The 1997 CIA World FactbookPart 28 out of 47Geography - note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors @Malta:People Population: 377,177 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years : 21% (male 41,207; female 39,041) 15-64 years: 67% (male 127,553; female 126,355) 65 years and over: 12% (male 18,202; female 24,819) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 0.68% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 12.47 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 7.34 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 1.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years : 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.44 years male: 75.16 years female: 79.87 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese Ethnic groups: Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock) Religions: Roman Catholic 98% Languages: Maltese (official), English (official) Literacy: definition: age 10 and over can read and write total population: 88% male: 88% female: 88% (1985) @Malta:Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: Malta Data code: MT Government type: parliamentary democracy National capital: Valletta Administrative divisions: none (administered directly from Valletta) Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964) Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994) head of government : Prime Minister Dr. Alfred SANT (since 28 October 1996); Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. George VELLA (since 29 October 1996) cabinet : Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held NA April 1994 (next to be held by NA April 1999); following House of Representatives elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term election results: Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI elected president; percent of House of Representatives vote - NA Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total: 69 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms) elections : last held 26 October 1996 (next to be held by October 2001) election results: percent of vote by party - MLP 50.7%, NP 46.5%; seats by party - NP 34, MLP 31 (MLP 35, NP 34 after adjustment) Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; Court of Appeal, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party or NP [Edward FENECH ADAMI]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT] International organization participation: C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC (observer), NAM, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert Borg Olivier DE PUGET chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 FAX : [1] (202) 387-5470 consulate(s): New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charles N. PATTERSON, Jr. embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Malta mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta telephone : [356] 235960 FAX: [356] 223322 Flag description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red Economy Economy - overview: Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, industry (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism; the state-owned Malta drydocks employs about 3,800 people. In 1995, over 1.1 million tourists visited the island. Per capita GDP of $12,600 places Malta in the range of the less affluent EU countries. The island is divided politically over the question of joining the EU. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.7 billion (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4% (1996 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $12,600 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 34% services : 61% (1995 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3% (1996) Labor force: total : 148,085 (September 1996) by occupation: public services 37%, other services 28%, manufacturing and construction 25%, agriculture 2% (1995 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.7% (September 1996) Budget: revenues : $1.66 billion expenditures: $1.69 billion, including capital expenditures of $633 million (1996 est.) Industries: tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco Industrial production growth rate: -5% (1996 est.) Electricity - capacity: 405,000 kW (1994) Electricity - production: 1.41 billion kWh (1994) Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs Exports: total value: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, clothing and footware, printed matter partners: Italy 32%, Germany 16%, UK 8% Imports: total value: $3 billion (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 27%, Germany 14%, UK 13%, US 9% Debt - external: $134 million (1996) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3677 (January 1997), 0.3604 (1996), 0.3529 (1995), 0.3776 (1994), 0.3821 (1993), 0.3178 (1992) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Malta:Communications Telephones: 191,876 (1992 est.) Telephone system: automatic system satisfies normal requirements domestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands international : 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 4, shortwave 0 Radios: 189,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 4 (1996 est.) Televisions: 300,000 (1996 est.) @Malta:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total : 1,582 km paved: 1,471 km unpaved: 111 km (1993 est.) Ports and harbors: Marsaxlokk, Valletta Merchant marine: total : 1,128 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,806,358 GRT/31,554,713 DWT ships by type: bulk 314, cargo 353, chemical tanker 32, combination bulk 27, combination ore/oil 13, container 43, liquefied gas tanker 2, livestock carrier 1, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 224, passenger 7, passenger-cargo 3, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 31, roll-on/roll-off cargo 37, short-sea passenger 22, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 12 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 46 countries among which are Greece 478, Croatia 52, Switzerland 48, Russia 46, Italy 44, Norway 37, Turkey 28, Germany 23, UK 22, and Ukraine 20 (1996 est.) Airports: 1 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m : 1 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49 : 99,032 (1997 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males: 78,710 (1997 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $65.5 million (FY96/97) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.7% (FY96/97) Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration Illicit drugs: minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe ______________________________________________________________________ MAN, ISLE OF (British crown dependency) @Man, Isle of:Geography Location: Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland Geographic coordinates: 54 15 N, 4 30 W Map references: Europe Area: total : 588 sq km land: 588 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 113 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley Elevation extremes: lowest point : Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 620 m Natural resources: lead, iron ore Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% permanent pastures : NA% forests and woodland: NA% other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: NA Environment - international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA Geography - note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird sanctuary @Man, Isle of:People Population: 74,504 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 6,681; female 6,427) 15-64 years: 65% (male 24,225; female 24,102) 65 years and over : 17% (male 5,198; female 7,871) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 0.86% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 12.48 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 11.89 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 8.