Part 3 out of 27Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 11 municipalities (baladiyat, singular--baladiyah); 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 Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law National holiday: National Day, 16 December Executive branch: amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court Leaders: Chief of State--Amir Isa bin Salman Al KHALIFA (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent Hamad bin Isa Al KHALIFA (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950); Head of Government--Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al KHALIFA, (since 19 January 1970) Political parties and pressure groups: political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Shia fundamentalist groups are active Suffrage: none Elections: none Communists: negligible Member of: Arab League, FAO, G-77, GATT (de facto), GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ghazi Muhammad AL-QUSAYBI; Chancery at 3502 International Drive NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 342-0741 or 342-0742; there is a Bahraini Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLER; Embassy at Shaikh Isa Road, Manama (mailing address is P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO New York 09526); telephone p973o 714151 through 714153 Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side - Economy Overview: The oil price decline in recent years has had an adverse impact on the economy. Petroleum production and processing account for about 85% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 20% of GDP. In 1986 soft oil-market conditions led to a 5% drop in GDP, in sharp contrast wit the 5% average annual growth rate during the early 1980s. The slowdown in economic activity, however, has helped to check the inflation of the 1970s. The government's past economic diversification efforts have moderated the severity of the downturn but failed to offset oil and gas revenue losses. GDP: $3.5 billion, per capita $7,550 (1987); real growth rate 0% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.3% (1988) Unemployment: 8-10% (1989) Budget: revenues $1,136 million; expenditures $1,210 million, including capital expenditures of $294 million (1987) Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1988 est.); commodities--petroleum 80%, aluminum 7%, other 13%; partners--US, UAE, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia Imports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b., 1988 est.); commodities--nonoil 59%, crude oil 41%; partners--UK, Saudi Arabia, US, Japan External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 3.1% (1987) Electricity: 1,652,000 kW capacity; 6,000 million kWh produced, 12,800 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing Agriculture: including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient in food production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, and fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987 Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $28 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billion Currency: Bahraini dinar (plural--dinars); 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1--0.3760 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Highways: 200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks Ports: Mina Salman, Mina al Manamah, Sitrah Merchant marine: 1 cargo and 1 bulk (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 28,621 GRT/44,137 DWT Pipelines: crude oil, 56 km; refined products, 16 km; natural gas, 32 km Civil air: 24 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international telecommunications; adequate domestic services; 98,000 telephones; stations--2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; tropospheric scatter and microwave to Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar and UAE - Defense Forces Branches: Army (Defense Force), Navy, Air Force, Police Force Military manpower: males 15-49, 183,580; 102,334 fit for military service Defense expenditures: 5% of GDP, or $194 million (1990 est.) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Baker Island (territory of the US) - Geography Total area: 1.4 km2; land area: 1.4 km2 Comparative area: about 2.3 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4.8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 m; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) Land use: 0% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 100% other Environment: treeless, sparse and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife Note: remote location 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia - People Population: uninhabited 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 only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and cemetery ruins located near the middle of the west coast - Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system - Economy Overview: no economic activity - Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m Note: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Bangladesh - Geography Total area: 144,000 km2; land area: 133,910 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Land boundaries: 4,246 km total; Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm; Continental shelf: up to outer limits of continental margin; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Ganges Climate: tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, uranium, arable land, timber Land use: 67% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 4% meadows and pastures; 16% forest and woodland; 11% other; includes 14% irrigated Environment: vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summer monsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation Note: almost completely surrounded by India - People Population: 118,433,062 (July 1990), growth rate 2.8% (1990) Birth rate: 42 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 136 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 54 years male, 53 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 5.7 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Bangladeshi(s); adjective--Bangladesh Ethnic divisions: 98% Bengali; 250,000 Biharis, and less than 1 million tribals Religion: 83% Muslim, about 16% Hindu, less than 1% Buddhist, Christian, and other Language: Bangla (official), English widely used Literacy: 29% (39% men, 18% women) Labor force: 35,100,000; 74% agriculture, 15% services, 11% industry and