Part 16 out of 27Total fertility rate: 7.3 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mauritanian(s); adjective--Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: 40% mixed Maur/black, 30% Maur, 30% black Religion: nearly 100% Muslim Language: Hasaniya Arabic (national); French (official); Toucouleur, Fula, Sarakole, Wolof Literacy: 17% Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980); 47% agriculture, 29% services, 14% industry and commerce, 10% government; 53% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 30,000 members claimed by single union, Mauritanian Workers' Union - Government Long-form name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania Type: republic; military first seized power in bloodless coup 10 July 1978; a palace coup that took place on 24 December 1984 brought President Taya to power Capital: Nouakchott Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular--region); Adrar, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, El Acaba, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza; note--there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) Constitution: 20 May 1961, abrogated after coup of 10 July 1978; provisional constitution published 17 December 1980 but abandoned in 1981; new constitutional charter published 27 February 1985 Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Executive branch: president, Military Committee for National Salvation (CMSN), Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale), dissolved after 10 July 1978 coup; legislative power resides with the CMSN Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Col. Maaouiya Ould SidAhmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984) Political parties and leaders: suspended Suffrage: none Elections: none; last presidential election August 1976; National Assembly dissolved 10 July 1978; no national elections are scheduled Communists: no Communist party, but there is a scattering of Maoist sympathizers Member of: ACP, AfDB, AIOEC, Arab League, CCC, CEAO, CIPEC (associate), EAMA, EIB (associate), FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IPU, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, OMVS (Organization for the Development of the Senegal River Valley), UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abdellah OULD DADDAH; Chancery at 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-5700; US--Ambassador William H. TWADDELL; Embassy at address NA, Nouakchott (mailing address is B. P. 222, Nouakchott); telephone p2222o 52660 or 52663 Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam - Economy Overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent drought in 1983. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore that account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production in recent years. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. GDP: $1.0 billion, per capita $520; real growth rate 3.6% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (1988 est.) Unemployment rate: 50% (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $358 million; expenditures $334 million, including capital expenditures of $79 million (1988 est.) Exports: $424 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum, unrecorded but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal; partners--EC 57%, Japan 39%, Ivory Coast 2% Imports: $365 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods; partners--EC 79%, Africa 5%, US 4%, Japan 2% External debt: $2.3 billion (December 1989) Industrial production: growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.) Electricity: 189,000 kW capacity; 136 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: fishing, fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Agriculture: accounts for 29% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops--dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large food deficit in years of drought Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $160 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $1.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $277 million Currency: ouguiya (plural--ouguiya); 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiya (UM) per US$1--83.838 (January 1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988), 73.878 (1987), 74.375 (1986), 77.085 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 670 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track, owned and operated by government mining company Highways: 7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,272 GRT/ 1,840 DWT Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 30 total, 29 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 17 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor radio relay links, and radio communications stations; 5,200 telephones; stations--2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with a third planned - Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, paramilitary National Guard, paramilitary National Police, paramilitary Presidential Guard, paramilitary Nomad Security Guards Military manpower: males 15-49, 410,153; 200,212 fit for military service; conscription law not implemented Defense expenditures: 4.2% of GDP (1987) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Mauritius - Geography Total area: 1,860 km2; land area: 1,850 km2; includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (St. Brandon) and Rodrigues Comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Climate: tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: 54% arable land; 4% permanent crops; 4% meadows and pastures; 31% forest and woodland; 7% other; includes 9% irrigated Environment: subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs Note: located 900 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean - People Population: 1,070,005 (July 1990), growth rate 1.8% (1990) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 73 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mauritian(s); adjective--Mauritian Ethnic divisions: 68% Indo-Mauritian, 27% Creole, 3% Sino-Mauritian, 2% Franco-Mauritian Religion: 51% Hindu, 30% Christian (mostly Roman Catholic with a few Anglicans), 17% Muslim, 2% other Language: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori Literacy: 82.8% Labor force: 335,000; 29% government services, 27% agriculture and fishing, 22% manufacturing, 22% other; 43% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 35% of labor force in more than 270 unions - Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Louis Administrative divisions: 5 urban