The 1994 Edition of the CIA World FactbookPart 28 out of 46
slightly larger than New York State Land boundaries: total 1,231 km, Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km Coastline: 910 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 25-nm security zone (status of claim uncertain) continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; International Court of Justice (ICJ) referred the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be required Climate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Terrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes Natural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 43% forest and woodland: 35% other: 12% Irrigated land: 850 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution natural hazards: subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe hurricanes international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea @Nicaragua, People Population: 4,096,689 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.68% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 34.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.69 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 52.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.02 years male: 61.18 years female: 66.96 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.33 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nicaraguan(s) adjective: Nicaraguan Ethnic divisions: mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5% Languages: Spanish (official) note: English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1971) total population: 57% male: 57% female: 57% Labor force: 1.086 million by occupation: services 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986) @Nicaragua, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua conventional short form: Nicaragua local long form: Republica de Nicaragua local short form: Nicaragua Digraph: NU Type: republic Capital: Managua Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAN), Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAS) Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Constitution: 9 January 1987 Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President Virgilio GODOY Reyes (since 25 April 1990); election last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5% cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - UNO 53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 41, FSLN 39, "Centrist" (Dissident UNO) 12 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Political parties and leaders: ruling coalition: National Opposition Union (UNO) is a 10-party alliance - moderate parties: National Conservative Party (PNC), Silviano MATAMOROS Lacayo, president; Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Jose Ernesto SOMARRIBA, Arnold ALEMAN; Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN, Agustin JARQUIN, Azucena FERREY, Roger MIRANDA, Francisco MAYORGA; National Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; National Action Party (PAN), Duilio BALTODANO; UNO - hardline parties: Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO,Virgilio GODOY Reyes; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Guillermo POTOY, Alfredo CESAR Aguirre, secretary general; Conservative Popular Alliance Party (PAPC), Myriam ARGUELLO; Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez; Neo-Liberal Party (PALI), Adolfo GARCIA Esquivel opposition parties: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS; Democratic Conservative Party of Nicaragua (PCDN), Jose BRENES; Liberal Party of National Unity (PLUIN), Eduardo CORONADO; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Francisco SAMPER; Social Christian Party (PSC), Erick RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Social Conservative Party (PSOC), Fernando AGUERRO; Popular Action Movement - Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Mauricio DIAZ Other political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC); Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE); National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS); Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A); Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto MAYORGA Cortes chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 939-6570 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John MAISTO embassy: Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] (2) 666010 or 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through 34 FAX: [505] (2) 666046 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band @Nicaragua, Economy Overview: Since March 1991, when President CHAMORRO began an ambitious economic stabilization program, Nicaragua has had considerable success in reducing inflation and obtaining substantial economic aid from abroad. Annual inflation fell from more than 750% in 1991 to less than 5% in 1992. Inflation rose again to an estimated 20% in 1993, although this increase was due almost entirely to a large currency devaluation in January. As of early 1994, the government was close to finalizing an enhanced structural adjustment facility with the IMF, after the previous standby facility expired in early 1993. Despite these successes, achieving overall economic growth in an economy scarred by misguided economic values and civil war during the 1980s has proved elusive. Economic growth was flat in 1992 and slightly negative in 1993. Nicaragua's per capita foreign debt is one of the highest in the world; nonetheless, as of late 1993, Nicaragua was current on its post-1988 debt as well as on payments to the international financial institutions. Definition of property rights remains a problem; ownership disputes over large tracts of land, businesses, and homes confiscated by the previous government have yet to be resolved. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -0.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $1,600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 13%; underemployment 50% (1991) Budget: revenues: $375 million (1992) expenditures: $410 million (1992), including capital expenditures of $115 million (1991 est.) Exports: $228 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: foodstuffs, cotton, coffee, chemicals partners: EC 26%, US 26%, Japan, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico (1992) Imports: $907 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: petroleum, food, chemicals, machinery, clothing partners: US 26%, Venezuela, Costa Rica, EC, Guatemala (1992) External debt: $10.5 billion ( 1992) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 20-25% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 434,000 kW production: 1.118 billion kWh consumption per capita: 290 kWh (1992) Industries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear Agriculture: crops account for about 15% of GDP; export crops - coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans; also produces a variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products; normally self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-92), $620 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.381 billion Currency: 1 gold cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: gold cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 6 (10 January 1993), 5 (1992); note - gold cordoba replaced cordoba as Nicaragua's currency in 1991 (exchange rate of old cordoba had reached per US$1 - 25,000,000 by March 1992) Fiscal year: calendar year @Nicaragua, Communications Railroads: 373 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge, government owned; majority of system not operating; 3 km 1.435-meter gauge line at Puerto Cabezas (does not connect with mainline) Highways: total: 25,930 km paved: 4,000 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 2,170 km; graded earth 5,425 km; unimproved earth 14,335 km Pan-American highway: 368.5 km (not in total) Inland waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes Pipelines: crude oil 56 km Ports: Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,161 GRT/2,500 DWT Airports: total: 208 usable: 149 with permanent-surface runways: 11 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 13 Telecommunications: low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into Central American Microwave System; 60,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 45 AM, no FM, 7 TV, 3 shortwave; earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT @Nicaragua, Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 946,177; fit for military service 582,669; reach military age (18) annually 45,555 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $43.0 million, 1.6% of GDP (1992) @Niger, Geography Location: Western Africa, between Algeria and Nigeria Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1.267 million sq km land area: 1,266,700 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total 5,697 km, Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 sq km in northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north Natural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 2% other: 88% Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction natural hazards: recurrent droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: landlocked @Niger, People Population: 8,971,605 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.36% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 54.95 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 21.32 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 44.61 years male: 43.01 years female: 46.26 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.35 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nigerien(s) adjective: Nigerien Ethnic divisions: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 4,000 French expatriates Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 28% male: 40% female: 17% Labor force: 2.5 million wage earners (1982) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4% note: 51% of population of working age (1985) @Niger, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Niger conventional short form: Niger local long form: Republique du Niger local short form: Niger Digraph: NG Type: republic Capital: Niamey Administrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958) Constitution: approved by national referendum 16 December 1992; promulgated January 1993 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Mahamane OUSMANE (since 16 April 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou ISSOUFOU (since 17 April 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elected by proportional representation for 5 year terms; elections last held 14 February 1993 (next election NA 1998); seats - (83 total) MNSD 29, CDS 22, PNDS 13, ANDP-Z 11, UPDP 2, PPN/RDA 2, UDFP 2, PSDN 1, UDPS 1 Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel) Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Kada LABO, General Secretary; Democratic and Social Convention - Rahama (CDS- Rahama), Mahamane OUSMANE; Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Mahamadou ISSOUFOU; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress - Zamanlahia (ANDP-Z), Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Andre SALIFOU; Niger Progressive Party - African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Harou KOUKA; Niger Social Democrat Party (PADN), Malam Adji WAZIRI; Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Akoli DAOUEL Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 483-4224 through 4227 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John DAVISON embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72-26-61 through 64 FAX: [227] 73-31-67 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band @Niger, Economy Overview: Niger's economy is centered on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and re-export trade, and increasingly less on uranium, its major export throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Uranium revenues dropped by almost 50% between 1983 and 1990. Terms of trade with Nigeria, Niger's largest regional trade partner, have improved dramatically since the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994; this devaluation boosted exports of livestock, peas, onions, and the products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment, and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs designed by the IMF and the World Bank. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $5.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1.9% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $650 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $193 million expenditures: $355 million, including capital expenditures of $106 million (1991 est.) Exports: $294 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: uranium ore 60%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions partners: France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy Imports: $346 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, electronic equipment, cereals, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, foodstuffs partners: Germany 26%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, France 5%, Italy 4%, Nigeria 2% External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -2.7% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 105,000 kW production: 230 million kWh consumption per capita: 30 kWh (1991) Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium mining began in 1971 Agriculture: accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops - cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought years Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.165 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61 million Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: the official rate is pegged to the French franc, and beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Niger, Communications Highways: total: 39,970 km paved: bituminous 3,170 km unpaved: gravel, laterite 10,330 km; earth 3,470 km; tracks 23,000 km Inland waterways: Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through March Airports: total: 30 usable: 28 with permanent-surface runways: 9 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 14 Telecommunications: small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links concentrated in southwestern area; 14,260 telephones; broadcast stations - 15 AM, 5 FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 3 domestic, with 1 planned @Niger, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Police, Republican Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,845,374; fit for military service 994,683; reach military age (18) annually 91,595 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $27 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989) @Nigeria, Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Benin and Cameroon Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 923,770 sq km land area: 910,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total 4,047 km, Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km Coastline: 853 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 30 nm International disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission, created with Cameroon to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries, has not yet convened, but a commission was formed January 1994 to study a flare-up of the dispute Climate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Natural resources: petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas Land use: arable land: 31% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 23% forest and woodland: 15% other: 28% Irrigated land: 8,650 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil degradation; rapid deforestation; desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change @Nigeria, People Population: 98,091,097 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.15% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 43.