of the law on permanent neutrality1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945)civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction19 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential electionsnone (landlocked)President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992)Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4 February 2000); Vice Chancellor Susanne RIESS-PASSER (FPOe) (since 4 February 2000)Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor president elected by direct popular vote for a six-year term; presidential election last held 19 April 1998 (next to be held in the spring of 2004); chancellor traditionally chosen by the president from the plurality party in the National Council; in the case of the current coalition, the chancellor was chosen from another party after the plurality party failed to form a government; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor Thomas KLESTIL reelected president; percent of vote - Thomas KLESTIL 63%, Gertraud KNOLL 14%, Heide SCHMIDT 11%, Richard LUGNER 10%, Karl NOWAK 2% note- government coalition - OeVP and FPOebicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal Council or Bundesrat (64 members; members represent each of the states on the basis of population, but with each state having at least three representatives; members serve a four- or six-year term) and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) National Council - last held 3 October 1999 (next to be held in the fall of 2003) National Council - percent of vote by party - SPOe 33.2%, OeVP 26.9%, FPOe 26.9%, Greens 7.4%; seats by party - SPOe 65, OeVP 52, FPOe 52, Greens 14Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or VerfassungsgerichtshofAustrian People s Party or OeVP [Wolfgang SCHUESSEL]; Freedom Party of Austria or FPOe [Susanne RIESS-PASSER]; Social Democratic Party of Austria or SPOe [Alfred GUSENBAUER]; The Greens Alternative or GA [Alexander VAN DER BELLEN]Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist) or OeGB; Federal Economic Chamber; OeVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists or VOeI; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic Action; three composite leagues of the Austrian People s Party or OeVP representing business, labor, and farmersAfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTAET, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC Ambassador Peter MOSER 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035 [1] (202) 895-6700 [1] (202) 895-6750 Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York Ambassador Kathryn Walt HALL Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1091, Vienna use embassy street address [43] (1) 313-39-2060 [43] (1) 313-39-2057three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red Austria EconomyAustria with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany s. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign investors attracted by Austria s access to the single European market and proximity to EU aspirant economies. In 2000, Austria moved to further cut government spending and raise taxes to meet EMU deficit targets after facing unexpected difficulties in reducing the public deficit. To meet increased competition from both EU and Central European countries, Austria will need to emphasize knowledge-based sectors of the economy and continue to deregulate the service sector. Growth is expected to remain at about 3% in 2001.purchasing power parity - $203 billion (2000 est.)3.1% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2000 est.)2.2%30.4%67.4% (1999 est.)NA%2% (2000 est.)3.7 million (1999)services 68%, industry and crafts 29%, agriculture and forestry 3% (1999 est.)5.4% (2000 est.)$56.3 billion$60.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications equipment, tourism4.2% (2000)59.283 billion kWh (1999)29.53%67.65%0% 2.82% (1999)53.231 billion kWh (1999)13.507 billion kWh (1999)11.605 billion kWh (1999)grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products, cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber$63.2 billion (2000 est.)machinery and equipment, paper and paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel; textiles, foodstuffsEU 64.2% (Germany 35.7%, Italy 8.7%, France 4.5%), Switzerland 5.9%, US 4.5%, Hungary 3.9% (1999)$65.6 billion (2000 est.)machinery and equipment, chemicals, metal goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffsEU 70.3% (Germany 42.5%, Italy 7.9%, France 5.3%), US 5.4%, Switzerland 3.0%, Hungary 2.8% (1999)$16 billion (1999) Economic aid - donor- ODA, $472 million (1999)Austrian schilling (ATS); euro (EUR) note- on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Austria at a fixed rate of 13.7603 Austrian shillings per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002ATS; EUReuros per US dollar - 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); Austrian schillings per US dollar - 11.86 (January 1999), 12.91 (1999), 12.379 (1998), 12.204 (1997), 10.587 (1996)calendar year Austria Communications4 million (3,600,000 analog main lines plus 400,000 ISDN or Integrated Services Digital Network connections) (1999)4.5 million (2000) highly developed and efficient there are 48 main lines for every 100 persons and the system is nearly 100% digital; the fiber optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet services are available satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 2 Eutelsat (1999)AM 1, FM 61 (plus several hundred repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)6.08 million (1997)45 (plus 960 repeaters) (1995)4.25 million (1997).at37 (2000)2.6 million (2000)6,095.2 km (3,643.3 km electrified)5,564.2 km 1.435-m gauge (3,521.2 km electrified)497.1 km (33.9 km 1.000-m gauge - 28.1 km electrified, 497.1 km 0.760-m gauge - 94 km electrified) (2001)133,361 km133,361 km (including 1,613 km of expressways)0 km (1998)358 km (1999)crude oil 777 km; natural gas 840 km (1999)Linz, Vienna, Enns, Krems23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 86,905 GRT/117,417 DWTbulk 1, cargo 18, combination bulk 2, container 2 (2000 est.)55 (2000 est.) 24 1 5 1 3 14 (2000 est.) 31 1 3 27 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)Army (includes Flying Division)19 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,091,263 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 1,731,383 (2001 est.)males- 50,580 (2001 est.)$1.7 billion (FY98)1.2% (FY98)international- minor disputes with Czech Republic and Slovenia over nuclear power plants and post-World War II treatment of German-speaking minoritiestransshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western EuropeAzerbaijanAzerbaijan - a nation of Turkic Muslims - has been an independent republic since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a cease-fire, in place since 1994, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost almost 20% of its territory and must support some 750,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan s undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia40 30 N, 47 30 ECommonwealth of Independent States86,600 sq km86,100 sq km500 sq km note- includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region s autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991slightly smaller than Mainetotal- 2,013 kmArmenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (800 km, est.)none (landlocked)dry, semiarid steppelarge, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian SeaCaspian Sea -28 mBazarduzu Dagi 4,485 mpetroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina18%5%25%11%41% (1993 est.)10,000 sq km (1993 est.)droughts; some lowland areas threatened by rising levels of the Caspian Sealocal scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cottonBiodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protectionnone of the selected agreementslandlocked7,771,092 (July 2001 est.) 28.95% (male 1,146,315; female 1,103,393) 63.93% (male 2,415,678; female 2,552,759) 7.12% (male 219,549; female 333,398) (2001 est.)0.32% (2001 est.)18.44 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)9.55 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-5.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.66 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)83.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 62.96 years 58.65 years 67.49 years (2001 est.)2.24 children born/woman (2001 est.)less than 0.01% (1999 est.)less than 500 (1999 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)Azerbaijani(s)AzerbaijaniAzeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%, other 2.3% (1998 est.) note- almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh regionMuslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.) note- religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lowerAzerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.) age 15 and over can read and write 97% 99% 96% (1989 est.)Republic of AzerbaijanAzerbaijanAzarbaycan RespublikasinoneAzerbaijan Soviet Socialist RepublicrepublicBaku (Baki)59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Ali Bayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baki Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingacevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaidzhan, 28 May (1918)adopted 12 November 1995based on civil law system18 years of age; universalnone (landlocked)President Heydar ALIYEV (since 18 June 1993)Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 26 November 1996)Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; election last held 11 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2003); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly Heydar ALIYEV reelected president; percent of vote - Heydar ALIYEV 77.6%, Etibar MAMEDOV 11.8%, Nizami SULEYMANOV 8.2%unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held 4 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2005) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NAP and allies 108, APF 6, CSP 3, PNIA 2, Musavat Party 2, CPA 2, APF "traditionalist" 1, Compatriot Party 1Supreme CourtAlliance for Azerbaijan Party [Abutalyb SAMADOV]; Azerbaijani Democratic Party or ADP [Sardar JALAL]; Azerbaijani Independent Democratic Party or AMDP [Leyla YUNUSOVA]; Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Ali KERIMOV, leader of "reform faction"; Mirmahmud FATTAYEV, leader of "traditionalist" faction]; Civic Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLY]; Civic Union Party [Ayaz MUTALIBOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA [Ramiz AHMADOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA-2 [Firudin HASANOV]; Compatriot Party [Mais SAFARLI]; Democratic Enlightenment Party [Mammadhanifu MUSAYEV]; Democratic Party for Azerbaijan or DPA [Ilyus ISMAILOV and Rasul QULIYEV, co-chairman]; Democratic World Party of Azerbaijan [Mamnad ALIZADE]; Liberal Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shvkat HAJIYEVA]; Motherland Party [Fazail AGAMALI]; National Congress Party of Azerbaijan [Ihtiyar SHIRIN]; National Movement Party [Samir JAFAROV]; National Statehood Party [Sabir TARIVERDIYEV]; Musavat [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; New Azerbaijan Party or NAP [Heydar ALIYEV, chairman]; Party for National Independence of Azerbaijan or PNIA [Etibar MAMMADOV, chairman]; People s Democratic Party of Azerbaijan or PDPA [Rafig TURABKHANOGLU]; Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Zardusht ALIZADE, chairman] note- opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new partiesSadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movementAsDB, BSEC, CCC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Hafiz Mir Jalal PASHAYEV (temporary) Suite 700, 927 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 or P. O. Box 28790, Washington, DC 20038-8790 [1] (202) 842-0001 [1] (202) 842-0004 Ambassador Ross WILSON Azadliq Prospekt 83, Baku 370007 American Embassy Baku, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7050 [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37 [9] (9412) 90-66-71three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band Azerbaijan EconomyAzerbaijan s most prominent products are oil, cotton, and natural gas. Azerbaijan s oil production declined through 1997 but has registered an increase every year since. Negotiation of 19 production-sharing arrangements (PSAs) with foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion to oil field development, should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the first of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company, began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. An obstacle to economic progress, including stepped up foreign investment, is the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade is building up with Turkey, Iran, UAE, and the nations of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan s ability to manage its oil wealth.purchasing power parity - $23.5 billion (2000 est.)11.4% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $3,000 (2000 est.)22%33%45% (1999 est.)60% (2000 est.)NA%NA%1.8% (2000 est.)2.9 million (1997)agriculture and forestry 32%, industry 15%, services 53% (1997)20% (1999 est.)$777 million$995 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999 est.)petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles6.9% (2000 est.)16.378 billion kWh (1999)86.46%13.54%0% 0% (1999)15.432 billion kWh (1999)600 million kWh (1999)800 million kWh (1999)cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats$1.9 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)oil and gas 75%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffsItaly, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Iran$1.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, metals, chemicalsRussia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, Iran$1 billion (2000)ODA, $113 million (1996)Azerbaijani manat (AZM)AZMAzerbaijani manats per US dollar - 4,579 (1 February 2001), 4,342 (October 1999), 4,373 (1999), 3,869 (1998), 3,985.38 (1997), 4,301.26 (1996)calendar year Azerbaijan Communications663,000 (1997)40,000 (1997) inadequate; requires considerable expansion and modernization; teledensity of 8.6 main lines per 100 persons is very low the majority of telephones are in Baku and other industrial centers - about 700 villages still do not have public telephone service; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its exclave of Naxcivan the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; a satellite connection to Turkey enables Baku to reach about 200 additional countries, some of which are directly connected to Baku by satellite providers other than Turkey (1997)AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998)175,000 (1997)2 (1997)170,000 (1997).az2 (2000)8,000 (2000)2,125 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge- 2,125 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (1993)24,981 km23,057 km (these roads are said to be hard-surfaced, and include, in addition to conventionally paved roads, some that are surfaced with gravel or other coarse aggregate, making them trafficable in all weather)1,924 km (these roads are made of unstabilized earth and are difficult to negotiate in wet weather) (1998)nonecrude oil 1,130 km; petroleum products 630 km; natural gas 1,240 kmBaku (Baki)56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 253,882 GRT/313,252 DWTbulk 1, cargo 12, petroleum tanker 40, roll on/roll off 2, short-sea passenger 1 (2000 est.)52 (2000 est.) 9 5 4 (2000 est.) 43 7 8 28 (2000 est.)Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards18 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,102,780 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 1,684,673 (2001 est.)males- 77,099 (2001 est.)$121 million (FY99)2.6% (FY99)international- Armenia supports ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the longstanding, separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistanlimited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; transshipment point for opiates via Iran, Central Asia, and Russia to Western EuropeBahamas, TheSince attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida24 15 N, 76 00 WCentral America and the Caribbean13,940 sq km10,070 sq km3,870 sq kmslightly smaller than Connecticut0 km3,542 km200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation200 NM12 NMtropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Streamlong, flat coral formations with some low rounded hillsAtlantic Ocean 0 mMount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 msalt, aragonite, timber, arable land1%0%0%32%67% (1993 est.)NA sq kmhurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood and wind damagecoral reef decay; solid waste disposalBiodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandsnone of the selected agreementsstrategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain297,852 note- estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2001 est.) 29.43% (male 44,179; female 43,486) 64.46% (male 94,329; female 97,674) 6.11% (male 7,618; female 10,566) (2001 est.)0.93% (2001 est.)19.1 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)7.14 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-2.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.02 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.72 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2001 est.)17.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 70.46 years 67.27 years 73.71 years (2001 est.)2.3 children born/woman (2001 est.)4.13% (1999 est.)6,900 (1999 est.)500 (1999 est.)Bahamian(s)Bahamianblack 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2%English, Creole (among Haitian immigrants) age 15 and over can read and write 98.2% 98.5% 98% (1995 est.)Commonwealth of The BahamasThe Bahamasconstitutional parliamentary democracyNassau21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor s Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New Providence, Nicholls Town and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay10 July 1973 (from UK)Independence Day, 10 July (1973)10 July 1973based on English common law18 years of age; universalQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Orville TURNQUEST (since 2 January 1995)Prime Minister Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM (since 19 August 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Frank WATSON (since December 1994)Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime minister s recommendation none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the governor generalbicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held 14 March 1997 (next to be held by March 2002) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - FNM 35, PLP 5Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrates courtsFree National Movement or FNM [Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM]; Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE]NAACP, C, Caricom, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Joshua SEARS 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 319-2660 [1] (202) 319-2668 Miami and New York Ambassador-designate J. Richard BLANKENSHIP Queen Street, Nassau local or express mail address- P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; stateside address- American Embassy Nassau, P. O. Box 599009, Miami, FL 33159-9009; pouch address- Nassau, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-3370 [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 [1] (242) 356-0222three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side Bahamas, The EconomyThe Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs 40% of the archipelago s labor force. Moderate growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences led to an increase of the country s GDP by an estimated 3% in 1998, 6% in 1999, and 4.5% in 2000. Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute only 10% of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run will depend heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector and continued sturdy growth in the US, which accounts for the majority of tourist visitors.purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (2000 est.)4.5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2000 est.)3%7%90% (1999 est.)NA%NA%NA%1.9% (2000 est.)156,000 (1999)tourism 40%, other services 50%, industry 5%, agriculture 5% (1995 est.)9% (1998 est.)$766 million$845 million, including capital expenditures of $97 million (FY97/98)tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipeNA%1.465 billion kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)1.362 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)citrus, vegetables; poultry$376.8 million (2000 est.)pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish, refined petroleum productsUS 22.3%, Switzerland 15.6%, UK 15%, Denmark 7.4% (1998)$1.73 billion (2000 est.)foodstuffs, manufactured goods, crude oil, vehicles, electronicsUS 27.3%, Italy 26.5%, Japan 10%, Denmark 4.2% (1998)$385.8 million (2000 est.)$9.8 million (1995)Bahamian dollar (BSD)BSDBahamian dollars per US dollar - 1.000 (fixed rate pegged to the dollar)1 July - 30 June Bahamas, The Communications96,000 (1997)6,152 (1997) modern facilities totally automatic system; highly developed tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida; 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (1997)AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)215,000 (1997)1 (1997)67,000 (1997).bs19 (2000)15,000 (2000) Railways- 0 km2,693 km1,546 km1,147 km (1997)noneFreeport, Matthew Town, Nassau1,049 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 30,000,221 GRT/44,601,471 DWTbulk 185, cargo 214, chemical tanker 36, combination bulk 15, combination ore/oil 22, container 66, liquefied gas 33, livestock carrier 1, multi-functional large-load carrier 4, passenger 79, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 182, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 118, roll on/roll off 50, short-sea passenger 15, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 24 note- includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience- Algeria 2, Australia 1, Austria 1, Bermuda 6, Belgium 14, Canada 1, Cuba 1, Cyprus 2, Denmark 17, Finland 7, France 9, Germany 9, Greece 89, Hong Kong 7, Indonesia 2, India 1, Israel 4, Italy 8, Japan 23, Jamaica 1, Kenya 1, Lebanon 2, Luxembourg 2, Monaco 15, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 16, Norway 139, Poland 3, Portugal 2, Russia 2, Saudi Arabia 5, Singapore 12, Spain 7, Sweden 14, Syria 1, Switzerland 7, UAE 1, Trinidad and Tobago 2, UK 67, Ukraine 3, US 50, British Virgin Islands 1, British Virgin Islands 1 (2000 est.)65 (2000 est.) 36 2 2 16 13 3 (2000 est.) 29 6 23 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Force$20 million (FY95/96)NA%international- nonetransshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; banking industry vulnerable to money launderingBahrainBahrain s small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Possessing minimal oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining, and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir is pushing economic and political reforms, and has worked to improve relations with the Shi a community. In 2001, the International Court of Justice awarded the Hawar Islands, long disputed with Qatar, to Bahrain.Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia26 00 N, 50 33 EMiddle East620 sq km620 sq km0 sq km3.5 times the size of Washington, DC0 km161 km24 NMextending to boundaries to be determined12 NMarid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summersmostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpmentPersian Gulf 0 mJabal ad Dukhan 122 moil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls1%1%6%0%92% (1993 est.)10 sq km (1993 est.)periodic droughts; dust stormsdesertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; no natural fresh water resources so that groundwater and sea water are the only sources for all water needsBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlandsnone of the selected agreementsclose to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf which much of Western world s petroleum must transit to reach open ocean645,361 note- includes 228,424 non-nationals (July 2001 est.) 29.6% (male 96,697; female 94,330) 67.43% (male 257,360; female 177,839) 2.97% (male 9,721; female 9,414) (2001 est.)1.73% (2001 est.)20.07 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)3.92 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.03 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.45 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.29 male(s)/female (2001 est.)19.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 73.2 years 70.81 years 75.67 years (2001 est.)2.79 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.15% (1999 est.)NANABahraini(s)BahrainiBahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%Shi a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu age 15 and over can read and write 85.2% 89.1% 79.4% (1995 est.)State of BahrainBahrainDawlat al BahraynAl BahraynDilmunconstitutional monarchyManama12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah note- all municipalities administered from Manama15 August 1971 (from UK)National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protectionadopted late December 2000 (new constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)based on Islamic law and English common lawnoneAmir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since NA 1971)Cabinet appointed by the monarch none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarchunicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established 16 December 1992; the National Action Charter created a bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum of 14 February 2001High Civil Appeals Courtpolitical parties prohibitedShi a activists fomented unrest sporadically 1994-97, demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are activeABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Ambassador (vacant) 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 342-0741 [1] (202) 362-2192 New York Ambassador Johnny YOUNG #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 321, Zinj District, Manama American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail- American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama [973] 273-300 [973] 272-594red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side Bahrain EconomyIn Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil revenue granted as aid. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.purchasing power parity - $10.1 billion (2000 est.)5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $15,900 (2000 est.)1%46%53% (1996 est.)NA%NA%NA%2% (2000 est.)295,000 (1998 est.) note- 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (July 1998 est.)industry, commerce, and service 79%, government 20%, agriculture 1% (1997 est.)15% (1998 est.)$1.8 billion$2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001 est.)petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism2% (2000 est.)6.185 billion kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)5.752 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish$5.8 billion (f.o.b., 2000)petroleum and petroleum products 61%, aluminum 7%India 14%, Saudi Arabia 5%, US 5%, UAE 5%, Japan 4%, South Korea 4% (1999)$4.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000)nonoil 59%, crude oil 41%France 20%, US 14%, UK 8%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Japan 5% (1999)$2.7 billion (2000)$48.4 million (1995)Bahraini dinar (BHD)BHDBahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.3760 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)calendar year Bahrain Communications152,000 (1997)58,543 (1997) modern system modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile cellular telephones tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (1997)AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)338,000 (1997)4 (1997)275,000 (1997).bh1 (2000)37,500 (2000) Railways- 0 km3,164 km2,433 km731 km note- there is a paved causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia (1997)nonecrude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 kmManama, Mina Salman, Sitrah7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 175,609 GRT/207,652 DWTbulk 2, cargo 3, container 2 (2000 est.)3 (2000 est.) 2 2 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Police Force15 years of agemales age 15-49- 222,141 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 121,833 (2001 est.)males- 5,926 (2001 est.)$318 million (FY99)5.2% (FY99)international- in March of 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the Hawar Islands to Bahrain and also adjusted Bahrain s maritime boundary with QatarBaker IslandThe US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia0 13 N, 176 31 WOceania1.4 sq km1.4 sq km0 sq kmabout 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC0 km4.8 km200 NM12 NMequatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sunlow, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reefPacific Ocean 0 munnamed location 8 mguano (deposits worked until 1891), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife0%0%0%0%100%0 sq km (1993)the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazardno natural fresh water resourcestreeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlifeuninhabited note- American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the middle of the west coast; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2001 est.)noneBaker Islandunincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge systemthe laws of the US, where applicable, applythe flag of the US is used Baker Island Economyno economic activitynonenone; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m, completely covered with vegetation and unusable (2000 est.) Transportation - note- there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast Military - note- defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guardinternational- noneBangladeshBangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country annually floods during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India24 00 N, 90 00 EAsia144,000 sq km133,910 sq km10,090 sq kmslightly smaller than Wisconsintotal- 4,246 kmBurma 193 km, India 4,053 km580 km18 NMup to the outer limits of the continental margin200 NM12 NMtropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeastIndian Ocean 0 mKeokradong 1,230 mnatural gas, arable land, timber, coal73%2%5%15%5% (1993 est.)31,000 sq km (1993 est.)droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon seasonmany people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; water-borne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally-occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulationBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, WetlandsLaw of the Sea131,269,860 (July 2001 est.) 35.04% (male 23,550,607; female 22,451,006) 61.6% (male 41,432,123; female 39,434,633) 3.36% (male 2,389,639; female 2,011,852) (2001 est.)1.59% (2001 est.)25.3 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)8.6 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-0.