commerce; extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Kuwait (FY86) Organized labor: 3% of labor force belongs to 2,614 registered unions (1986 est.) - Government Long-form name: People's Republic of Bangladesh Type: republic Capital: Dhaka Administrative divisions: 64 districts (zillagulo, singular--zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Borguna, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram, Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati, Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur, Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator, Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, Thakurgaon Independence: 16 December 1971 (from Pakistan; formerly East Pakistan) Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971) Executive branch: president, vice president, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--President Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD (since 11 December 1983, elected 15 October 1986); Vice President Moudad AHMED (since 12 August 1989); Head of Government--Prime Minister Qazi Zafar AHMED (since 12 August 1989) Political parties and leaders: Jatiyo Party, Hussain Mohammad Ershad; Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Begum Ziaur Rahman; Awami League, Sheikh Hasina Wazed; United People's Party, Kazi Zafar Ahmed; Democratic League, Khondakar Mushtaque Ahmed; Muslim League, Khan A. Sabur; Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (National Socialist Party), M. A. Jalil; Bangladesh Communist Party (pro-Soviet), Saifuddin Ahmed Manik; Jamaat-E-Islami, Ali Khan Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President--last held 15 October 1986 (next to be held October 1991); results--President Hussain Mohammad Ershad received 83.5% of vote; Parliament--last held 3 March 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) Jatiyo Party won 256 out of 300 seats Communists: 5,000 members (1987 est.) Member of: ADB, CCC, Colombo Plan, Commonwealth, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB--Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IRC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador A. H. S. Ataul KARIM; Chancery at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-8372 through 8376; there is a Bangladesh Consulate General in New York; US--Ambassador-designate William B. MILAM; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara Model Town, Dhaka (mailing address is G. P. O. Box 323, Ramna, Dhaka); telephone p88o (2) 608170 Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam - Economy Overview: The economy is based on the output of a narrow range of agricultural products, such as jute, which is the main cash crop and major source of export earnings. Bangladesh is hampered by a relative lack of natural resources, a rapid population growth of 2.8% a year and a limited infrastructure, and it is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Despite these constraints, real GDP averaged about 3.8% annually during 1985-88. One of the poorest nations in the world, alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy. The agricultural sector contributes over 50% to GDP and 75% to exports, and employs over 74% of the labor force. Industry accounts for about 10% of GDP. GDP: $20.6 billion, per capita $180; real growth rate 2.1% (FY89 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8-10% (FY89 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (FY88 est.) Budget: revenues $1.8 billion; expenditures $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.7 billion (FY89) Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., FY89 est.); commodities--jute, tea, leather, shrimp, manufacturing; partners--US 25%, Western Europe 22%, Middle East 9%, Japan 8%, Eastern Europe 7% Imports: $3.1 billion (c.i.f., FY89 est.); commodities--food, petroleum and other energy, nonfood consumer goods, semiprocessed goods, and capital equipment; partners--Western Europe 18%, Japan 14%, Middle East 9%, US 8% External debt: $10.4 billion (December 1989) Industrial production: growth rate 5.4% (FY89 est.) Electricity: 1,700,000 kW capacity; 4,900 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: jute manufacturing, food processing, cotton textiles, petroleum, urea fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for about 50% of GDP and 74% of both employment and exports; imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute; commercial products--jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef, milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils and cotton; fish catch 778,000 metric tons in 1986 Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $3.2 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-87), $9.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $652 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $1.5 billion Currency: taka (plural--taka); 1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1--32.270 (January 1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988), 30.950 (1987), 30.407 (1986), 27.995 (1985) Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June - Communications Railroads: 2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad gauge Highways: 7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved Inland waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) Ports: Chittagong, Chalna Merchant marine: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 331,568 GRT/493,935 DWT; includes 38 cargo, 2 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 3 bulk Pipelines: 650 km natural gas Civil air: 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 16 total, 13 usable; 13 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate international radio communications and landline service; fair domestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 182,000 telephones; stations--9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth stations - Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary forces--Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Coastal Police Military manpower: males 15-49, 28,110,802; 16,686,644 fit for military service Defense expenditures: 1.5% of GDP, or $309 million (FY90 est.) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Barbados - Geography Total area: 430 km2; land area: 430 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 97 km Maritime claims: Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region Natural resources: crude oil, fishing, natural gas Land use: 77% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 9% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 14% other Environment: subject to hurricanes (especially June to October) Note: easternmost Caribbean island - People Population: 262,688 (July 1990), growth rate 0.6% (1990) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 5 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 16 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Barbadian(s); adjective--Barbadian Ethnic divisions: 80% African, 16% mixed, 4% European Religion: 70% Anglican, 9% Methodist, 4% Roman Catholic, 17% other, including Moravian Language: English Literacy: 99% Labor force: 112,300; 37% services and government; 22% commerce, 22% manufacturing and construction; 9% transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions; 8% agriculture; 2% utilities (1985 est.) Organized labor: 32% of labor force - Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Bridgetown Administrative divisions: 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note--there may a new city of Bridgetown Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK) Constitution: 30 November 1966 Legal system: English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Hugh SPRINGER (since 24 February 1984); Head of Government--Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine Sandiford; Barbados Labor Party (BLP), Henry Forde; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie Haynes Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly--last held 28 May 1986 (next to be held by May 1991); results--DLP 59.4%, BLP 40.6%; seats--(27 total) DLP 24, BLP 3; note--a split in the DLP in February 1989 resulted in the formation of the NDP, changing the status of seats to DLP 20, NDP 4, BLP 3 Communists: negligible Other political or pressure groups: Industrial and General Workers Union, Bobby Clarke; People's Progressive Movement, Eric Sealy; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George Belle Member of: ACP, CARICOM, Commonwealth, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, IDB--Inter-American Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ISO, ITU, IWC--International Wheat Council, NAM, OAS, PAHO, SELA, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Sir William DOUGLAS; Chancery at 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-9200 through 9202; there is a Barbadian Consulate General in New York and a Consulate in Los Angeles; US--Ambassador-nominee G. Philip HUGHES; Embassy at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown (mailing address is P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown or FPO Miami 34054); telephone (809) 436-4950 through 4957 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, 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) - Economy Overview: A per capita income of $5,250 gives Barbados the highest standard of living of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean. Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane and related activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employer of the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. A high unemployment rate of about 19% in 1988 remains one of the most serious economic problems facing the country. GDP: $1.3 billion, per capita $5,250 (1988 est.); real growth rate 3.7% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.7% (1988) Unemployment: 18.6% (1988) Budget: revenues $476 million; expenditures $543 million, including capital expenditures of $94 million (FY86) Exports: $173 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--sugar and molasses, electrical components, clothing, rum, machinery and transport equipment; partners: US 30%, CARICOM, UK, Puerto Rico, Canada Imports: $582 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, crude oil; partners--US 34%, CARICOM, Japan, UK, Canada External debt: $635 million (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 5.4% (1987 est.) Electricity: 132,000 kW capacity; 460 million kWh produced, 1,780 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops--vegetables and cotton; not self-sufficient in food Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $14 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $144 million Currency: Barbadian dollars (plural--dollars); 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1--2.0113 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March - Communications Highways: 1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earth Ports: Bridgetown Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,200 GRT/7,338 DWT Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad and St. Lucia; stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 2 (1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station - Defense Forces Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force, Royal Barbados Police Force, Coast Guard Military manpower: males 15-49, 67,677; 47,566 fit for military service, no conscription Defense expenditures: 0.6% of GDP (1986) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Bassas da India (French possession) - Geography Total area: undetermined Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm; Continental shelf: 200 meters or to depth of exploitation; Extended economic zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 m high Natural resources: none Land use: 0% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 100% other (rock) Environment: surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones Note: navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide; located in southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar - People Population: uninhabited - Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Daniel CONSTANTIN, resident in Reunion - Economy Overview: no economic activity - Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Belgium - Geography Total area: 30,510 km2; land area: 30,230 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 1,385 km total; France 620 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km, FRG 167 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific; Exclusive fishing zone: equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast); Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Natural resources: coal, natural gas Land use: 24% arable land; 1% permanent crops; 20% meadows and pastures; 21% forest and woodland; 34% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: air and water pollution Note: majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels; crossroads