councils and 3 district councils*; Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Curepipe, Moka-Flacq*, North*, Port Louis, Quatre Bornes, South*, Vacoas-Phoenix; note--there may now be 4 urban councils and 9 district councils* named Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Black River*, Curepipe, Flacq*, Grand Port*, Moka*, Pamplemousses*, Plaine Wilhems*, Port Louis*, Quartre Bornes, Riviere du Rempart*, Savanne*, and Vacoas-Phoenix Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) Constitution: 12 March 1968 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Veerasamy RINGADOO (since 17 January 1986); Head of Government--Prime Minister Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Sir Satcam BOOLELL (since 15 August 1988) Political parties and leaders: the government is currently controlled by a coalition composed of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. Jugnauth, and the Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), S. Boolell; the main opposition union consists of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Prem Nababsing; Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio Michel; Democratic Labor Movement, Anil Baichoo; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), G. Duval Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly--last held on 30 August 1987 (next to be held 30 August 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(70 total, 62 elected) MSM 24, MMM 21, MLP 10, PMSD 5, others 10 Communists: may be 2,000 sympathizers; several Communist organizations; Mauritius Lenin Youth Organization, Mauritius Women's Committee, Mauritius Communist Party, Mauritius People's Progressive Party, Mauritius Young Communist League, Mauritius Liberation Front, Chinese Middle School Friendly Association, Mauritius/USSR Friendship Society Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, Commonwealth, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ISO, ITU, IWC--International Wheat Council, NAM, OAU, OCAM, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING; Chancery at Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491 or 1492; US--Ambassador Penne KORTH; Embassy at 4th Floor, Rogers Building, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis; telephone 082347 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green - Economy Overview: The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism. Despite significant expansion in other sectors over the past decade, sugarcane remains dominant and is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area, accounting for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in 1988 was impressive, with 6.3% real growth rate and low unemployment. GDP: $1.9 billion, per capita $1,910; real growth rate 6.3% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.2% (1988) Unemployment rate: 3.6% (1988) Budget: revenues $351 million; expenditures $414 million, including capital expenditures of $76 million (FY87 est.) Exports: $1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10%; partners--EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15% Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7%; partners--EC, US, South Africa, Japan External debt: $670 million (December 1989) Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (FY87) Electricity: 233,000 kW capacity; 420 million kWh produced, 375 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemical and chemical products, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 14% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other products--tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net food importer, especially rice and fish Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $72 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-87), $538 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $54 million Currency: Mauritian rupee (plural--rupees); 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1--15.033 (January 1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988), 12.878 (1987), 13.466 (1986), 15.442 (1985) Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June - Communications Highways: 1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth Ports: Port Louis Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 143,029 GRT/ 248,754 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 3 cargo, 1 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft Airports: 5 total, 4 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: small system with good service; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countries; 48,000 telephones; stations--2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station - Defense Forces Branches: paramilitary Special Mobile Force, Special Support Units, regular Police Force Military manpower: males 15-49, 297,975; 153,130 fit for military service Defense expenditures: NA ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Mayotte (territorial collectivity of France) - Geography Total area: 375 km2; land area: 375 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 meters or to depth of exploitation; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other Environment: subject to cyclones during rainy season Note: part of Comoro Archipelago; located in the Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar - People Population: 72,186 (July 1990), growth rate 3.9% (1990) Birth rate: 51 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 89 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 58 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mahorais (sing., pl.); adjective--Mahoran Religion: 99% Muslim; remainder Christian, mostly Roman Catholic Language: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: NA%, but probably high Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA - Government Long-form name: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Dzaoudzi Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981); Head of Government Government Commissioner Akli KHIDER (since 1983); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since 1976) Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Zna M'Oere; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche Maoulida; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RMPR), Abdoul Anizizi; Union of the Center (UDC) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council--last held NA June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(17 total) MPM 9, RPR 6, others 2; French Senate--last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(1 total) MPM 1; French National