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.19 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female (2001 est.)69.85 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 60.54 years 60.74 years 60.33 years (2001 est.)2.78 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.02% (1999 est.)13,000 (1999 est.)1,000 (1999 est.)Bangladeshi(s)BangladeshiBengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims (1998)Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English age 15 and over can read and write 56% 63% 49% (2000 est.)People s Republic of BangladeshBangladeshEast Pakistanparliamentary democracyDhaka5 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi; note - there may be one additional division named Sylhet16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of BangladeshIndependence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many timesbased on English common law18 years of age; universalPresident Shahabuddin AHMED (since 9 October 1996); 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 electionsPrime Minister Sheikh HASINA (since 13 July 1996)Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 24 July 1996 (next to be held by NA October 2001); following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president Shahabuddin AHMED elected president without opposition; percent of National Parliament vote - NA%unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad (330 seats; 300 elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies, 30 seats reserved for women; members serve five-year terms) last held 12 June 1996 (next to be held before 13 October 2001) percent of vote by party - AL 33.87%, BNP 30.87%; seats by party - AL 178, BNP 113, JP 33, JI 3, other 3; note - the elections of 12 June 1996 brought to power an Awami League government for the first time in twenty-one years; held under a neutral, caretaker administration, the elections were characterized by a peaceful, orderly process and massive voter turnout, ending a bitter two-year impasse between the former BNP and opposition parties that had paralyzed National Parliament and led to widespread street violenceSupreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by the president)Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist Party or BCP [Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda ZIAur Rahman]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [Azizol HAQ]; Jamaat-E-Islami or JI [Motiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya Party or JP [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]NAAsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador-designate A. Tariq KARIM 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 244-0183 Los Angeles and New York Ambassador Mary Ann PETERS Road 27, House 110, Banani, Dhaka G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000 [880] (2) 8824700 through 8824722 [880] (2) 8823744green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; the red sun of freedom represents the blood shed to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush countryside, and secondarily, the traditional color of Islam Bangladesh EconomyDespite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains one of the world s poorest, most densely populated, and least developed nations. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single most important product. Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Reform is stalled in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all levels of government. Even so, Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA s Awami League government has made some headway improving the climate for foreign investors and liberalizing the capital markets. Progress on other economic reforms has been halting because of opposition from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested interest groups.purchasing power parity - $203 billion (2000 est.)5.3% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $1,570 (2000 est.)30%18%52% (2000 est.)35.6% (FY95/96 est.)3.9%28.6% (1995-96 est.)5.8% (2000 est.)64.1 million (1998) note- extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers remittances estimated at $1.71 billion in 1998-99agriculture 63%, services 26%, industry 11% (FY95/96)35.2% (1996)$4.9 billion$6.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY99/00 est.)cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar6.1% (2000 est.)12.06 billion kWh (1999)93.7%6.3%0% 0% (1999)11.216 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry$5.9 billion (2000)garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafoodUS 31.2%, Germany 9.95%, UK 8.06%, France 5.82%, Italy 4.42% (1999)$8.1 billion (2000)machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, raw cotton, food, crude oil and petroleum products, cementIndia 12.2%, Singapore 7.8%, Japan 6.7%, China 6.4%, US 5.3% (1999)$17 billion (2000)$1.575 billion (2000 est.)taka (BDT)BDTtaka per US dollar - 54.000 (January 2001), 52.142 (2000), 49.085 (1999), 46.906 (1998), 43.892 (1997), 41.794 (1996)1 July - 30 June Bangladesh Communications500,000 (2000)283,000 (2000) totally inadequate for a modern country modernizing; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2000)AM 12, FM 12, shortwave 2 (1999)6.15 million (1997)15 (1999)770,000 (1997).bd10 (2000)30,000 (2000)2,745 km broad gauge- 923 km 1.676-m gauge1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2000)201,182 km19,112 km182,070 km (1997)up to 8,046 km depending on season note- includes 3,058 km main cargo routesnatural gas 1,250 kmChittagong, Dhaka, Mongla Port, Narayanganj (2001)35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 268,566 GRT/375,110 DWTbulk 2, cargo 25, container 3, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 2 (2000 est.)18 (2000 est.) 15 2 3 4 1 5 (2000 est.) 3 1 2 (2000 est.)Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, paramilitary forces (includes Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Village Defense Parties, National Cadet Corps), Armed Police battalionsmales age 15-49- 36,005,553 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 21,362,279 (2001 est.)$559 million (FY96/97)1.8% (FY96/97)international- a portion of the boundary with India is indefinite; exchange of 151 enclaves along border with India subject to ratification by Indian parliament; dispute with India over South Talpatty/New Moore Islandtransit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countriesBarbadosThe island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Its economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela13 10 N, 59 32 WCentral America and the Caribbean430 sq km430 sq km0 sq km2.5 times the size of Washington, DC0 km97 km200 NM12 NMtropical; rainy season (June to October)relatively flat; rises gently to central highland regionAtlantic Ocean 0 mMount Hillaby 336 mpetroleum, fish, natural gas37%0%5%12%46% (1993 est.)NA sq kminfrequent hurricanes; periodic landslidespollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifersClimate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship PollutionBiodiversityeasternmost Caribbean island275,330 (July 2001 est.) 21.68% (male 30,122; female 29,572) 69.44% (male 93,283; female 97,915) 8.88% (male 9,432; female 15,006) (2001 est.)0.46% (2001 est.)13.47 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)8.53 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-0.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.01 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.63 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female (2001 est.)12.04 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 73.25 years 70.66 years 75.86 years (2001 est.)1.64 children born/woman (2001 est.)1.17% (1999 est.)1,800 (1999 est.)130 (1999 est.)Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)black 80%, white 4%, other 16%Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%English age 15 and over has ever attended school 97.4% 98% 96.8% (1995 est.)noneBarbadosparliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the CommonwealthBridgetown11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note - the city of Bridgetown may be given parish status30 November 1966 (from UK)Independence Day, 30 November (1966)30 November 1966English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts18 years of age; universalQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS (since 1 June 1996)Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6 September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Billie MILLER (since 6 September 1994)Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; prime minister appointed by the governor generalbicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Assembly (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) House of Assembly - last held 20 January 1999 (next to be held by January 2004) House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - BLP 26, DLP 2Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services)Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor Party or DLP [David THOMPSON]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Richard HAYNES]Barbados Workers Union [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David COMMISSIONG]; People s Progressive Movement [Eric SEALY]; Worker s Party of Barbados [Dr. George BELLE]ACP, C, Caricom, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Ambassador Michael KING 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 939-9200 [1] (202) 332-7467 Miami and New York consulate(s)- Los Angeles Ambassador James A. DALEY Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; FPO AA 34055 [1] (246) 436-4950 [1] (246) 429-5246three 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) Barbados EconomyHistorically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in recent years has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The start of the Port Charles Marina project in Speightstown helped the tourism industry continue to expand in 1996-2000. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners, and there is also a light manufacturing sector. The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, encourage direct foreign investment, and privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. Growth should remain steady in 2001, with new tourist facilities a plus factor.purchasing power parity - $4 billion (2000 est.)2.8% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $14,500 (2000 est.)4%16%80% (1998)NA%NA%NA%2% (2000 est.)136,000 (1998 est.)services 75%, industry 15%, agriculture 10% (1996 est.)11% (1999 est.)$725.5 million$750.6 million, including capital expenditures of $126.3 million (FY97/98 est.)tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export0.8% (1996)718 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)667.7 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)sugarcane, vegetables, cotton$260 million (2000 est.)sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components, clothingUK 14.8%, US 11.6%, Trinidad and Tobago 7.6%, Venezuela 6.1%, Jamaica 5.8% (1998)$800.3 million (2000 est.)consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical componentsUS 30.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 10.2%, Japan 8.3%, UK 7.7%, Canada 2.2% (1998)$425 million (2000 est.)$9.1 million (1995)Barbadian dollar (BBD)BBDBarbadian dollars per US dollar - 2.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)1 April - 31 March Barbados Communications108,000 (1997)8,013 (1997) NA island-wide automatic telephone system satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint LuciaAM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)237,000 (1997)1 (plus two cable channels) (1997)76,000 (1997).bb19 (2000)6,000 (2000) Railways- 0 km1,600 km1,578 km22 km (1998)noneBridgetown, Speightstown (Port Charles Marina)47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 671,545 GRT/1,125,635 DWTbulk 10, cargo 28, combination bulk 1, container 2, petroleum tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1 note- includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience- Canada 2, Hong Kong 1 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)Royal Barbados Defense Force (includes Ground Forces and Coast Guard), Royal Barbados Police Forcemales age 15-49- 78,069 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 53,576 (2001 est.)$NANA%international- noneone of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for Europe and the USBassas da IndiaThis atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique21 30 S, 39 50 EAfrica0.2 sq km0.2 sq km0 sq kmabout one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC0 km35.2 km200 NM12 NMtropicalvolcanic rockIndian Ocean 0 munnamed location 2.4 mnone0%0%0%0%100% (all rock)0 sq km (1993)maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclonesNAuninhabited (July 2001 est.)noneBassas da Indiapossession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunionthe laws of France, where applicable, applythe flag of France is used Bassas da India Economyno economic activitynonenone; offshore anchorage only Military - note- defense is the responsibility of Franceinternational- claimed by MadagascarBelarusAfter seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration but, to date, neither side has actively sought to implement the accord.Eastern Europe, east of Poland53 00 N, 28 00 ECommonwealth of Independent States207,600 sq km207,600 sq km0 sq kmslightly smaller than Kansastotal- 3,098 kmLatvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritimegenerally flat and contains much marshlandNyoman River 90 mDzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 mforests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas29%1%15%34%21% (1993 est.)1,000 sq km (1993 est.)NAsoil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl in northern UkraineAir Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, WetlandsLaw of the Sealandlocked10,350,194 (July 2001 est.) 17.93% (male 947,820; female 908,210) 68.21% (male 3,428,920; female 3,631,290) 13.86% (male 473,992; female 959,962) (2001 est.)