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.43 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 75 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.33 years male: 54.11 years female: 56.59 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.37 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian Ethnic divisions: north: Hausa and Fulani southwest: Yoruba southeast: Ibos non-Africans 27,000 note: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of population Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 51% male: 62% female: 40% Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15% note: 49% of population of working age (1985) @Nigeria, Government Names: conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria conventional short form: Nigeria Digraph: NI Type: military government since 31 December 1983; plans to institute a constitutional conference to prepare for a new transition to civilian rule after plans for a transition in 1993 were negated by General BABANGIDA Capital: Abuja note: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in Abuja Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960) Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989 constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implemented Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and Defense Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice-Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Federal Executive Council Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993 House of Representatives: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: note: two political party system suspended after the coup of 17 November 1993 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 986-8400 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter CARRINGTON embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (1) 610050 FAX: [234] (1) 610257 consulate(s) general: Kaduna Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green @Nigeria, Economy Overview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by poor macroeconomic management that has resulted in an average annual inflation rate of 60%, a growing foreign debt, and a worsening balance of payments. A deepening political crisis in 1993 has compounded the government's failure to reign in deficit spending, which prevents it from reaching an agreement with the IMF and its bilateral creditors on debt relief. Investment in both oil and non-oil sector industry has been undermined by corruption and squandered on white elephant projects that have failed to generate diversification or new employment. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $95.1 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.1% (1992) National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $9 billion expenditures: $10.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $11.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: oil 95%, cocoa, rubber partners: US 54%, EC 23% Imports: $8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, food and animals partners: EC 64%, US 10%, Japan 7% External debt: $29.5 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 7.7% (1991); accounts for 43% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: capacity: 4,740,000 kW production: 8.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 70 kWh (1991) Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steel Agriculture: accounts for 35% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficient small-scale farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food and now an importer; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensively exploited Illicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from South America intended for West European, East Asian, and North American markets Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billion Currency: 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (November 1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991), 8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Nigeria, Communications Railroads: 3,505 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: total: 107,990 km paved: mostly bituminous-surface treatment 30,019 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 25,411 km; unimproved earth 52,560 km Inland waterways: 8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km; natural gas 500 km Ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, Sapele Merchant marine: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 432,704 GRT/686,718 DWT, bulk 1, cargo 18, chemical tanker 3, liquified gas 1, oil tanker 9, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 Airports: total: 80 usable: 67 with permanent-surface runways: 34 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 21 Telecommunications: above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress; radio relay microwave and cable routes; broadcast stations - 35 AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxial submarine cable @Nigeria, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 22,468,803; fit for military service 12,840,029; reach military age (18) annually 986,518 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992) @Niue Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand) @Niue, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 460 km east of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land: 61% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 19% other: 12% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: one of world's largest coral islands @Niue, People Population: 1,906 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.66% (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans) Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist) Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.) by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board @Niue, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Niue Digraph: NE Type: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs Capital: Alofi Administrative divisions: none Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974) National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty) Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act) Legal system: English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand Representative Kurt MEYER (since NA) head of government: Premier Frank F. LUI (since 12 March 1993; Acting Premier since December 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; consists of the premier and three other ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 6 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand, High Court Political parties and leaders: Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIAN Member of: ESCAP (associate), INTELSAT (signatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross @Niue, Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand. National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million (1989 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $1,000 (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.6% (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $5.5 million expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.) Exports: $175,274 (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia Imports: $3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 1,500 kW production: 3 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1990) Industries: tourist, handicrafts, coconut products Agriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62 million Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Niue, Communications Highways: total: 229 km unpaved: all-weather 123 km; plantation access 106 km Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383 telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV @Niue, Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand @Norfolk Island Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia) @Norfolk Island, Geography Location: Southwestern Oceania, 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 34.6 sq km land area: 34.6 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (especially May to July) international agreements: NA @Norfolk