Assembly--last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(1 total) UDC 1 Communists: probably none Diplomatic representation: as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used - Economy Overview: Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island is heavily dependent on French financial assistance. GDP: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues NA; expenditures $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1985) Exports: $4.0 million (f.o.b., 1984); commodities--ylang-ylang, vanilla; partners--France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9% Imports: $21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984); commodities--building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour; partners--France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: NA kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita Industries: newly created lobster and shrimp industry Agriculture: most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops--vanilla, ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs Aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $287.8 million Currency: French franc (plural--francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1--5.7598 (January 1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987), 6.9261 (1986), 8.9852 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Highways: 42 km total; 18 km bituminous Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Ports: Dzaoudzi Telecommunications: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio communications for links with Comoros and international communications; 450 telephones; stations--1 AM, no FM, no TV - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Mexico - Geography Total area: 1,972,550 km2; land area: 1,923,040 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: 4,538 km total; Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: natural prolongation of continental margin or 200 nm; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert Natural resources: crude oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: 12% arable land; 1% permanent crops; 39% meadows and pastures; 24% forest and woodland; 24% other; includes 3% irrigated Environment: subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast and destructive earthquakes in the center and south; natural water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; deforestation; erosion widespread; desertification; serious air pollution in Mexico City and urban centers along US-Mexico border Note: strategic location on southern border of US - People Population: 87,870,154 (July 1990), growth rate 2.2% (1990) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 2 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 33 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 76 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 3.4 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mexican(s); adjective--Mexican Ethnic divisions: 60% mestizo (Indian-Spanish), 30% Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, 9% white or predominantly white, 1% other Religion: 97% nominally Roman Catholic, 3% Protestant Language: Spanish Literacy: 88% Labor force: 26,100,000 (1988); 31.4% services; 26% agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing, 13.9% commerce, 12.8% manufacturing, 9.5% construction, 4.8% transportation, 1.3% mining and quarrying, 0.3% electricity, (1986) Organized labor: 35% of labor force - Government Long-form name: United Mexican States Type: federal republic operating under a centralized government Capital: Mexico Administrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular--estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain) Constitution: 5 February 1917 Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Suprema Corte de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988) Political parties and leaders: (recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta; National Action Party (PAN), Luis Alvarez; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Indalecio Sayago Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Cuauhtemoc Cardenas; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael Aguilar Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Carlos Enrique Cantu Rosas Suffrage: universal and compulsory (but not enforced) at age 18 Elections: President--last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results--Carlos Salinas de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc Cardemas Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%, Manuel Clouthier (PAN) 16.81%; others 1.39%; note--several of the smaller parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National Democratic Front (FDN) Senate--last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held September 1991); results--PRI 94%, FDN (now PRD) 6%; seats--(64 total) number of seats by party NA; Chamber of Deputies--last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held September 1991); results--PRI 53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats--(500 total) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: Roman Catholic Church, Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN), Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO), National Peasant Confederation (CNC), National Confederation of Popular Organizations (CNOP), Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT), Mexican Democratic Party (PDM), Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC), Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM), Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX), National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA), Business Coordination Council (CCE) Member of: FAO, G-77, GATT, Group of Eight, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAC, ICAO, ICO, IDA, IDB--Inter-American Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, ILZSG, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IRC, ISO, ITU, IWC--International Whaling Commission, LAIA, OAS, PAHO, SELA, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WSG, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gustavo PETRICIOLI Iturbide; Chancery at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20006; telephone (202) 728-1600; there are Mexican Consulates General in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Antonio, San Diego, and Consulates in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo, McAllen (Texas), Miami, Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Presidio (Texas), Sacramento, St. Louis, St. Paul (Minneapolis), Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, San Jose, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Seattle; US--Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE, Jr.; Embassy at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Mexico 5, D.F. (mailing address is P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044); telephone p52o (5) 211-0042; there are US Consulates General in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana, and Consulates in Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, and Nuevo Laredo Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake is its beak) is centered in the white band - Economy Overview: Mexico's economy is a mixture of state-owned industrial plants (notably oil), private manufacturing and services, and both large-scale and traditional agriculture. In the 1980s Mexico experienced severe economic difficulties: the nation accumulated large external debts as world petroleum prices fell; rapid population growth outstripped the domestic food supply; and inflation, unemployment, and pressures to emigrate became more acute. Growth in national output dropped from 8% in 1980 to 1.1% in 1988 and 2.5% in 1989. The US is Mexico's major trading partner, accounting for two-thirds of its exports and imports. After petroleum, border assembly plants and tourism are the largest earners of foreign exchange. The government, in consultation with international economic agencies, is implementing programs to stabilize the economy and foster growth. GDP: $187.0 billion, per capita $2,165; real growth rate 2.5% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1989) Unemployment rate: 20% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $36.1 billion; expenditures $56.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.7 biilion (1988) Exports: $23.1 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--crude oil, oil products, coffee, shrimp, engines, cotton; partners--US 66%, EC 16%, Japan 11% Imports: $23.3 billion (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--grain, metal manufactures, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment; partners--US 62%, EC 18%, Japan 10% External debt: $95.1 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 1.3% (1988) Electricity: 26,900,000 kW capacity; 103,670 million kWh produced, 1,200 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, transportation equipment, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops--corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops--cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; fish catch of 1.4 million metric tons among top 20 nations (1987) Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of government eradication efforts; major link in chain of countries used to smuggle cocaine from South American dealers to US markets Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $3.0 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $6.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-88), $110 million Currency: Mexican peso (plural--pesos); 1 Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1--2,660.3 (January 1990), 2,461.3 (1989), 2,273.1 (1988), 1,378.2 (1987), 611.8 (1986), 256.9 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 20,680 km total; 19,950 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 730 km 0.914-meter narrow gauge Highways: 210,000 km total; 65,000 km paved, 30,000 km semipaved or cobblestone, 60,000 km rural roads (improved earth) or roads under construction, 55,000 km unimproved earth roads Inland waterways: 2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canals Pipelines: crude oil, 4,381 km; refined products, 8,345 km; natural gas, 13,254 km Ports: Acapulco, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Veracruz Merchant marine: 68 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,041,229 GRT/1,552,478 DWT; includes 5 short-sea passenger, 10 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 31 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 3 chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 4 bulk, 4 combination bulk Civil air: 174 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,785 total, 1,484 usable; 190 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 259 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed system with extensive radio relay links; connection into Central American Microwave System; 6.41 million telephones; stations--679 AM, no FM, 238 TV, 22 shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; satellite earth stations--4 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT - Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps Military manpower: males 15-49, 21,575,525; 15,803,322 fit for military service; 1,118,046 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (1987) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Micronesia, Federated States of - Geography Total area: 702 km2; land area: 702 km2; includes Pohnpei, Truk, Yap, and Kosrae Comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 6,112 km Maritime claims: Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other Environment: subject to typhoons from June to December; four major island groups totaling 607 islands Note: located 5,150 km west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia - People Population: 104,937 (July 1990), growth rate 2.6% (1990) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 2 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 5.0 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Micronesian(s); adjective--Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, Yapese Ethnic divisions: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups Religion: predominantly Christian, divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; other churches include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist, Latter Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith Language: English is the official and common language; most indigenous languages fall within the Austronesian language family, the exceptions are the Polynesian languages; major indigenous languages are Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, and Kosrean Literacy: NA%, but education compulsory through eight grades Labor force: NA; two-thirds are government employees; 45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65 Organized labor: NA - Government Long-form name: Federated States of Micronesia (no short-form name) Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 