of Western Europe; Brussels is the seat of the EC - People Population: 9,909,285 (July 1990), growth rate 0.1% (1990) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Belgian(s); adjective--Belgian Ethnic divisions: 55% Fleming, 33% Walloon, 12% mixed or other Religion: 75% Roman Catholic; remainder Protestant or other Language: 56% Flemish (Dutch), 32% French, 1% German; 11% legally bilingual; divided along ethnic lines Literacy: 98% Labor force: 4,000,000; 58% services, 37% industry, 5% agriculture (1987) Organized labor: 70% of labor force - Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Belgium Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French--provinces, singular--province; Flemish--provincien, singular--provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the process of revising the Constitution, with the aim of federalizing the Belgian state Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, five deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish--Senaat, French--Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish--Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French--Chambre des Representants) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish--Hof van Cassatie, French--Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State--King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934); Head of Government--Prime Minister Wilfried MARTENS, (since April 1979, with a 10-month interruption in 1981) Political parties and leaders: Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman van Rompuy, president; Walloon Social Christian (PSC), Gerard Deprez, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), Frank Vandenbroucke, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), Guy Spitaels, president; Flemish Liberal (PVV), Guy Verhofstadt, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine Duquesne, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges Clerfayt, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak Gabriels, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis van Geyt, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel Dillen; other minor parties Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Senate--last held 13 December 1987 (next to be held December 1991); results--CVP 19.2%, PS 15.7%, SP 14.7%, PVV 11.3%, PRL 9.3%, VU 8.1%, PSC 7.8%, ECOLO-AGALEV 7.7%, VB 2.0%, VDF 1.3%, other 1.96%; seats--(106 total) CVP 22, PS 20, SP 17, PRL 12, PVV 11, PSC 9, VU 8, ECOLO-AGALEV 5, VB 1, FDF 1; Chamber of Representatives--last held 13 December 1987 (next to be held December 1991); results--CVP 19.45%, PS 15.66%, SP 14.88%, PVV 11.55%, PRL 9.41%, PSC 8.01%, VU 8.05%, ECOLO-AGALEV 7.05%, VB 1.90%, FDF 1.16%, other 2.88%; seats--(212 total) CVP 43, PS 40, SP 32, PVV 25, PRL 23, PSC 19, VU 16, ECOLO-AGALEV 9, FDF 3, VB 2 Communists: under 5,000 members (December 1985 est.) Other political or pressure groups: Christian 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 the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi Member of: ADB, Benelux, BLEU, CCC, Council of Europe, DAC, EC, ECE, ECOSOC, EIB, EMS, ESA, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAC, ICAO, ICES, ICO, IDA, IDB--Inter-American Development Bank, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, ILZSG, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOOC, IPU, ITC, ITU, NATO, OAS (observer), OECD, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WSG Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Herman DEHENNIN; Chancery at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6900; there are Belgian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York; US--Ambassador Maynard W. GLITMAN; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels (mailing address is APO New York 09667); telephone p32o (2) 513-3830; there is a US Consulate General in Antwerp Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France - Economy Overview: This small 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 reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. In 1988 over 70% of trade was with other EC countries. During the period 1986-88 the economy profited from falling oil prices and a lower dollar, which helped to improve the terms of trade. Real GDP grew by an average of 3.5% in 1986-89, up from 1.5% in 1985. However, a large budget deficit and 10% unemployment cast a shadow on the economy. GDP: $136.0 billion, per capita $13,700; real growth rate 4.5% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1989 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.7% est. (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) Exports: $100.3 billion (f.o.b., 1989) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union; commodities--iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products; partners--EC 74%, US 5%, Communist countries 2% (1988) Imports: $100.1 billion (c.i.f., 1989) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union; commodities--fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs; partners--EC 72%, US 5%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, Communist countries 3% (1988) External debt: $27.5 billion (1988) Industrial production: growth rate 6.4% (1988) Electricity: 17,325,000 kW capacity; 62,780 million kWh produced, 6,350 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Agriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production--beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, and tobacco; net importer of farm products Aid: donor--ODA and OOF commitments (1970-87), $4.3 billion Currency: Belgian franc (plural--francs); 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1--35.468 (January 1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987), 44.672 (1986), 59.378 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,667 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 1,978 km electrified; 191 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned and operated Highways: 103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000 km unpaved rural roads Inland waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge, 1 secondary, and 1 minor maritime; 11 inland Merchant marine: 67 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,854,898 GRT/3,071,637 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 10 cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 6 container, 7 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 chemical tanker, 13 bulk, 6 combination bulk Pipelines: refined products 1,167 km; crude 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft Airports: 42 total, 42 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; 4,560,000 telephones; stations--8 AM, 19 FM (41 relays), 25 TV (10 relays); 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems - Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower: males 15-49, 2,512,681; 2,114,701 fit for military service; 66,758 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: 2.7% of GDP, or $3.7 billion (1989 est.) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Belize - Geography Total area: 22,960 km2; land area: 22,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: 516 km total; Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations are under way Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: 2% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 2% meadows and pastures; 44% forest and woodland; 52% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south); deforestation Note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean - People Population: 219,737 (July 1990), growth rate 3.7% (1990) Birth rate: 38 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: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 72 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 4.8 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Belizean(s); adjective--Belizean Ethnic divisions: 39.7% Creole, 33.1% Mestizo, 9.5% Maya, 7.6% Garifuna, 2.1% East Indian, 8.0% other Religion: 60% Roman Catholic; 40% Protestant (Anglican, Seventh-Day Adventist, Methodist, Baptist, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mennonite) Language: English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib) Literacy: 93% (est.) Labor force: 51,500; 30.0% agriculture, 16.0% services, 15.4% government, 11.2% commerce, 10.3% manufacturing; shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985) Organized labor: 30% of labor force; 11 unions currently active - Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary Capital: Belmopan Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK; formerly British Honduras) Constitution: 21 September 1981 Legal system: English law National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Elmira Minita GORDON (since 21 September 1981); Head of Government--Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989) Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George Price, Florencio Marin, Said Musa; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel Esquivel, Curl Thompson, Dean Barrow; Belize Popular Party (BPP), Louis Sylvestre Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly--last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(28 total) PUP 15 seats, UDP 13 seats; note--in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count 16 PUP, UDP 12 Communists: negligible Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) headed by former PUP minister; United Workers Front Member of: ACP, CARICOM, CDB, Commonwealth, FAO, GATT, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, G-77, ISO, ITU, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Edward A. LAING; Chancery at Suite 2J, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 363-4505; US--Ambassador Robert G. RICH, Jr.; Embassy at Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City (mailing address is P. O. Box 286, Belize City); telephone p501o 77161 through 77163 Flag: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers with a mahogany tree at the top and the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland - Economy Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture and merchandising. Agriculture accounts for more than 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. In 1987 the drop in income from sugar sales to the US because of quota reductions was almost totally offset by higher world prices for sugar. GDP: $225.6 million, per capita $1,285; real growth rate 6% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1988) Unemployment rate: 14% (1988 est.) Budget: revenues $94.6 million; expenditures $74.3 million, including capital expenditures of $33.9 million (1988 est.) Exports: $120 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood products; partners--US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987) Imports: $176 million (c.i.f., 1988); commodities--machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; partners--US 55%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1987) External debt: $140 million (December 1988) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1988) Electricity: 34,000 kW capacity; 88 million kWh produced, 500 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: sugar refining, clothing, timber and forest products, furniture, rum, soap, beverages, cigarettes, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to 66 metric tons in 1989; transshipment point for cocaine Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $94 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $194 million Currency: Belizean dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1--2.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March - Communications Highways: 2,575 km total; 340 km paved, 1,190 km gravel, 735 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City, Belize City Southwest Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 38 total, 30 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 8,650 telephones; above-average system based on radio relay; stations--6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station - Defense Forces Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force, Coast Guard, Police Department Military manpower: males 15-49, 50,988; 30,502 fit for military service; 2,500 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: 2.0% of GDP, or $4.6 million (1989 est.) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Benin - Geography Total area: 112,620 km2; land area: 110,620 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 1,989 km total; Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km Coastline: 121 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: 12% arable land; 4% permanent crops; 4% meadows and pastures; 35% forest and woodland; 45% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation; desertification Note: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no natural harbors - People Population: 4,673,964 (July 1990), growth rate 3.3% (1990) Birth rate: 50 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 121 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 52 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Beninese (sing., pl.); adjective--Beninese Ethnic divisions: 99% African (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba); 5,500 Europeans Religion: 70% indigenous beliefs, 15% Muslim, 15% Christian Language: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; at least six major tribal languages in north Literacy: 25.9% Labor force: 1,900,000 (1987); 60% agriculture, 38% transport, commerce, and public services, less than 2% industry; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: about 75% of wage earners - Government Long-form name: Republic of Benin Type: dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system by 1991 planned Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (de facto) Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France; formerly Dahomey) Constitution: 23 May 1977 (nullified 1 March 1990); new constitution to be drafted by April 1990 Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 30 November (1975) Executive branch: president, prime minister, cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Revolutionary Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Revolutionnaire) dissolved 1 March 1990 and replaced by a 24-member interim High Council of the Republic during the transition period Judicial branch: Central People's Court (Cour Central Populaire) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 27 October 1972) Political parties and leaders: only party--People's Revolutionary Party of Benin (PRPB), President Mathieu Kerekou, chairman of the Central Committee Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President--last held July 1989 (next to be held July 1994); results--President Mathieu Kerekou was reelected by the National Revolutionary Assembly; National Revolutionary Assembly--dissolved 1 March 1990 and replaced by a 24-member interim High Council of the Republic with legislative elections for new institutions planned for February 1991 Communists: dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989 Member of: ACP, AfDB, CEAO, EAMA, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ITU, NAM, Niger River Commission, OAU, OCAM, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Theophile NATA; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656; US--Ambassador Harriet ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou (mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone p229o 30-06-50 Flag: green with a red five-pointed star in the upper hoist-side corner - Economy Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for almost 45% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Persistently low prices in recent years have limited hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. GDP: $1.7 billion, per capita $335; real growth rate 1.8% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.3% (1988) Unemployment: NA Budget: revenues $168 million; expenditures $317 million, including capital expenditures of $97 million (1989) Exports: $226 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa; partners--FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 7% Imports: $413 million (f.o.b., 1988); commodities--foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods; partners--France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 5% External debt: $1.0 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 0.7% (1988) Electricity: 28,000 kW capacity; 24 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: palm oil and palm kernel oil processing, textiles, beverages, petroleum Agriculture: small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated by food crops--corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and rice; cash crops include cotton, palm oil, and peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept up with consumption Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $41 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $1.0 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $101 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural--francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1--287.99 (January 1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987), 346.30 (1986), 449.26 (1985) Fiscal year: calendar year - Communications Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) of 2,999 GRT/4,407 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay; 16,200 telephones; stations--2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth station - Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower: eligible 15-49, 2,015,206; of the 950,921 males 15-49, 486,620 are fit for military service; of the 1,064,285 females 15-49, 537,049 are fit for military service; about 55,550 males and 53,663 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: 1.7% of GDP, or $28.9 million (1988 est.) ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Bermuda (dependent territory of the UK) - Geography Total area: 50 km2; land area: 50 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 meters or to depth of exploitation; Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm; Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: 0% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 20% forest and woodland; 80% other Environment: ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360 small coral islands Note: 1,050 km east of North Carolina; some reclaimed land leased by US Government - People Population: 58,337 (July 1990), growth rate 1.5% (1990) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 6 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Bermudian(s); adjective--Bermudian Ethnic divisions: 61% black, 39% white and other Religion: 37% Anglican, 14% Roman Catholic, 10% African Methodist Episcopal (Zion), 6% Methodist, 5% Seventh-Day Adventist, 28% other Language: English Literacy: 98% Labor force: 32,000; 25% clerical, 22% services, 21% laborers, 13% professional and technical, 10% administrative and managerial, 7% sales, 2% agriculture and fishing (1984) Organized labor: 8,573 members (1985); largest union is Bermuda Industrial Union - Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 8 June 1968 Legal system: English law National holiday: Bermuda Day, 22 May Executive branch: British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Sir Desmond LANGLEY (since NA October 1988); Head of Government--Premier John William David SWAN (since NA January 