-0.15% (2001 est.)9.57 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)13.97 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)2.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female 0.49 male(s)/female 0.88 male(s)/female (2001 est.)14.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 68.14 years 62.06 years 74.52 years (2001 est.)1.28 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.28% (1999 est.)14,000 (1999 est.)400 (1999 est.)Belarusian(s)BelarusianByelorussian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish, Ukrainian, and other 7.4%Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)Byelorussian, Russian, other age 15 and over can read and write 98% 99% 97% (1989 est.)Republic of BelarusBelarusRespublika Byelarus noneBelorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist RepublicrepublicMinsk6 voblastsi (singular - voblasts ) and one municipality* (harady, singular - horad); Brestskaya (Brest), Homyel skaya (Homyel ), Horad Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya (Hrodna), Mahilyowskaya (Mahilyow), Minskaya, Vitsyebskaya (Vitsyebsk); note - when using a place name with the adjectival ending skaya the word voblasts should be added to the place name note- voblasti have the administrative center name following in parentheses25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996based on civil law system18 years of age; universalnone (landlocked)President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994)Prime Minister Vladimir YERMOSHIN (since 18 February 2000); First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey KOBYAKOV (since 13 March 2000); Deputy Prime Ministers Mikhail DEMCHUK (since 14 July 2000), Mikhail KHORSTOV (since 27 November 2000), Valeriy KOKOREV (since 23 August 1994), Leonid KOZIK (since 4 February 1997), Gennadiy NOVITSKIY (since 11 February 1997), Aleksandr POPKOV (since 10 November 1998)Council of Ministers president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994 (next to be held NA; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999, however LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via the November 1996 referendum); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president Aleksandr LUKASHENKO elected president; percent of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 85%, Vyacheslav KEBICH 15%bicameral Parliament or Natsionalnoye Sobranie consists of the Council of the Republic or Soviet Respubliki (64 seats) and the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Pretsaviteley (110 seats) last held October 2000 (next to be held NA) party affiliation data unavailable; under present political conditions party designations are meaninglessSupreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives)Agrarian Party or AP [Semyon SHARETSKY, chairman]; Belarusian Communist Party or KPB [Viktor CHIKIN, chairman]; Belarusian Ecological Green Party (merger of Belarusian Ecological Party and Green Party of Belarus) [leader NA]; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian Patriotic Party) or BPR [Anatoliy BARANKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Popular Front or BNF [Vintsuk VYACHORKA]; Belarusian Social-Democrat or SDBP [Nikolay STATKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Party Hromada [Stanislav SHUSHKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Socialist Party [Vyacheslav KUZNETSOV]; Civic Accord Bloc (United Civic Party) or CAB [Stanislav BOGDANKEVICH, chairman]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDPB [Sergei GAYDUKEVICH, chairman]; Party of Communists Belarusian or PKB [Sergei KALYAKIN, chairman]; Republican Party of Labor and Justice or RPPS [Anatoliy NETYLKIN, chairman]; Social-Democrat Party of Popular Accord or PPA [Leanid SECHKA]; Women s Party Nadezhda [Valentina POLEVIKOVA, chairperson]NACCC, CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Inmarsat, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Valeriy TSEPAKLO 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 [1] (202) 986-1604 [1] (202) 986-1805 New York Ambassador Michael KOZAK 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002 use embassy street address [375] (17) 210-12-83 [375] (17) 234-7853red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side bears the Belarusian national ornament in red Belarus EconomyBelarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and expanded the state s right to intervene in the management of private enterprise. In addition to the burdens imposed by extremely high inflation, businesses have been subject to pressure on the part of central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, and retroactive application of new business regulations prohibiting practices that had been legal. Further economic problems are two consecutive bad harvests, 1998-99, and persistent trade deficits. Close relations with Russia, possibly leading to reunion, color the pattern of economic developments. For the time being, Belarus remains self-isolated from the West and its open-market economies.purchasing power parity - $78.8 billion (2000 est.)4% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $7,500 (2000 est.)13%46%41% (1999 est.)22% (1995 est.)4.9%19.4% (1993)200% (2000 est.)4.8 million (2000)industry and construction NA%, agriculture and forestry NA%, services NA%2.1% officially registered unemployed (December 2000); large number of underemployed workers$4 billion$4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $180 million (1997 est.)metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earth movers, motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, textiles, radios, refrigerators5% (2000 est.)24.911 billion kWh (1999)99.9%0.1%0% 0% (1999)27.647 billion kWh (1999)2.62 billion kWh (1999)7.1 billion kWh (1999)grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk$7.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000)machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, textiles, foodstuffsRussia 66%, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Lithuania (1998)$8.3 billion (f.o.b., 2000)mineral products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, foodstuffsRussia 54%, Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Lithuania (1998)$1 billion (2000 est.)$194.3 million (1995)Belarusian ruble (BYB/BYR)BYB/BYRBelarusian rubles per US dollar - 1,180 (yearend 2000), 730,000 (15 December 1999), 139,000 (25 January 1999), 46,080 (second quarter 1998), 25,964 (1997), 15,500 (yearend 1996); note - on 1 January 2000, the national currency was redenominated at one new ruble to 2,000 old rublescalendar year Belarus Communications2.313 million (1997)8,167 (1997) the Ministry of Telecommunications controls all telecommunications through its carrier (a joint stock company) Beltelcom which is a monopoly local - Minsk has a digital metropolitan network and a cellular NMT-450 network; waiting lists for telephones are long; local service outside Minsk is neglected and poor; intercity - Belarus has a partly developed fiber-optic backbone system presently serving at least 13 major cities (1998); Belarus s fiber optics form synchronous digital hierarchy rings through other countries systems; an inadequate analog system remains operational Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); three fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stationsAM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998)3.02 million (1997)47 (plus 27 repeaters) (1995)2.52 million (1997).by4 (2000)10,000 (2000)5,523 km broad gauge- 5,523 km 1.520-m gauge (875 km electrified) (2000)63,355 km60,567 km (these roads are said to be hard-surfaced, and include, in addition to conventionally paved roads, some that are surfaced with gravel or other coarse aggregate, making them trafficable in all weather)2,788 km (these roads are made of unstabilized earth and are difficult to negotiate in wet weather) (1998)NA km; note - Belarus has extensive and widely used canal and river systemscrude oil 1,470 km; refined products 1,100 km; natural gas 1,980 km (1992)Mazyr136 (2000 est.) 33 2 19 1 11 (2000 est.) 103 3 10 11 14 65 (2000 est.)Army, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Guards18 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,729,956 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 2,138,743 (2001 est.)males- 86,396 (2001 est.)$156 million (FY98)1.2% (FY98)international- nonelimited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western EuropeBelgiumBelgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands50 50 N, 4 00 EEurope30,510 sq km30,230 sq km280 sq kmabout the size of Marylandtotal- 1,385 kmFrance 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km66 kmmedian line with neighbors exclusive fishing zone- median line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast)12 NMtemperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudyflat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeastNorth Sea 0 mSignal de Botrange 694 mcoal, natural gas24%1%20%21%34%NA sq kmflooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikesthe environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities- urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, intense animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have impeded progress in tackling environmental challengesAir Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, WetlandsAir Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocolcrossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of both the EU and NATO10,258,762 (July 2001 est.) 17.48% (male 916,957; female 876,029) 65.57% (male 3,390,145; female 3,336,908) 16.95% (male 709,212; female 1,029,511) (2001 est.)0.16% (2001 est.)10.74 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)10.1 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.69 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female (2001 est.)4.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 77.96 years 74.63 years 81.46 years (2001 est.)1.61 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.15% (1999 est.)7,700 (1999 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)Belgian(s)BelgianFleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%Dutch 58%, French 32%, German 10%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French) age 15 and over can read and write 98% NA% NA%Kingdom of BelgiumBelgiumRoyaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk BelgieBelgique/Belgiefederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchBrussels10 provinces (French- provinces, singular - province; Flemish- provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams Brabant, West-Vlaanderen; note - the Brussels Capitol Region is not included within the 10 provinces21 July 1831 (from the Netherlands)Independence Day, 21 July (1831)7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal statecivil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations18 years of age; universal and compulsoryKing ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarchPrime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999)Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved by Parliament none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch and then approved by Parliament note- government coalition - VLD, PRL, PS, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLObicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held in NA 2003) Senate - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, CVP 14.7%, PRL 10.6%, PS 9.7%, VB 9.4%, SP 8.9%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.1%, PSC 6.0%, VU 5.1%; seats by party - VLD 11, CVP 10, PS 10, PRL 9, VB 6, SP 6, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, PSC 5, VU 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 14.3%, CVP 14.1%, PS 10.2%, PRL 10.1%, VB 9.9%, SP 9.5%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.0%, PSC 5.9%, VU 5.6%; seats by party - VLD 23, CVP 22, PS 19, PRL 18, VB 15, SP 14, ECOLO 11, PSC 10, AGALEV 9, VU 8, FN 1 note- as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see Political parties and leadersSupreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Dos GEYSELS]; ECOLO (Francophone Greens) [no president]; Flemish Christian Democrats or CVP (Christian People s Party) [Stefaan DE CLERCK, president]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT, president]; Flemish Socialist Party or SP [Patrick JANSSENS, president]; Francophone Christian Democrats or PSC (Social Christian Party) [Joelle MILQUET, president]; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party or PRL [Daniel DUCARME, president]; Francophone Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO, president]; National Front or FN [Daniel FERET]; Vlaams Blok or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; Volksunie or VU [leader vacant]; other minor partiesChristian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrantsACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC Ambassador Alexis REYN 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 333-6900 [1] (202) 333-3079 Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York Ambassador (vacant) 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710 [32] (2) 508-2111 [32] (2) 511-2725three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France Belgium EconomyThis modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging investment in the southern region of Wallonia. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. About three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Belgium s public debt is expected to fall below 100% of GDP in 2002, and the government has succeeded in balancing is budget. Belgium became a charter member of the European Monetary Union (EMU) in January 1999. Economic growth in 2000 was broad based, putting the government in a good position to pursue its energy market liberalization policies and planned tax cuts.purchasing power parity - $259.2 billion (2000 est.)4.1% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $25,300 (2000 est.)1.4%26%72.6% (2000 est.)4%3.7%20.2% (1992)2.2% (2000 est.)4.34 million (1999)services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)8.4% (2000 est.)$114.8 billion$117 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.6 billion (1999)engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal5.5% (2000 est.)79.829 billion kWh (1999)40.01%0.42%58.33% 1.24% (1999)75.089 billion kWh (1999)8.207 billion kWh (1999)9.055 billion kWh (1999)sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk$181.