Capital: Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei); note--a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Truk, Yap Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship; formerly the Kosrae, Pohnpei, Truk, and Yap districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Constitution: 10 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President John R. HAGLELGAM (since 11 May 1987); Vice President Hiroshi H. ISMAEL (since 11 May 1987) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President--last held 11 May 1987 (next to be held May 1991); results--John R. Haglelgam was elected; House of Representatives--last held on NA (next to be held NA); results--percent of vote NA; seats--(NA total) Communists: none Member of: SPF, ESCAP (associate) Diplomatic representation: Deputy Representative Jesse B. MAREHALAN; Representative Office at 706 G Street SE, Washington DC 20003; telephone (202) 544-2640; US--Representative Michael G. WYGANT; US Office at address NA, Kolonia (mailing address is P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941); telephone 691-320-2187 Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern - Economy Overview: Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the 1990s. Micronesia also earns about $4 million a year in fees from foreign commercial fishing concerns. Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development; note--GNP numbers reflect US spending. GNP: $150 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 80% Budget: revenues $110.8 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA (1987 est.) Exports: $1.6 million (f.o.b., 1983); commodities--copra; partners--NA Imports: $48.9 million (c.i.f., 1983); commodities--NA; partners--NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 15,000 kW capacity; 35 million kWh produced, 340 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: tourism, craft items from shell, wood, and pearl Agriculture: mainly a subsistence economy; copra, black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens Aid: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001 Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October-30 September - Communications Highways: 39 km of paved macadam and concrete roads on major islands, otherwise 187 km stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads Ports: Colonia (Yap), Truk (Kosrae), Okat (Kosrae) Airports: 11 total, 10 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 Telecommunications: 16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987); telephone network--960 telephone lines at both Kolonia and Truk; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); stations--5 AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Midway Islands (territory of the US) - Geography Total area: 5.2 km2; land area: 5.2 km2; includes Eastern Island and Sand Island Comparative area: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 15 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds Terrain: low, nearly level Natural resources: fish and wildlife Land use: 0% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 100% other Environment: coral atoll Note: located 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu at the western end of Hawaiian Islands group, about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo; closed to the public - People Population: 453 US military personnel (1989) - Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under command of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii and managed cooperatively by the US Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: the US flag is used - Economy Overview: The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. - Communications Highways: 32 km total Pipelines: 7.8 km Ports: Sand Island Airports: 3 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Monaco - Geography Total area: 1.9 km2; land area: 1.9 km2 Comparative area: about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundary: 4.4 km with France Coastline: 4.1 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: hilly, rugged, rocky Natural resources: none Land use: 0% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 100% other Environment: almost entirely urban Note: second-smallest independent state in world (after Vatican City) - People Population: 29,453 (July 1990), growth rate 0.9% (1990) Birth rate: 7 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 9 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 1.2 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s); adjective--Monacan or Monegasque Ethnic divisions: 47% French, 16% Monegasque, 16% Italian, 21% other Religion: 95% Roman Catholic Language: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque Literacy: 99% Labor force: NA Organized labor: 4,000 members in 35 unions - Government Long-form name: Principality of Monaco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Monaco Administrative divisions: 4 quarters (quartiers, singular--quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Independence: 1419, rule by the House of Grimaldi Constitution: 17 December 1962 Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 19 November Executive branch: prince, minister of state, Council of Government (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Council (Conseil National) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State--Prince RAINIER III (since November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958); Head of Government Minister of State Jean AUSSEIL (since 10 September 1985) Political parties and leaders: National and Democratic Union (UND), Democratic Union Movement (MUD), Monaco Action, Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM) Suffrage: universal adult at age 25 Elections: National Council--last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held 24 January 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(18 total) UND 18 Member of: IAEA, ICAO, IHO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IPU, ITU, UN (permanent observer), UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation: Monaco maintains honorary consulates general in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and honorary consulates in Dallas, Honolulu, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington; US--no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is accredited to Monaco; Consul General R. Susan WOOD; Consulate General at 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, 13286 Marseille Cedex (mailing address APO NY 09777); telephone p33o (91) 549-200 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red - Economy Overview: No data are published on the economy. Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan suburbs. GNP: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: full employment (1989) Budget: revenues $386 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988 est.) Exports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France Imports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 10,000 kW standby capacity (1988); power supplied by France Industries: pharmaceuticals, food processing, precision instruments, glassmaking, printing, tourism Agriculture: NA Aid: NA Currency: French franc (plural--francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1--5.7598 (January 1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987), 6.9261 (1986), 8.9852 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 1.6 km 1.435-meter gauge Highways: none; city streets Ports: Monaco Merchant marine: 1 tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,268 GRT/4,959 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 usable airfield with permanent-surface runways Telecommunications: served by the French communications system; automatic telephone system; 38,200 telephones; stations--3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; no communication satellite stations - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Mongolia - Geography Total area: 1,565,000 km2; land area: 1,565,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: 8,114 km total; China 4,673 km, USSR 3,441 km Coastline: none--landlocked Maritime claims: none--landlocked Climate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges) Terrain: vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in southeast Natural resources: coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold Land use: 1% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 79% meadows and pastures; 10% forest and woodland; 10% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: harsh and rugged Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and Soviet Union - People Population: 2,187,275 (July 1990), growth rate 2.7% (1990) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 67 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mongolian(s); adjective--Mongolian Ethnic divisions: 90% Mongol, 4% Kazakh, 2% Chinese, 2% Russian, 2% other Religion: predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, about 4% Muslim, limited religious activity because of Communist regime Language: Khalkha Mongol used by over 90% of population; minor languages include Turkic, Russian, and Chinese Literacy: 80% (est.); 100% claimed (1985) Labor force: NA, but primarily agricultural; over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor Organized labor: 425,000 members of the Central Council of Mongolian Trade Unions (CCMTU) controlled by the government (1984) - Government Long-form name: Mongolian People's Republic; abbreviated MPR Type: Communist state Capital: Ulaanbaatar Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (aymguud, singular--aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud, singular--hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs Independence: 13 March 1921 (from China; formerly Outer Mongolia) Constitution: 6 July 1960 Legal system: blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: People's Revolution Day, 11 July (1921) Executive branch: chairman and deputy chairman of the Presidium of the People's Great Hural, Presidium of the People's Great Hural, chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral People's Great Hural Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Great Hural Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 21 March 1990); Head of Government--Chairman of the Council of Ministers Sharabyn GUNGAADORJ (since 21 March 1990); Political parties and leaders: only party--Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Gombojabin Ochirbat, General Secretary Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President--last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held July 1991); results--Punsalmaagiyn Ochirbat elected by the People's Great Hural; People's Great Hural--last held on 22 June 1986 (next to be held June 1990); results--MPRP was the only party; seats--(370 total) MPRP 370 Communists: MPRP membership 88,150 (1986 est.) Member of: CEMA, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBEC, ILO, IPU, ITU, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gendengiin NYAMDOO; US--Ambassador Richard L. WILLIAMS Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is a five-pointed star above the national emblem (soyombo--a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representations for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol) - Economy Overview: Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock--Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. In recent years extensive mineral resources have been developed with Soviet support. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. GDP: $1.7 billion, per capita $880 (1985 est.); average real growth rate 3.6% (1976-85 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $2.2 billion; expenditures $2.19 billion, including capital expenditures of $0.9 billion (1987 est.) Exports: $388 million (f.o.b., 1985); commodities--livestock, animal products, wool, hides, fluorspar, nonferrous metals, minerals; partners--nearly all trade with Communist countries (about 80% with USSR) Imports: $1.0 billion (c.i.f., 1985); commodities--machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea; partners--nearly all trade with Communist countries (about 80% with USSR) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 10.9% (1985) Electricity: 657,000 kW capacity; 29,500 million kWh produced, 1,340 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: processing of animal products, building materials, food and beverage, mining (particularly coal) Agriculture: accounts for 90% of exports and provides livelihood for about 50% of the population; livestock raising predominates (sheep, goats, horses); crops--wheat, barley, potatoes, forage Aid: about $500-$700 million annually from USSR Currency: tughrik (plural--tughriks); 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos Exchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1--3.355 (1986-1988), 3.600 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1986) Highways: 46,700 km total; 1,000 km hard surface; 45,700 km other surfaces (1986) Inland waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1986) Civil air: 22 major transport aircraft Airports: 80 total, 30 