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years : 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.36 years male: 73.79 years female : 81.09 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.67 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun : Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: Manx Ethnic groups: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends Languages: English, Manx Gaelic Literacy: NA @Man, Isle of:Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man Data code: IM Dependency status: British crown dependency Government type: NA National capital: Douglas Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency) Independence: none (British crown dependency) National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act Legal system: English law and local statute Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor His Excellency Sir Timothy DAUNT (since NA 1995) head of government: President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990) cabinet : Council of Ministers elections: the queen is a hereditary monarch; lieutenant governor appointed by the queen for a five-year term; president of the Legislative Council elected by the Tynwald for a NA-year term; election last held NA (next to be held NA) election results: Sir Charles KERRUISH elected president of the Legislative Council; percent of legislative vote - NA Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (a 10-member body composed of the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Keys - last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA 1996) election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 24 Judicial branch: High Court of Justice, justices are appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor Political parties and leaders: there is no party system; members sit as independents International organization participation: none Diplomatic representation in the US: none (British crown dependency) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (British crown dependency) Flag description: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used Economy Economy - overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP. Banking now contributes about 45% to GDP. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets. GDP: purchasing power parity - $780 million (1994 est.) GDP - real growth rate: NA% GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,800 (1994 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate - consumer price index: 7% (1992 est.) Labor force: total: 33,189 (1991) by occupation: manufacturing 11%, construction 11%, transport and communication 6%, retail distribution 9%, professional and scientific services 17%, public administration 7%, banking and finance 8% Unemployment rate: 1% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $333.7 million expenditures: $333.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95 est.) Industries: financial services, light manufacturing, tourism Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: NA kW Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb partners : UK Imports: $NA commodities : timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UK Debt - external: $NA Economic aid: recipient : ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Manx pound (£M) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Manx pounds (£M) per US$1 - 0.6023 (January 1997), 0.6403 (1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Man, Isle of:Communications Telephones: 41,000 (1995) Telephone system: domestic: NA international: NA Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 4 Televisions: NA @Man, Isle of:Transportation Railways: total : 52 km (27 km electrified) Highways: total: 640 km paved: 320 km unpaved: 320 km Ports and harbors: Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey Merchant marine: total: 106 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,679,710 GRT/4,450,358 DWT ships by type: bulk 21, cargo 9, chemical tanker 6, combination bulk 1, container 14, liquefied gas tanker 9, oil tanker 22, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 16, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 3 note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 11 ships, Switzerland 2, South Africa 1, Denmark 1, and Netherlands 1 (1996 est.) Airports: 1 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (1996 est.) Military Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none ______________________________________________________________________ MARSHALL ISLANDS @Marshall Islands:Geography Location: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Papua New Guinea Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 168 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 181.3 sq km land: 181.3 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, and Kwajalein Area - comparative: about the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 370.4 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea : 12 nm Climate: wet season from May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: 60% permanent pastures : NA% forests and woodland: NA% other: 40% Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: occasional typhoons Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands; Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range @Marshall Islands:People Population: 60,652 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 50% (male 15,550; female 14,926) 15-64 years : 48% (male 14,732; female 14,032) 65 years and over: 2% (male 662; female 750) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 3.85% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 45.54 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 7.07 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth : 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years : 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 45.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.14 years male: 62.57 years female: 65.79 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.78 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Marshallese (singular and plural) adjective: Marshallese Ethnic groups: Micronesian Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant) Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population : 93% male: 100% female: 88% (1980 est.) @Marshall Islands:Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands conventional short form : Marshall Islands former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Data code: RM Government type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 National capital: Majuro Administrative divisions: none Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979) Constitution: 1 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Imata KABUA (since 14 January 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Imata KABUA (since 14 January 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of Parliament elections: president elected by Parliament from among its own members for a four-year term; election last held 14 January 1997 (next to be held NA January 2000); note - Imata KABUA elected to succeed and complete the term of the late President Amata KABUA election results : Imata KABUA elected president; percent of Parliament vote - 63% Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections : last held 14 January 1997 (next to be held NA 2000; note - new elections will be held upon the completion of the term of the late President Amata