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000)machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal productsEU 76% (Germany 18%, France 18%, Netherlands 12%, UK 10%) (1999)$166 billion (c.i.f., 2000)machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal productsEU 71% (Germany 18%, Netherlands 17%, France 14%, UK 9%) (1999)$28.3 billion (1999 est.) Economic aid - donor- ODA, $764 million (1997)Belgian franc (BEF); euro (EUR) note- on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Belgium at a fixed rate of 40.3399 Belgian francs per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002BEF; EUReuros per US dollar - 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); Belgian francs per US dollar - 34.77 (January 1999), 36.229 (1998), 35.774 (1997), 30.962 (1996)calendar year Belgium Communications4.769 million (1997)974,494 (1997) highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 EutelsatFM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)8.075 million (1997)25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)4.72 million (1997).be61 (2000)2.7 million (2000)3,437 km (2,446 km electrified; 2,563 km double track)3,437 km 1.435-m gauge (1998)145,774 km116,182 km (including 1,674 km of expressways)29,592 km (1999)2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)crude oil 161 km; petroleum products 1,167 km; natural gas 3,300 kmAntwerp (one of the world s busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 32,912 GRT/53,161 DWTcargo 6, chemical tanker 9, petroleum tanker 6 (2000 est.)42 (2000 est.) 24 6 8 3 1 6 (2000 est.) 18 2 16 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.)Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Medical Service19 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,517,596 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 2,079,624 (2001 est.)males- 63,247 (2001 est.)$2.5 billion (FY01)1.2% (FY99)international- nonegrowing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western EuropeBeninDahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo9 30 N, 2 15 EAfrica112,620 sq km110,620 sq km2,000 sq kmslightly smaller than Pennsylvaniatotal- 1,989 kmBurkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km121 km200 NMtropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in northmostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountainsAtlantic Ocean 0 mMont Sokbaro 658 msmall offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber13%4%4%31%48% (1993 est.)100 sq km (1993 est.)hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winterinadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertificationBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandsnone of the selected agreementsno natural harbors6,590,782 note- estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2001 est.) 47.32% (male 1,574,124; female 1,544,741) 50.38% (male 1,607,900; female 1,712,360) 2.3% (male 64,756; female 86,901) (2001 est.)2.97% (2001 est.)44.23 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)14.51 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.03 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female 0.75 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2001 est.)89.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 49.94 years 49.02 years 50.88 years (2001 est.)6.23 children born/woman (2001 est.)2.45% (1999 est.)70,000 (1999 est.)5,600 (1999 est.)Beninese (singular and plural)BenineseAfrican 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north) age 15 and over can read and write 37.5% 52.2% 23.6% (2000)Republic of BeninBeninRepublique du BeninBeninDahomeyrepublic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat of government6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou; note - six additional provinces have been reported but not confirmed; they are Alibori, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, and Plateau; moreover, the term "province" may have been changed to "department"1 August 1960 (from France)National Day, 1 August (1960)December 1990based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universalPresident Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentPresident Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentCouncil of Ministers appointed by the president president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006) Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent of vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9% note- the four top-ranking contenders following the first round presidential elections were- Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%, Nicephore SOGOLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI (National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister of State) 8.6%; the second round balloting, originally scheduled for 18 March, was postponed four days because both SOGOLO and HOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU to run against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termed a "friendly match"unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held 30 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2003) percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RB 27, PRD 11, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 9, MADEP 6, E toile 4, Alliance IPD 4, Car-DUNYA 3, MERCI 2, other 7Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Court of JusticeAfrican Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Sylvain Adekpedjou AKINDES]; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress or UNSP [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Cameleon Alliance or AC [leader NA]; Car-DUNYA [Saka SALEY]; Communist Party of Benin or PCB [Pascal FANTONDJI, first secretary]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Front for Renewal and Development or FARD-ALAFIA [Jerome Sakia KINA]; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or IPD [Bertin BORNA]; Liberal Democrats Rally for National Reconstruction-Vivoten or RDL-Vivoten [Severin ADJOVI]; Movement for Citizens Commitment and Awakening or MERCI [Severin ADJOVI]; New Generation for the Republic or NGR [Paul DOSSOU]; Our Common Cause or NCC [Francois Odjo TANKPINON]; Party Democratique du Benin or PDB [Col. Soule DANKORO]; Rally for Democracy and Pan-Africanism or RDP [Dominique HOYMINOU, Dr. Giles Auguste MINONTIN]; Renaissance Party du Benin or RB [Nicephore SOGLO]; The Star Alliance (Alliance E toile) [Sacca LAFIA]; Union for National Democracy and Solidarity or UDS [Adamou N Diaye MAMA] note- the Coalition of Democratic Forces is an alliance of parties and organizations supporting President KEREKOU [Gatien HOUNGBEDJI]NAACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNTAET, UPU, WADB, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Lucien Edgar TONOUKOUIN 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 232-6656 [1] (202) 265-1996 Ambassador Pamela E. BRIDGEWATER Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou B. P. 2012, Cotonou [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92 [229] 30-14-39, 30-19-74two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side Benin EconomyThe economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output averaged a sound 5% in 1996-99, but a rapid population rise offset much of this growth. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. Commercial and transport activities, which make up a large part of GDP, are vulnerable to developments in Nigeria, particularly fuel shortages. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation in recent years. While high fuel prices constrained growth in 2000, increased cotton production - enabled by a major restructuring program - and an expansion of the Cotonou port, may lead to increased growth in 2001.purchasing power parity - $6.6 billion (2000 est.)5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $1,030 (2000 est.)37.9%13.5%48.6% (1999)37.2% (1999 est.)NA%NA%3% (2000 est.)NANA%$299 million$445 million, including capital expenditures of $14 million (1995 est.)textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; construction materials, petroleum6.9% (2000 est.)226 million kWh (1999)24.78%75.22%0% 0% (1999)510.2 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)300 million kWh (1999)corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice, cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock$396 million (f.o.b., 1999)cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoaBrazil 14%, Libya 5%, Indonesia 4%, Italy 4% (1999)$566 million (c.i.f., 1999)foodstuffs, tobacco, petroleum products, capital goodsFrance 38%, China 16%, UK 9%, Cote d Ivoire 5% (1999)$1.6 billion (1998 est.)$274.6 million (1997)Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African StatesXOFCommunaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 699.21 (January 2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996); note - from 1 January 1999, the XOF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 XOF per eurocalendar year Benin Communications36,000 (1997)4,295 (1997) NA fair system of open wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); submarine cableAM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998)620,000 (1997)2 (one privately-owned) (1997)60,000 (1997).bj1 (2000)10,000 (2000)578 km (single track)578 km 1.000-m gauge (2000)6,787 km1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways)5,430 km (1997 est.)streams navigable along small sections, important only locallyCotonou, Porto-Novo Merchant marine- none (2000 est.)5 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.) 4 1 1 2 (2000 est.)Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie18 years of agemales age 15-49- 1,455,433 females age 15-49- 1,489,947 note- both sexes are liable for military service (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 743,980 females age 15-49- 755,149 (2001 est.)males- 70,088 females- 73,618 (2001 est.)$27 million (FY96)1.2% (FY96)international- nonetransshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western Europe and the USBermudaBermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US)32 20 N, 64 45 WNorth America58.8 sq km58.8 sq km0 sq kmabout 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC0 km103 kmexclusive fishing zone- 200 NM12 NMsubtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winterlow hills separated by fertile depressionsAtlantic Ocean 0 mTown Hill 76 mlimestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism6%0%0%0%94% (55% developed, 39% rural/open space) (1997 est.)NA sq kmhurricanes (June to November)asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open spaceconsists of about 360 small coral islands with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land, reclaimed and otherwise, was leased by US Government from 1941 to 199563,503 (July 2001 est.) 19.4% (male 6,091; female 6,230) 69.43% (male 21,783; female 22,309) 11.17% (male 3,073; female 4,017) (2001 est.)0.74% (2001 est.)12.16 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)7.42 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)2.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 0.94 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.76 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)9.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 77.12 years 75.04 years 79.06 years (2001 est.)1.81 children born/woman (2001 est.)NA%NANABermudian(s)Bermudianblack 58%, white 36%, other 6%non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19%English (official), Portuguese age 15 and over can read and write 98% 98% 99% (1970 est.)noneBermudaSomers Islandsoverseas territory of the UKparliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-governmentHamilton9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwicknone (overseas territory of the UK)Bermuda Day, 24 May8 June 1968, amended 1989English law18 years of age; universalexclusive fishing zone- 200 NMQueen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Thorold MASEFIELD (since NA June 1997)Premier Jennifer SMITH (since 10 November 1998)Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; governor invites leader of largest party in Parliament to form a government as premierbicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) last held 9 November 1998 (next to be held NA November 2003) percent of vote by party - PLP 54%, UBP 44%, NLP 1%, independents 1%; seats by party - PLP 26, UBP 14Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate CourtsNational Liberal Party or NLP [Dessaline WALDRON]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; United Bermuda Party or UBP [Pamela GORDON]Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Association or BPSA [Betty CHRISTOPHER]Caricom (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC Consul General Lawrence D. OWEN consulate(s) general- Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-5300 [1] (441) 295-1342 Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton mailing address- P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone- [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX- [1] (441) 295-1592red, 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 Bermuda EconomyBermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing financial services for international firms and luxury tourist facilities for 360,000 visitors annually. The tourist industry, which accounts for an estimated 28% of GDP, attracts 84% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda s economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian fears of scaring away foreign firms. Government economic priorities are the further strengthening of the tourist and international financial sectors.purchasing power parity - $2.1 billion (2000 est.)1.5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $33,000 (2000 est.)1%10%89% (1995 est.)NA%NA%NA%2.7% (2000 est.)35,296 (1997)clerical 23%, services 22%, laborers 17%, professional and technical 17%, administrative and managerial 12%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1996)NEGL% (1995)$504.6 million$537 million, including capital expenditures of $75 million (FY97/98)tourism, finance, insurance, structural concrete products, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, ship repairingNA%550 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)511.5 million kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products$56 million (2000 est.)reexports of pharmaceuticalsUK 29.5%, US 9.8% (1997)$739 million (2000 est.)machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animalsUS 34%, UK 9%, Mexico 8% (1997)$NA$27.9 million (1995)Bermudian dollar (BMD)BMDBermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar)1 April - 31 March Bermuda Communications52,000 (1997)7,980 (1996) NA modern, fully automatic telephone system 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)82,000 (1997)3 (1997)66,000 (1997).bm20 (2000)25,000 (2000) Railways- 0 km225 km225 km0 km note- in addition, there are 232 km of paved and unpaved roads that are privately owned (1997)noneHamilton, Saint George105 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,836,538 GRT/9,728,045 DWTbulk 27, cargo 4, container 15, liquefied gas 7, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 23, refrigerated cargo 16, roll on/roll off 8, short-sea passenger 3 note- includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience- Canada 10, Hong Kong 10, Japan 1, Nigeria 4, Saudi Arabia 1, Sweden 3, Switzerland 2, UK 10, US 7 (2000 est.)1 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary$NANA% Military - note- defense is the responsibility of the UKinternational- noneBhutanUnder British influence a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later a treaty was signed whereby the country became a British protectorate. Independence was attained in 1949, with India subsequently guiding foreign relations and supplying aid. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of these displaced persons are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Maoist Assamese separatists from India, who have established themselves in the southeast portion of Bhutan, have drawn Indian cross-border incursions.Southern Asia, between China and India27 30 N, 90 30 EAsia47,000 sq km47,000 sq km0 sq kmabout half the size of Indianatotal- 1,075 kmChina 470 km, India 605 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayasmostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savannaDrangme Chhu 97 mKula Kangri 7,553 mtimber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide2%0%6%66%26% (1993 est.)340 sq km (1993 est.)violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country s name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy seasonsoil erosion; limited access to potable waterBiodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test BanLaw of the Sealandlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes2,049,412 (July 2001 est.) note- other estimates range as low as 800,000 39.99% (male 424,832; female 394,725) 56.05% (male 591,152; female 557,498) 3.96% (male 41,125; female 40,080) (2001 est.)2.17% (2001 est.)35.73 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)14.03 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female (2001 est.)108.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 52.79 years 53.16 years 52.41 years (2001 est.)5.07 children born/woman (2001 est.)less than 0.01% (1999 est.)less than 100 (1999 est.)NABhutanese (singular and plural)BhutaneseBhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects age 15 and over can read and write 42.2% 56.2% 28.1% (1995 est.)Kingdom of BhutanBhutanmonarchy; special treaty relationship with IndiaThimphu18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang note- there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse8 August 1949 (from India)National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)no written constitution or bill of rights; note - Bhutan uses 1953 Royal decree for the Constitution of the National Assembly; on 7 July 1998, a Royal edict was ratified giving the National Assembly additional powersbased on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictioneach family has one vote in village-level electionsnone (landlocked)King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)Chairman of the Council of Ministers Sangay NGEDUP (since NA 1999)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 none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 give the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds voteunicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular interests; members serve three-year terms) last held NA (next to be held NA) NASupreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch)no legal partiesBuddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for Democracy (exiled)AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO (observer) New Yorkdivided 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 Bhutan EconomyThe economy, one of the world s smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India s through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan s hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation s productive base and improving social welfare. Model education, social, and environment programs in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government s desire to protect the country s environment and cultural traditions. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.purchasing power parity - $2.3 billion (2000 est.)6% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2000 est.)38%37%25% (2000 est.)NA%NA%NA%7% (2000 est.)NA note- massive lack of skilled laboragriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%NA%$146 million$152 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY95/96 est.) note- the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of Bhutan s budget expenditurescement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide9.3% (1996 est.)1.856 billion kWh (1999)0.05%99.95%0% 0% (1999)191.1 million kWh (1999)1.55 billion kWh (1999)15 million kWh (1999)rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs$154 million (f.o.b., 2000 est.)cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India), precious stones, spicesIndia 94%, Bangladesh$269 million (c.i.f., 2000 est.)fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, riceIndia 77%, Japan, UK, Germany, US$120 million (1998)$73.8 million (1995)ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)BTN; INRngultrum per US dollar - 46.540 (January 2001), 44.942 (2000), 43.055 (1999), 41.259 (1998), 36.313 (1997), 35.433 (1996); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee which is also legal tender1 July - 30 June Bhutan Communications6,000 (1997)NA NA domestic telephone service is very poor with few telephones in use international telephone and telegraph service is by landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)37,000 (1997)0 (1997)11,000 (1997).btNA500 (2000) Railways- 0 km3,285 km1,994 km1,291 km (1996)nonenone2 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.) 1 1 (2000 est.)Royal Bhutan Army, National Militia, Royal Bhutan Police, Royal Body Guards, Forest Guards (paramilitary)18 years of agemales age 15-49- 504,342 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 269,251 (2001 est.)males- 21,167 (2001 est.)$NANA%international- refugee issue over the presence in Nepal of approximately 98,700 Bhutanese refugees, 90% of whom are in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) campsBoliviaBolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.Central South America, southwest of Brazil17 00 S, 65 00 WSouth America1,098,580 sq km1,084,390 sq km14,190 sq kmslightly less than three times the size of Montanatotal- 6,743 kmArgentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiaridrugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon BasinRio Paraguay 90 mNevado Sajama 6,542 mtin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower2%0%24%53%21% (1993 est.)1,750 sq km (1993 est.)flooding in the northeast (March-April)the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigationBiodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, WetlandsEnvironmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protectionlandlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world s highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru8,300,463 (July 2001 est.) 38.46% (male 1,626,698; female 1,565,748) 57.07% (male 2,315,098; female 2,421,987) 4.47% (male 166,986; female 203,946) (2001 est.)1.76% (2001 est.)27.27 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)8.2 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-1.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.82 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2001 est.)58.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 64.06 years 61.53 years 66.72 years (2001 est.)3.51 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.1% (1999 est.)4,200 (1999 est.)380 (1999 est.)Bolivian(s)BolivianQuechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, white 15%Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) age 15 and over can read and write 83.1% 90.5% 76% (1995 est.)Republic of BoliviaBoliviaRepublica de BoliviaBoliviarepublicLa Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija6 August 1825 (from Spain)Independence Day, 6 August (1825)2 February 1967; revised in August 1994based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of age, universal and compulsory (single)none (landlocked)President Hugo BANZER Suarez (since 6 August 1997); Vice President Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramirez (since 6 August 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentPresident Hugo BANZER Suarez (since 6 August 1997); Vice President Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramirez (since 6 August 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentCabinet appointed by the president president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 1 June 1997 (next to be held May or June 2002) Hugo BANZER Suarez elected president; percent of vote - Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%; Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) 17%, Juan Carlos DURAN (MNR) 18%, Ivo KULJIS (UCS) 16%, Remedios LOZA (CONDEPA) 17%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Hugo BANZER Suarez won a congressional runoff election on 5 August 1997 after forming a "megacoalition" with MIR, UCS, CONDEPA, NFR, and PDCbicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (27 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - some members are drawn from party lists, thus not directly elected) Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held 1 June 1997 (next to be held NA June 2002) Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ADN 11, MIR 7, MNR 4, CONDEPA 3, UCS 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - ADN 32, MNR 26, MIR 23, UCS 21, CONDEPA 19, MBL 5, IU 4Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges appointed for 10-year terms by National Congress); District Courts (one in each department); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases)Christian Democratic Party or PDC [leader NA]; Civic Solidarity Union or UCS [Johnny FERNANDEZ]; Conscience of the Fatherland or CONDEPA [Remedios LOZA Alvarado]; Free Bolivia Movement or MBL [Antonio ARANIBAR]; Movement of the Revolutionary Left or MIR [Jaime PAZ Zamora]; Nationalist Democratic Action or ADN [Hugo BANZER Suarez]; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement or MNR [Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA]; New Republican Force or NFR [leader NA]; Pachacuti Indigenous Movement [Filipe QUISPE]; United Left or IU [Marcos DOMIC] note- the ADN, MIR, and UCS comprise the ruling coalitionCocalero Groups; indigenous organizations; labor unionsCAN, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTAET, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Marlene FERNANDEZ del Granado 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 483-4410 [1] (202) 328-3712 Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco Ambassador V. Manuel ROCHA Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032 [591] (2) 432254 [591] (2) 433854three 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 Bolivia EconomyBolivia, long one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries, has made considerable progress toward the development of a market-oriented economy. Successes under President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (1993-97) included the signing of a free trade agreement with Mexico and joining the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur), as well as the privatization of the state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power company, and oil company. His successor, Hugo BANZER Suarez has tried to further improve the country s investment climate with an anticorruption campaign. Growth slowed in 1999, in part due to tight government budget policies, which limited needed appropriations for anti-poverty programs, and the fallout from the Asian financial crisis. In 2000, major civil disturbances in April, and again in September and October, held down overall growth to 2.5%.purchasing power parity - $20.9 billion (2000 est.)2.5% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2000 est.)16%31%53% (1999 est.)70% (1999 est.)2.3%31.7% (1990)4.4% (2000 est.)2.5 millionagriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%11.4% (1997) note- widespread underemployment$2.7 billion$2.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1998)mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing4% (1995 est.)3.625 billion kWh (1999)56.61%41.6%0% 1.79% (1999)3.377 billion kWh (1999)4 million kWh (1999)10 million kWh (1999)soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber$1.26 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, woodUK 16%, US 12%, Peru 11%, Argentina 10%, Colombia 7% (1998)$1.86 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)capital goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures, chemicals, petroleum, foodUS 32%, Japan 24%, Brazil 12%, Argentina 12%, Chile 7%, Peru 4%, Germany 3%, other 6% (1998)$6.6 billion (2000)$588 million (1997)boliviano (BOB)BOBbolivianos per US dollar - 6.4071 (January 2001), 6.1835 (2000), 5.8124 (1999), 5.5101 (1998), 5.2543 (1997), 5.0746 (1996)calendar year Bolivia Communications327,600 (1996)116,000 (1997) new subscribers face bureaucratic difficulties; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities; mobile cellular telephone use expanding rapidly primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; mobile cellular systems are being expanded satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)AM 171, FM 73, shortwave 77 (1999)5.25 million (1997)48 (1997)900,000 (1997).bo9 (2000)35,000 (2000)3,691 km (single track)3,652 km 1.000-m gauge; 39 km 0.760-m gauge (13 km electrified) (1995)49,400 km2,500 km (including 30 km of expressways)46,900 km (1996)10,000 km (commercially navigable)crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 kmnone; however, Bolivia has free port privileges in maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay42 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 141,017 GRT/211,058 DWTbulk 5, cargo 20, chemical tanker 3, container 1, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 3 (2000 est.)1,093 (2000 est.) 13 4 3 4 2 (2000 est.) 1,080 3 65 212 800 (2000 est.)Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, includes Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana), National Police Force (Policia Nacional de Bolivia)19 years of agemales age 15-49- 2,005,660 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 1,306,452 (2001 est.)males- 90,120 (2001 est.)$147 million (FY99)1.8% (FY99)international- has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rightsworld s third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and Peru, a distant second) with an estimated 14,600 hectares under cultivation in 2000, a 33% decrease in overall cultivation of coca from 1999 levels; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to the US and other international drug markets; eradication and alternative crop programs have slashed illicit coca cultivation during the BANZER administration beginning in 1997Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina s declaration of sovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a referendum for independence from the former Yugoslavia in February 1992. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties signed a peace agreement that brought to a halt the three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina s international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government is charged with conducting foreign, economic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size- the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments are charged with overseeing internal functions. In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewed hostilities. SFOR remains in place at a level of approximately 21,000 troops.Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia44 00 N, 18 00 EBosnia and Herzegovina, Europe51,129 sq km51,129 sq km0 sq kmslightly smaller than West Virginiatotal- 1,459 kmCroatia 932 km, Yugoslavia 527 km20 kmNAhot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coastmountains and valleysAdriatic Sea 0 mMaglic 2,386 mcoal, iron, bauxite, manganese, forests, copper, chromium, lead, zinc, hydropower14%5%20%39%22% (1993 est.)20 sq km (1993 est.)destructive earthquakesair pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strifeAir Pollution, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protectionnone of the selected agreementswithin Bosnia and Herzegovina s recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority3,922,205 note- all data dealing with population are subject to considerable error because of the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing (July 2001 est.) 20.13% (male 405,713; female 383,850) 70.78% (male 1,422,796; female 1,353,410) 9.09% (male 150,802; female 205,634) (2001 est.)1.38% (2001 est.)12.86 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)7.99 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)8.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.07 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 0.73 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female (2001 est.)24.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 71.75 years 69.04 years 74.65 years (2001 est.)1.71 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.04% (1999 est.)NAless than 100 (1999 est.)Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)Bosnian, HerzegovinianSerb 31%, Bosniak 44%, Croat 17%, Yugoslav 5.5%, other 2.5% (1991) note- Bosniak has replaced muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of IslamMuslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10%Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian NA NA% NA% NA%noneBosnia and HerzegovinanoneBosna i Hercegovinaemerging democracySarajevothere are two first-order administrative divisions - the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska; note - Brcko in northeastern Bosnia is a self-governing administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina; it is not part of either the Federation or Republika Srpska1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia)National Day, 25 November (1943)the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new constitution now in forcebased on civil law system16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universalNAChairman of the Presidency Jozo KRIZANOVI (chairman since 14 June 2001, presidency member since NA March 2001 - Croat); other members of the three-member rotating (every 8 months) presidency- Zivko RADISIC (since 13 October 1998 - Serb) and Beriz BELKIC (since NA March 2001 - Bosniak); note - Ante JELAVIC was dismissed from his post by the UN High Representative in March 2001Chairman of the Council of Ministers Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA (since 18 July 2001)Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman; approved by the National House of Representatives the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term; the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or she was the incumbent chairman at the time of the election; election last held 12-13 September 1998 (next to be held NA September 2002); the chairman of the Council of Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the National House of Representatives percent of vote - Zivko RADISIC with 52% of the Serb vote was elected chairman of the collective presidency for the first 8 months; Ante JELAVIC with 52% of the Croat vote followed RADISIC in the rotation; Alija IZETBEGOVIC with 87% of the Bosniak vote won the highest number of votes in the election but was ineligible to serve a second term until RADISIC and JELAVIC had each served a first term as Chairman of the Presidency; IZETBEGOVIC retired from the presidency 14 October 2000 and was temporarily replaced by Halid GENJAC; Ante JELAVIC was replaced by Jozo KRIZANOVIC in March 2001 note- President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina- Karlo FILIPOVIC (since 27 February 2001); Vice President Safet HALILOVIC (since 27 February 2001); note - president and vice president rotate every year; President of the Republika Srpska- Mirko SAROVIC (since 11 November 2000)bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the National House of Representatives or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats - 14 Serb, 14 Croat, and 14 Bosniak; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms) and the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats - 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation s House of Representatives and the Republika Srpska s National Assembly to serve two-year terms); note - as of 1 January 2001, Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have a permanent election law; a draft law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures; officials elected in 2000 were elected to two-year terms on the presumption that a permanent law would be in place before 2002 National House of Representatives - elections last held 11 November 2000 (next to be held in the fall of 2002); House of Peoples - last constituted after the 11 November 2000 elections (next to be constituted in the fall of 2002) National House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA%; seats by party/coalition - SDP 9, SDA 8, SDS 6, HDZ-BiH 5, SBH 5, PDP 2, NHI 1, BPS 1, DPS 1, SNS 1, SNSD-DSP 1, DNZ 1, SPRS 1; House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA%; seats by party/coalition - NA note- the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that consists of a House of Representatives (140 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 11 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2002); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party/coalition - SDA 38, SDP 37, HDZ-BiH 25, SBH 21, DNZ 3, NHI 2, BPS 2, DPS 2, BOSS 2, GDS 1, RP 1, HSS 1, LDS 1, Pensioners Party of FBiH 1, SNSD-DSP 1, HKDU 1, HSP 1; and a House of Peoples (74 seats - 30 Bosniak, 30 Croat, and 14 others); last constituted November 2000; the Republika Srpska has a National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 11 November 2000 (next to be held NA 2002); percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party/coalition - SDS 31, PDP 11, SNSD 11, SDA 6, DSP 4, SDP 4, SPRS 4, SBH 4, DNS 3, SNS 2, NHI 1, DSRS 1, Pensioners Party 1; as of 1 January 2001, Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have a permanent election law; a draft law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures; officials elected in 2000 were elected to two-year terms on the presumption that a permanent law would be in place before 2002BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members- four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation s House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska s National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of the European Court of Human Rights) note- a new state court, established in November 1999, has jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities; the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a number of lower courts; there are ten cantonal courts in the Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has five municipal courtsBosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Bosnian Patriotic Party or BPS [Sefer HALILOVIC]; Civic Democratic Party of BiH or GDS [Ibrahim SPAHIC]; Croat Christian Democratic Union or HKDU BiH [Ante PASALIC]; Croatian Democratic Union of BiH or HDZ-BiH [leader vacant]; Croatian Party of Rights or HSP [Zdravko HRSTIC]; Croatian Peasants Party of BiH or HSS-BiH [Ilija SIMIC]; Democratic Action Party or SDA [Alija IZETBEGOVIC]; Democratic National Alliance or DNS [Dragan KOSTIC]; Democratic Party of Pensioners or DPS [Alojz KNEZOVIC]; Democratic Party of RS or DSRS [Dragomir DUMIC]; Democratic Peoples Union or DNZ [Fikret ABDIC]; Democratic Socialist Party or DSP [Nebojsa RADMANOVIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC]; New Croatian Initiative or NHI [Kresimir ZUBAK]; Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina or SBH [Haris SILAJDZIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen IVANIC]; Party of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK]; Pensioners Party of FBiH [Husein VOJNIKOVIC]; Pensioners Party of SR [Stojan BOGOSAVAC]; Republican Party of BiH or RP [Stjepan KLJUIC]; Serb Democratic Party or Serb Lands or SDS [Dragan KALINIC]; Serb National Alliance (Serb People s Alliance) or SNS [Biljana PLAVSIC]; Social Democratic Party BIH or SDP-BiH [Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Zivko RADISIC]NABIS, CE (guest), CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNTAET, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Ambassador Igor DAVIDOVIC 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 [1] (202) 337-1500 [1] (202) 337-1502 New York Ambassador Thomas J. MILLER Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo use street address [387] (33) 445-700 [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s)- Banja Luka, Mostara 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 Government - note- The Dayton Agreement, signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, retained Bosnia and Herzegovina s exterior border and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government - based on proportional representation similar to that which existed in the former socialist regime - is charged with conducting foreign, economic, and fiscal policy. The Dayton Agreement also recognized a second tier of government, comprised of two entities - a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb Republika Srpska (RS) - each presiding over roughly one-half the territory. The Federation and RS governments are charged with overseeing internal functions. The Dayton Agreement established the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. About 250 international and 450 local staff members are employed by the OHR. Bosnia and Herzegovina EconomyBosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture is almost all in private hands, farms are small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally is a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the socialist economic structure of Yugoslavia. TITO had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia s defense plants. The bitter interethnic warfare in Bosnia caused production to plummet by 80% from 1990 to 1995, unemployment to soar, and human misery to multiply. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-98 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth slowed appreciably in 1999 and 2000, and GDP remains far below the 1990 level. Economic data are of limited use because, although both entities issue figures, national-level statistics are not available. Moreover, official data do not capture the large share of activity that occurs on the black market. The marka - the national currency introduced in 1998 - has gained wide acceptance, and the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has dramatically increased its reserve holdings. Implementation of privatization, however, has been slower than anticipated. Banking reform accelerated in early 2001 as all the communist-era payments bureaus were shut down. The country receives substantial amounts of reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid from the international community but will have to prepare for an era of declining assistance.purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (2000 est.)8% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2000 est.)19%23%58% (1996 est.)NA%NA%NA%8% (2000 est.)1.026 millionagriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%35%-40% (1999 est.)$1.9 billion$2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999 est.)steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining10% (2000 est.)2.585 billion kWh (1999)38.68%61.32%0% 0% (1999)2.684 billion kWh (1999)150 million kWh (1999)430 million kWh (1999)wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock$950 million (f.o.b., 2000 est.)NACroatia, Switzerland, Italy, Germany$2.45 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)NACroatia, Slovenia, Germany, Italy$3.4 billion (2000 est.)$1 billion (1999 est.)marka (BAM)BAMmarka per US dollar - 2.086 (January 2001), 2.124 (2000), 1.837 (1999), 1.760 (1998), 1.734 (1997), 0.015 (1996)calendar year Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications303,000 (1997)9,000 (1997) telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion; many urban areas are below average when compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics NA no satellite earth stationsAM 8, FM 16, shortwave 1 (1998)940,000 (1997)33 (plus 277 repeaters) (September 1995)NA.ba3 (2000)3,500 (2000)1,021 km (electrified 795 km; operating as diesel or steam until grids are repaired)1,021 km 1.435-m gauge; note - many segments still need repair and/or reconstruction (2000)21,846 km14,020 km7,826 km note- road system is in need of maintenance and repair (2001)NA km; large sections of the Sava blocked by downed bridges, silt, and debriscrude oil 174 km; natural gas 90 km (1992)Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava), Orasje Merchant marine- none (2000 est.)28 (2000 est.) 9 4 2 3 (2000 est.) 19 1 7 11 (2000 est.)4 (2000 est.)Federation Army or VF (composed of both Croatian and Bosniak elements), Republika Srpska Army or VRS (composed of Bosnian Serb elements); note - within both of these forces air and air defense are subordinate commands19 years of agemales age 15-49- 1,127,146 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 895,780 (2001 est.)males- 29,757 (2001 est.)