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 5 with runways over 3,659 m; fewer than 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: stations--13 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18 provincial relays); relay of Soviet TV; 60,000 TV sets; 186,000 radio receivers; at least 1 satellite earth station - Defense Forces Branches: Mongolian People's Army, Air Force (negligible) Military manpower: males 15-49, 518,482; 338,652 fit for military service; 24,783 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: NA ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Montserrat (dependent territory of the UK) - Geography Total area: 100 km2; land area: 100 km2 Comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 3 nm Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Natural resources: negligible Land use: 20% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 10% meadows and pastures; 40% forest and woodland; 30% other Environment: subject to severe hurricanes from June to November Note: located 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea - People Population: 12,467 (July 1990), growth rate 0.3% (1990) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 4 migrant/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 80 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Montserratian(s); adjective--Montserratian Ethnic divisions: mostly black with a few Europeans Religion: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations Language: English Literacy: 77% Labor force: 5,100; 40.5% community, social, and personal services, 13.5% construction, 12.3% trade, restaurants, and hotels, 10.5% manufacturing, 8.8% agriculture, forestry, and fishing, 14.4% other (1983 est.) Organized labor: 30% of labor force, three trade unions with 1,500 members (1984 est.) - Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Plymouth Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter Independence: none (colony of the UK) Constitution: 1 January 1960 Legal system: English common law and statute law National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June) Executive branch: monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet), chief minister Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Christopher J. TURNER (since 1987); Head of Government--Chief Minister John A. OSBORNE (since 1978) Political parties and leaders: People's Liberation Movement (PLM), John Osborne; Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Howell Bramble; United National Front (UNF), Dr. George Irish; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand Osborne Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council--last held on 25 August 1987 (next to be held NA 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(11 total, 7 elected) PLM 4, NDP 2, PDP 1 Communists: probably none Diplomatic representation: none (colony of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross - Economy Overview: The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounted for 20% of GDP in 1986. Agriculture accounted for about 4% of GDP and industry 9%. The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts sold to the US. GDP: $45.4 million, per capita $3,780; real growth rate 12% (1988 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1987) Unemployment rate: 3.0% (1987) Budget: revenues $10.0 million; expenditures $9.4 million, including capital expenditures of $3.2 million (1987) Exports: $3.0 million (f.o.b., 1987); commodities--plastic bags, electronic parts, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle; partners--NA Imports: $25.3 million (c.i.f., 1987); commodities--machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials; partners--NA External debt: $3.7 million (1985) Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1986) Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 12 million kWh produced, 930 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: tourism; light manufacturing--rum, textiles, electronic appliances Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops--tomatoes, onions, peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock products Aid: NA Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1--2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March - Communications Highways: 280 km total; about 200 km paved, 80 km gravel and earth Ports: Plymouth Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,036 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; stations--8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Morocco - Geography Total area: 446,550 km2; land area: 446,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 2,002 km total; Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km Coastline: 1,835 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm; Continental shelf: 200 meters or to depth of exploitation; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; armed conflict in Western Sahara; Spain controls two coastal presidios or places of sovereignty (Ceuta, Melilla) Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior Terrain: mostly mountains with rich coastal plains Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt Land use: 18% arable land; 1% permanent crops; 28% meadows and pastures; 12% forest and woodland; 41% other; includes 1% irrigated Environment: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; desertification Note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar - People Population: 25,648,241 (July 1990), growth rate 2.2% (1990) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 1 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 78 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 66 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Moroccan(s); adjective--Moroccan Ethnic divisions: 99.1% Arab-Berber, 0.7% non-Moroccan, 0.2% Jewish Religion: 98.7% Muslim, 1.1% Christian, 0.2% Jewish Language: Arabic (official); several Berber dialects; French is language of business, government, diplomacy, and postprimary education Literacy: 28% Labor force: 7,400,000; 50% agriculture, 26% services, 15% industry, 9% other (1985) Organized labor: about 5% of the labor force, mainly in the Union of Moroccan Workers (UMT) and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) - Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Morocco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Rabat Administrative divisions: 36 provinces (provinces, singular--province) and 2 municipalities* (wilayas, singular--wilaya); Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Marrakech, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France) Constitution: 