Island, People Population: 2,710 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.7% (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s) Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986) Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA @Norfolk Island, Government Names: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island conventional short form: Norfolk Island Digraph: NF Type: territory of Australia Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center) Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856) Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979 Legal system: wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979; Supreme Court Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator A. G. KERR (since NA April 1992), who is appointed by the Governor General of Australia head of government: Assembly President David Ernest BUFFETT (since NA May 1992) cabinet: Executive Council Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia) US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band @Norfolk Island, Economy Overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. National product: GDP $NA National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (1989 est.) Exports: $1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe Imports: $15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 8 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit, cattle, poultry Economic aid: none Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Norfolk Island, Communications Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: earth, coral 27 km Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: 1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones (1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV @Norfolk Island, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia @Northern Mariana Islands Header Affiliation: (commonwealth in political union with the US) @Northern Mariana Islands, Geography Location: Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,635 km west-southwest of Honolulu, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 477 sq km land area: 477 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 1,482 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters (Mt. Okso' Takpochao on Saipan) Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land: 5% on Saipan permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons (especially August to November) international agreements: NA Note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean @Northern Mariana Islands, People Population: 49,799 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.04% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 35.05 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.53 years female: 69.48 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NA Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found) Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 96% Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force, 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers (1990) by occupation: NA @Northern Mariana Islands, Government Names: conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands Digraph: CQ Type: commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs Capital: Saipan Administrative divisions: none Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US) National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978) Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); Lieutenant Governor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990); election last held in NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature Senate: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans 6, Democrats 3 House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans 10, Democrats 6, Independent 2 US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA) Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court, Superior Court, Federal District Court Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Governor Lorenzo GUERRERO; Democratic Party, Carlos SHODA, chairman Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center @Northern Mariana Islands, Economy Overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly handicrafts and light manufacturing. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $541 million (1992) note: GNP numbers reflect US spending National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $11,500 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5-7.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $147 million expenditures: $127.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, garments, bread, pastries, concrete blocks, light iron work partners: NA Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.) commodities: food, construction, equipment, materials partners: NA External debt: $0 Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 25,000 kW production: 35 million kWh consumption per capita: 740 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, cattle, vegetables Economic aid: none Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Northern Mariana Islands, Communications Railroads: none Highways: total: 381.5 km paved: NA unpaved: NA undifferentiated: primary 134.5 km; secondary 55 km; local 192 km (1991) Inland waterways: none Ports: Saipan, Tinian Airports: total: 6 usable: 5 with permanent-surface runways: 3 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV, 2 cable TV stations; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations @Northern Mariana Islands, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Norway, Geography Location: Nordic State, Northern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden Map references: Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 324,220 sq km land area: 307,860 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total 2,515 km, Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km Coastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km) Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); dispute between Denmark and Norway over maritime boundary in Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Jan Mayen has been settled by the International Court of Justice; maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents Sea Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north Natural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 27% other: 70% Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia @Norway, People Population: 4,314,604 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.39% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.32 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.44 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.38 years male: 74.02 years female: 80.94 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Norwegian(s) adjective: Norwegian Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami) 20,000 Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980) Languages: Norwegian (official) note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 2.004 million (1992) by occupation: services 39.1%, commerce 17.6%, mining, oil, and manufacturing 16.0%, banking and financial services 7.6%, transportation and communications 7.8%, construction 6.1%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.5% (1989) @Norway, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway conventional short form: Norway local long form: Kongeriket Norge local short form: Norge Digraph: NO Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Oslo Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold Dependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard Independence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden) National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814) Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884 Legal system: mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) cabinet: State Council; appointed by the king in accordance with the will of the Storting
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