$NANA%international- noneminor transit point for marijuana and opiate trafficking routes to Western EuropeBotswanaFormerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. The economy, one of the most robust on the continent, is dominated by diamond mining.Southern Africa, north of South Africa22 00 S, 24 00 EAfrica600,370 sq km585,370 sq km15,000 sq kmslightly smaller than Texastotal- 4,013 kmNamibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km0 km (landlocked)none (landlocked)semiarid; warm winters and hot summerspredominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwestjunction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 mTsodilo Hills 1,489 mdiamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver1%0%46%47%6% (1993 est.)20 sq km (1993 est.)periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibilityovergrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resourcesBiodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlandsnone of the selected agreementslandlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country1,586,119 note- estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2001 est.) 40.3% (male 321,164; female 318,007) 55.56% (male 423,954; female 457,227) 4.14% (male 26,691; female 39,076) (2001 est.)0.47% (2001 est.)28.85 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)24.18 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.03 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 0.68 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)63.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 37.13 years 36.77 years 37.51 years (2001 est.)3.7 children born/woman (2001 est.)35.8% (1999 est.)290,000 (1999 est.)24,000 (1999 est.)Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%English (official), Setswana age 15 and over can read and write 69.8% 80.5% 59.9% (1995 est.)Republic of BotswanaBotswanaBechuanalandparliamentary republicGaborone10 districts and four town councils*; Central, Chobe, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Ngamiland, North-East, Selebi-Pikwe*, South-East, Southern30 September 1966 (from UK)Independence Day, 30 September (1966)March 1965, effective 30 September 1966based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction18 years of age; universalnone (landlocked)President Festus 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 governmentPresident Festus 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 governmentCabinet appointed by the president president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2004); vice president appointed by the president Festus MOGAE elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 54.3%bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body consisting of the chiefs of the eight principal tribes, four elected subchiefs, and three members selected by the other 12) and the National Assembly (44 seats, 40 members are directly elected by popular vote and 4 appointed by the majority party; members serve five-year terms) National Assembly elections last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2004) percent of vote by party - BDP 57.2%, BNF 26%, other 16.8%; seats by party - BDP 33, BNF 6, other 1High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates Courts (one in each district)Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Festus MOGAE]; Botswana National Front or BNF [Kenneth KOMA]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Michael DINGAKE]; Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO] note- main parties are- BDP, BNF, BCP; other minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim SETSHWAELO, chairman] but did not capture any parliamentary seats; the BAM parties are- the United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO], the Botswana Peoples Party, the Independence Freedom Party [Motsamai MPHO], and the Botswana Progressive Union [D. K. KWELE]NAACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Kgosi SEEPAPITSO IV 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 244-4990 [1] (202) 244-4164 Ambassador John E. LANGE address NA, Gaborone P. O. Box 90, Gaborone [267] 353982 [267] 356947light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center Botswana EconomyBotswana has maintained one of the world s highest growth rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $6,600 in 2000. Diamond mining has fueled much of Botswana s economic expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for three-fourths of export earnings. Tourism, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. The government must deal with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially is 19%, but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the highest in the world and threaten Botswana s impressive economic gains.purchasing power parity - $10.4 billion (2000 est.)6% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $6,600 (2000 est.)4%46% (including 36% mining)50% (1998 est.)47% (2000 est.)NA%NA%8.6% (2000 est.)235,000 formal sector employees (1995)100,000 public sector; 135,000 private sector, including 14,300 who are employed in various mines in South Africa; most others engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1995 est.)40% (2000 est.)$1.6 billion$1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $560 million (FY96)diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing6.2% (2000 est.)610 million kWh (1999)100%0%0% 0% (1999)1.517 billion kWh (1999)0 kWh (1999)950 million kWh (1999)sorghum, corn, millet, pulses, groundnuts (peanuts), beans, cowpeas, sunflower seed; livestock$2.6 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)diamonds 72%, vehicles, copper, nickel, meat (1998)EU 77%, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 18%, Zimbabwe 3% (1998)$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum productsSouthern African Customs Union (SACU) 76%, Europe 10%, South Korea 5% (1998)$455 million (2000)$73 million (1995)pula (BWP)BWPpulas per US dollar - 5.4585 (January 2001), 5.1018 (2000), 4.6244 (1999), 4.2259 (1998), 3.6508 (1997), 3.3242 (1996)1 April - 31 March Botswana Communications86,000 (1997)NA sparse system small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations two international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)AM 7, FM 15, shortwave 5 (1998)237,000 (1997)0 (1997)31,000 (1997).bw3 (2000)12,000 (2000)888 km888 km 1.067-m gauge (2000)18,482 km4,343 km14,139 km (1996)nonenone92 (2000 est.) 11 2 8 1 (2000 est.) 81 3 56 22 (2000 est.)Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police18 years of agemales age 15-49- 380,152 (2001 est.)males age 15-49- 199,995 (2001 est.)males- 19,479 (2001 est.)$61 million (FY99)1.2% (FY99)international- noneBouvet IslandThis uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825 when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island.Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)54 26 S, 3 24 EAntarctic Region58.5 sq km58.5 sq km0 sq kmabout 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC0 km29.6 km4 NMantarcticvolcanic; maximum elevation about 800 m; coast is mostly inaccessibleSouth Atlantic Ocean 0 mOlav Peak 935 mnone0%0%0%0%100% (93% ice)0 sq km (1993)NANAcovered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserveuninhabited (July 2001 est.)noneBouvet Islandterritory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslothe laws of Norway, where applicable, applythe flag of Norway is used Bouvet Island Economyno economic activity; declared a nature reserve Bouvet Island Communications.bv Communications - note- automatic meteorological stationnonenone; offshore anchorage only Military - note- defense is the responsibility of Norwayinternational- noneBrazilFollowing three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil has overcome more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of the interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, Brazil became Latin America s leading economic power by the 1970s. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean10 00 S, 55 00 WSouth America8,511,965 sq km8,456,510 sq km55,455 sq km note- includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Pauloslightly smaller than the UStotal- 14,691 kmArgentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km7,491 km24 NM200 NM200 NM12 NMmostly tropical, but temperate in southmostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal beltAtlantic Ocean 0 mPico da Neblina 3,014 mbauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber5%1%22%58%14% (1993 est.)28,000 sq km (1993 est.)recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in southdeforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities note- President CARDOSO in September 1999 signed into force an environmental crime bill which for the first time defines pollution and deforestation as crimes punishable by stiff fines and jail sentencesAntarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, WhalingClimate Change-Kyoto Protocollargest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador174,468,575 note- Brazil took an intercensal count in August 1996 which reported a population of 157,079,573; that figure was about 5% lower than projections by the US Census Bureau, which is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census; estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2001 est.) 28.57% (male 25,390,039; female 24,449,902) 65.98% (male 56,603,895; female 58,507,289) 5.45% (male 3,857,564; female 5,659,886) (2001 est.)0.91% (2001 est.)18.45 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)9.34 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)-0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.68 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2001 est.)36.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 63.24 years 58.96 years 67.73 years (2001 est.)2.09 children born/woman (2001 est.)0.57% (1999 est.)540,000 (1999 est.)18,000 (1999 est.)Brazilian(s)Brazilianwhite (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1%Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French age 15 and over can read and write 83.3% 83.3% 83.2% (1995 est.)Federative Republic of BrazilBrazilRepublica Federativa do BrasilBrasilfederative republicBrasilia26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins7 September 1822 (from Portugal)Independence Day, 7 September (1822)5 October 1988based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionvoluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of agePresident Fernando Henrique CARDOSO (since 1 January 1995); Vice President Marco MACIEL (since 1 January 1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentPresident Fernando Henrique CARDOSO (since 1 January 1995); Vice President Marco MACIEL (since 1 January 1995); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentCabinet appointed by the president president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 4 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2002) Fernando Henrique CARDOSO reelected president; percent of vote - 53%bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; three members from each state or federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third elected after a four year period, two-thirds elected after the next four-year period) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Federal Senate - last held 4 October 1998 for one-third of Senate (next to be held NA October 2002 for two-thirds of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 4 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2002) Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PMDB 27, PFL 20, PSDB 16, PT 7, PPB 5, PSB 3, PDT 2, PPS 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PFL 106, PSDB 99, PMDB 82, PPB 60, PT 58, PTB 31, PDT 25, PSB 19, PL 12, PCdoB 7, other 14Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life)Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Jader BARBALHO, president]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Roberto JEFFERSON]; Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Teotonio VILELA Filno]; Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Miguel ARRAES, president]; Brazilian Progressive Party or PPB [Paulo Salim MALUF]; Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Sergio Roberto Gomes SOUZA, chairman]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Leonel BRIZOLA, president]; Liberal Front Party or PFL [Jorge BORNHAUSEN, president]; Liberal Party or PL [Francisco Teixeira de OLIVEIRA]; Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Ciro GOMEZ, president]; Worker s Party or PT [Jose DIRCEU, president]left wing of the Catholic Church, Landless Worker s Movement, and labor unions allied to leftist Worker s Party are critical of government s social and economic policiesAfDB, BIS, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMOP, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Ambassador Rubens Antonio BARBOSA 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 238-2700 [1] (202) 238-2827 Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco Ambassador Anthony S. HARRINGTON Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia Unit 3500, APO AA 34030 [55] (061) 321-7272 [55] (061) 225-9136 Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulate(s)- Recifegreen 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) Brazil EconomyPossessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil s economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence in world markets. In the late eighties and early nineties, high inflation hindered economic activity and investment. "The Real Plan", instituted in the spring of 1994, sought to break inflationary expectations by pegging the real to the US dollar. Inflation was brought down to single digit annual figures, but not fast enough to avoid substantial real exchange rate appreciation during the transition phase of the "Real Plan". This appreciation meant that Brazilian goods were now more expensive relative to goods from other countries, which contributed to large current account deficits. However, no shortage of foreign currency ensued because of the financial community s renewed interest in Brazilian markets as inflation rates stabilized and the debt crisis of the eighties faded from memory. The maintenance of large current account deficits via capital account surpluses became problematic as investors became more risk averse to emerging market exposure as a consequence of the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and the Russian bond default in August 1998. After crafting a fiscal adjustment program and pledging progress on structural reform, Brazil received a $41.5 billion IMF-led international support program in November 1998. In January 1999, the Brazilian Central Bank announced that the real would no longer be pegged to the US dollar. This devaluation helped moderate the downturn in economic growth in 1999 that investors had expressed concerns about over the summer of 1998. Brazil s debt to GDP ratio for 1999 beat the IMF target and helped reassure investors that Brazil will maintain tight fiscal and monetary policy even with a floating currency. The economy continued to recover in 2000, with inflation remaining in the single digits and expected growth for 2001 of 4.5%. Foreign direct investment set a record of more than $30 billion in 2000.purchasing power parity - $1.13 trillion (2000 est.)4.2% (2000 est.)purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2000 est.)9%29%62% (1999 est.)17.4% (1990 est.)1%47.6% (1996)6% (2000)79 million (1999 est.)services 53.2%, agriculture 23.1%, industry 23.7%7.1% (2000 est.)$151 billion$149 billion, including capital expenditures of $36 billion (1998)textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment6.9% (2000 est.)337.44 billion kWh (1999)5.28%90.66%1.12% 2.94% (1999)353.674 billion kWh (1999