10 March 1972 Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court National holiday: National Day (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne), 3 March (1961) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis al Nuwab) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961); Head of Government--Prime Minister Dr. Azzedine LARAKI (since 30 September 1986) Political parties and leaders: Morocco has 15 political parties; the major ones are Istiqlal Party, M'Hamed Boucetta; Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), Abderrahim Bouabid; Popular Movement (MP), Secretariat General; National Assembly of Independents (RNI), Ahmed Osman; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane El-Jadidi; Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS), Ali Yata; Constitutional Union (UC), Maati Bouabid Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: Chamber of Representatives--last held on 14 September 1984 (were scheduled for September 1990, but postponed until NA 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(306 total, 206 elected) CU 83, RNI 61, MP 47, Istiqlal 41, USFP 36, PND 24, others 14 Communists: about 2,000 Member of: AfDB, Arab League, CCC, EC (associate), FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, ILZSG, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOOC, IPU, ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ali BENGELLOUN; Chancery at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-7979; there is a Moroccan Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador Michael USSERY; Embassy at 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat (mailing address is P. O. Box 120, Rabat, or APO New York 09284); telephone p212o (7) 622-65; there are US Consulates General in Casablanca and Tangier Flag: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam - Economy Overview: After registering a robust 10% growth in 1988, the economy slowed in 1989 because of higher prices for food and oil imports, lower worker remittances, and a trade dispute with India over phosphoric acid prices that cost Rabat $500 million. To meet the foreign payments shortfall, Rabat has been drawing down foreign exchange reserves. Servicing the $22 billion foreign debt, high unemployment, and Morocco's vulnerability to external forces remain severe problems for the 1990s. GDP: $21.9 billion, per capita $880 (1988); real growth rate 4.5% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1989) Unemployment rate: 15% (1988) Budget: revenues $5.1 billion; expenditures $6.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.4 billion (1988) Exports: $3.1 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17%; partners--EC 58%, India 7%, Japan 5%, USSR 3%, US 2% Imports: $5.1 billion (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 10%; partners--EC 53%, US 11%, Canada 4%, Iraq 3%, USSR 3%, Japan 2% External debt: $22.2 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1989 est.) Electricity: 2,140,000 kW capacity; 7,760 million kWh produced, 300 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism Agriculture: 50% of employment and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olives; fishing catch of 491,000 metric tons in 1987 Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis; trafficking on the increase for both domestic and international drug markets; shipments of cannabis mostly directed to Western Europe; occasional transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe. Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $1.2 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $6.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-88), $2.3 billion Currency: Moroccan dirham (plural--dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1--8.093 (January 1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987), 9.104 (1986), 10.062 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 km electrified) Highways: 59,198 km total; 27,740 km bituminous treated, 31,458 km gravel, crushed stone, improved earth, and unimproved earth Pipelines: 362 km crude oil; 491 km (abandoned) refined products; 241 km natural gas Ports: Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla Merchant marine: 54 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 334,931 GRT/513,762 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 2 container, 14 refrigerated cargo, 5 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 12 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 3 short-sea passenger Civil air: 23 major transport aircraft Airports: 75 total, 68 usable; 26 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system composed of wire lines, cables, and radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat, secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones; stations--14 AM, 6 FM, 47 TV; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations--2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable to Algeria; microwave network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco - Defense Forces Branches: Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie Military manpower: males 15-49, 6,203,759; 3,946,408 fit for military service; 293,893 reach military age (18) annually; limited conscription Defense expenditures: 7.1% of GDP (1987) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Mozambique - Geography Total area: 801,590 km2; land area: 784,090 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,571 km total; Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km Coastline: 2,470 km Maritime claims: Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical to subtropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west Natural resources: coal, titanium Land use: 4% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 56% meadows and pastures; 20% forest and woodland; 20% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: severe drought and floods occur in south; desertification - People Population: 14,565,656 (July 1990), growth rate 2.6% (1990) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 3 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 138 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 45 years male, 49 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Mozambican(s); adjective--Mozambican Ethnic divisions: majority from indigenous tribal groups; about 10,000 Europeans, 35,000 Euro-Africans, 15,000 Indians Religion: 60% indigenous beliefs, 30% Christian, 10% Muslim Language: Portuguese (official); many indigenous dialects
Back to Full Books |