KABUA) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA note : the Council of Chiefs is a 12-member body that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice Judicial branch: Supreme Court; High Court Political parties and leaders: traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Our Islands Party, leader NA, and Ralik/Ratak Democratic Party (RRDP), Ramsey REIMERS International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission : Ambassador Banny DE BRUM chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 consulate(s) general : Honolulu Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joan M. PLAISTED embassy: Oceanside, Long Island, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379; Majuro, 20521-4380 (pouch) telephone : [692] 247-4011 FAX: [692] 247-4012 Flag description: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes Economy Economy - overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange, employs about 10% of the labor force, and remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. The government is drafting economic reforms designed to increase revenue and compensate for reductions in US Government grants - in 1994, the US Government provided grants of $50 million, equal to 55% of the Marshall Islands' GDP. About 25% of the government's FY95/96 budget was devoted to debt repayment. In 1996, efforts to stabilize the economy included a 27% reduction in the government's work force and a 10% cut in the budget. GDP: purchasing power parity - $94 million (1995 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.5% (1995 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,680 (1995 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 16% industry: 14% services : 70% (1994) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 4% (1995 est.) Labor force: total : 4,800 (1986) by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: 16% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues : $67.2 million expenditures: $79.6 million, including capital expenditures of $21.6 million (FY94/95 est.) Industries: copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls, offshore banking (embryonic) Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: 16,000 kW (1994) Electricity - production: 57 million kWh (1994) Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens Exports: total value: $21.3 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: fish, coconut oil, live animals, trochus shells partners: US, Japan, Australia Imports: total value: $69.9 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco partners: US, Japan, Australia Debt - external: $170 million (1994) Economic aid: recipient: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Marshall Islands:Communications Telephones: 800 (1988 est.) Telephone system: telex services domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: NA @Marshall Islands:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total : NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km note: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks Ports and harbors: Majuro Merchant marine: total: 94 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,040,788 GRT/6,780,092 DWT ships by type: bulk carrier 44, cargo 5, combination ore/oil 1, container 21, oil tanker 21, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1 (1996 est.) Airports: 16 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total : 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 5 (1996 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total : 7 914 to 1,523 m: 7 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: no regular military forces (a coast guard may be established); Police Force Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US Transnational Issues Disputes - international: claims US territory of Wake Island ______________________________________________________________________ MARTINIQUE (overseas department of France) @Martinique:Geography Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago Geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total : 1,100 sq km land: 1,060 sq km water: 40 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 350 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 8% permanent pastures: 17% forests and woodland: 44% other : 23% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years) Environment - current issues: NA Environment - international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA @Martinique:People Population: 402,984 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (male 46,906; female 45,800) 15-64 years: 67% (male 133,500; female 136,773) 65 years and over : 10% (male 16,890; female 23,115) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 1.07% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 16.69 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 5.88 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: -0.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years : 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.98 years male: 76.21 years female: 81.83 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural) adjective: Martiniquais Ethnic groups: African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5% Languages: French, Creole patois Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93% male: 92% female: 93% (1982 est.) @Martinique:Government Country name: conventional long form: Department of Martinique conventional short form: Martinique local long form : Departement de la Martinique local short form: Martinique Data code: MB Dependency status: overseas department of France Government type: NA National capital: Fort-de-France Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French legal system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995); Prefect Jean-Francois CORDET (since NA) head of government : President of the General Council Claude LISE (since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Emile CAPGRAS (since 22 March 1992) cabinet: NA elections: prefect appointed by the president of France on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils Legislative branch: unicameral General Council or Conseil General (45 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and a unicameral Regional Assembly or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) elections: General Council - last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA 2000); Regional Assembly - last held on 22 March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998) election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; note - the PPM won a plurality; Regional Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR-UDF 16, MIM 9, PPM 9, PCM 5, independents 2 note: Martinique elects 2 seats to the French Senate; elections last held 24 September 1995 (next to be held September 1998); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PS 2; Martinique also elects 4 seats to the French National Assembly; elections last held 21 March 1993 (next to be held 25 May-1 June 1997 - special election); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 3, PS 1 Judicial branch: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic or RPR [Andre LESUEUR]; Union for a Martinique of Progress or UMP; Martinique Progressive Party or PPM [Ernest WAN-AJOUHU]; Socialist Federation of Martinique or FSM [Jean CRUSOL]; Martinique Communist Party or PCM [George ERICHOT]; Martinique Patriots or PM; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Miguel LAVENTURE]; Martinique Independence Movement or MIM [Alfred MARIE-JEANNE]; Republican Party or PR [Jean BAILLY] Political pressure groups and leaders: Proletarian Action Group or GAP; Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group or GRS; Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM [Marc PULVAR]; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Parti Martiniquais Socialiste or PMS; Association for the Protection of Martinique's Heritage (ecologist) International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas department of France) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas department of France) Flag description: a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions Economy Economy - overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.95 billion (1995 est.) GDP - real growth rate: NA% GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,000 (1995 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 11% services: 83% (1992 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3.9% (1990) Labor force: total: 160,000 by occupation: agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1992) Unemployment rate: 23.5% (1993) Budget: revenues: $620 million expenditures: $2.