1982) Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. Swan; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick Wade; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert Darrell Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Assembly--last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other 1 Communists: negligible Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell Simmons Member of: INTERPOL, WHO Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are represented by the UK; US--Consul General James M. MEDAS; Consulate General at Vallis Building, Par-la-Ville Road (off Front Street West), Hamilton (mailing address is P. O. Box 325, Hamilton, or FPO New York 09560); telephone (809) 295-1342 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue 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 - Economy Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% 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. GDP: $1.3 billion, per capita $23,000; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.8% (1988) Unemployment: 2.0% (1988) Budget: revenues $280 million; expenditures $279 million, including capital expenditures of $34 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $23 million (f.o.b.,1985); commodities--semitropical produce, light manufactures; partners--US 25%, Italy 25%, UK 14%, Canada 5%, other 31% Imports: $402 million (c.i.f., 1985); commodities--fuel, foodstuffs, machinery; partners--US 58%, Netherlands Antilles 9%, UK 8%, Canada 6%, Japan 5%, other 14% External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 134,000 kW capacity; 446 million kWh produced, 7,680 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $267 million Currency: Bermudian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1--1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March - Communications Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, St. George Merchant marine: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,163,947 GRT/7,744,319 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 10 cargo, 4 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 10 roll-on/roll-off, 27 petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 1 combination ore/oil, 10 liquefied gas, 20 bulk; note--a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 16 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: modern with fully automatic telephone system; 46,290 telephones; stations--5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations - Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Bhutan - Geography Total area: 47,000 km2; land area: 47,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: 1,075 km total; China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: none--landlocked Maritime claims: none--landlocked Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide Land use: 2% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 5% meadows and pastures; 70% forest and woodland; 23% other Environment: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes - People Population: 1,565,969 (July 1990), growth rate 2.0% (1990) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 137 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 48 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 5.0 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Bhutanese (sing., pl.); adjective--Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: 60% Bhote, 25% ethnic Nepalese, 15% indigenous or migrant tribes Religion: 75% Lamaistic Buddhism, 25% Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism Language: Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects--most widely spoken dialect is Dzongkha (official); Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: 5% Labor force: NA; 95% agriculture, 1% industry and commerce; massive lack of skilled labor (1983) Organized labor: not permitted - Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Bhutan Type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 3 regions and 1 division*; Central Bhutan, Eastern Bhutan, Southern Bhutan*, Western Bhutan; note--there may now be 18 districts (dzong, singular and plural) named Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdiphodrang Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) Political parties: no legal parties Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections Elections: no national elections Communists: no overt Communist presence Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy, Indian merchant community, ethnic Nepalese organizations Member of: ADB, Colombo Plan, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IMF, NAM, SAARC, UNESCO, UPU, UN, WHO Diplomatic representation: no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India); the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the US Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side - Economy Overview: The economy is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. One of the world's least developed countries, rugged mountains dominate and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important natural resources. GDP: $273 million, per capita $199; real growth rate 6.3% (1988 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1989 est.) Unemployment: NA Budget: revenues $99 million; expenditures $128 million, including capital expenditures of $65 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $70.9 million (f.o.b., FY89); commodities--cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit; partners--India 93% Imports: $138.3 million (c.i.f., FY89 est.); commodities--fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics; partners--India 67% External debt: $70.1 million (FY89 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 12.4% (1988 est.) Electricity: 353,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 1,300 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: cement, chemical products, mining, distilling, food processing, handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry; self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production--rice, corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy, and eggs Aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $85.8 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million Currency: ngultrum (plural--ngultrum); 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note--Indian currency is also legal tender Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1--16.965 (January 1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987), 12.611 (1986), 12.369 (1985); note--the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June - Communications Highways: 1,304 km total; 418 km surfaced, 515 km improved, 371 km unimproved earth Civil air: 1 jet, 2 prop Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: inadequate; 1,890 telephones (1985); 15,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); 85 TV sets (1985); stations--20 AM, no FM, no TV - Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bhutan Army Military manpower: males 15-49, 389,142; 208,231 fit for military service; 17,203 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: NA ---------------------------------------------------- Country: Bolivia - Geography Total area: 1,098,580 km2; land area: 1,084,390 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: 6,743 km total; Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km Coastline: none--landlocked Maritime claims: none--landlocked Disputes: 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 rights Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: high plateau, hills, lowland plains Natural resources: tin, natural gas, crude oil, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber Land use: 3% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 25% meadows and pastures; 52% forest and woodland; 20% other; includes NEGL% irrigated Environment: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Peru - People Population: 6,706,854 (July 1990), growth rate 2.1% (1990) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1990) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1990) Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1990) Infant mortality rate: 125 deaths/1,000 live births (1990) Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 56 years female (1990) Total fertility rate: 4.7 children born/woman (1990) Nationality: noun--Bolivian(s); adjective Bolivian Ethnic divisions: 30% Quechua, 25% Aymara, 25-30% mixed, 5-15% European Religion: 95% Roman Catholic; active Protestant minority, especially Evangelical Methodist Language: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara (all official) Literacy: 63% Labor force: 1,700,000; 50% agriculture, 26% services and utilities, 10% manufacturing, 4% mining, 10% other (1983) Organized labor: 150,000-200,000, concentrated in mining, industry, construction, and transportation; mostly organized under Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) labor federation - Government Long-form name: Republic of Bolivia Type: republic Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular--departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, El Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) Constitution: 2 February 1967 Legal system: based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government--President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO Sanjines (since 6 August 1989) Political parties and leaders: Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime Paz Zamora; Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo Banzer Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada; United Left (IU), coalition of leftist parties which includes Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), led by Antonio Aranibar, Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P) led by Walter Delgadillo, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by Humberto Ramirez; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos Palenque Aviles; Revolutionary Vanguard-9th of April (VR-9), Carlos Serrate Reich Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single) Elections: President--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo Banzer Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime Paz Zamora (MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime Paz Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo Banzer (ADN); with ADN support Paz Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6 August; Senate--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--percent of vote NA; seats (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 8, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2; Chamber of Deputies--last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 38, MIR 30, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, VR-9 3 Member of: FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IATP, IBRD, ICAO, ICO, IDA, IDB--Inter-American Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ISO, ITC, ITU, IWC--International Wheat Council, LAIA, NAM, OAS, PAHO, SELA, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jorge CRESPO; Chancery at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4410 through 4412; there are Bolivian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco; US--Ambassador Robert GELBARD; Embassy at Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz (mailing address is P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO Miami 34032); telephone p591o (2) 350251 or 350120 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band - Economy Overview: The Bolivian economy steadily deteriorated between 1980 and 1985 as La Paz financed growing budget deficits by expanding the money supply and inflation spiraled--peaking at 11,700%. An austere orthodox economic program adopted by newly elected President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeeded in reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually during 1987 and 1989, eventually restarting economic growth. President Paz Zamora has pledged to retain the economic policies of the previous government in order to keep inflation down and continue the growth begun under his predecessor. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America, and it remains vulnerable to price fluctuations for its limited exports--mainly minerals and natural gas. Moreover, for many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing. GNP: $4.6 billion, per capita $660; real growth rate 2.8% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: 20.7% (1988) Budget: revenues $2,867 million; expenditures $2,867 million, including capital expenditures of $663 million (1987) Exports: $634 million (f.o.b., 1989); commodities--metals 45%, natural gas 32%, coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber, and illicit drugs; partners--US 23%, Argentina Imports: $786 million (c.i.f., 1989); commodities--food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods;
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