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $170 million (1992) Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: NA kW Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane for rum Exports: total value: $220 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 57%, Guadeloupe 31%, French Guiana (1991) Imports: total value : $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 62%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1991) Debt - external: $180 million (1994) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: substantial annual French aid Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4169 (January 1997), 5.1155 (1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992) Fiscal year: calendar year @Martinique:Communications Telephones: 209,672 (1994 est.) Telephone system: domestic facilities are adequate domestic: NA international: microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0 Radios: 74,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 10 Televisions: 65,000 (1993 est.) @Martinique:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 2,724 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1994) Ports and harbors: Fort-de-France, La Trinite Merchant marine: none Airports: 2 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (1996 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total : 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe ______________________________________________________________________ MAURITANIA @Mauritania:Geography Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara Geographic coordinates: 20 00 N, 12 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total : 1,030,700 sq km land: 1,030,400 sq km water: 300 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico Land boundaries: total: 5,074 km border countries : Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km Coastline: 754 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone : 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills Elevation extremes: lowest point: Sebkha de Ndrhamcha -3 m highest point: Kediet Ijill 910 m Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 38% forests and woodland : 4% other: 58% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 490 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts Environment - current issues: overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified : none of the selected agreements Geography - note: most of the population concentrated along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country @Mauritania:People Population: 2,411,317 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 49% (male 586,972; female 580,408) 15-64 years: 49% (male 579,071; female 612,343) 65 years and over : 2% (male 22,098; female 30,425) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 3.17% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 46.55 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 14.82 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth : 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 80 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.49 years male : 46.52 years female: 52.58 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.76 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian Ethnic groups: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: definition : age 15 and over can read and write total population: 37.7% male: 49.6% female: 26.3% (1995 est.) @Mauritania:Government Country name: conventional long form : Islamic Republic of Mauritania conventional short form: Mauritania local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah local short form: Muritaniyah Data code: MR Government type: republic National capital: Nouakchott Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza note: there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Constitution: 12 July 1991 Legal system: three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, and state security courts (in the process of being eliminated) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984) head of government: Prime Minister Cheikh El Afia Ould Mohamed KHOUNA (since 2 January 1996) cabinet: Council of Ministers elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 17 January 1992 (next to be held NA January 1998); prime minister appointed by the president election results: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelected; percent of vote - NA Legislative branch: bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis al-Shuyukh (56 seats; 17 up for election every two years; members elected by municipal leaders to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or Majlis al-Watani (79 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 12 April 1996 (next to be held NA 1998); National Assembly - last held 11 and 18 October 1996 (next to be held NA 2001) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRDS 16, UFD/NE 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRDS 71, AC 1, independents and other 7 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces-New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADI; Action for Change (AC), Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR Political pressure groups and leaders: Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM) International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Bilal Ould WERZEG chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission : Ambassador Dorothy Myers SAMPAS embassy: address NA, Nouakchott mailing address: B. P. 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] (2) 526-60, 526-63 FAX: [222] (2) 515-92 Flag description: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam Economy Economy - overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, drought and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. Short-term growth prospects are gloomy because of the heavy debt service burden, rapid population growth, and vulnerability to climatic conditions. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.8 billion (1995 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 6% (1995) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,200 (1995) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 31% services: 44% (1994) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 6.5% (1995) Labor force: total: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10% Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $256 million expenditures : $269 million, including capital expenditures of $54 million (1995) Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Industrial production growth rate: 7.2% (1994) Electricity - capacity: 105,000 kW (1991) Electricity - production: 135 million kWh (1991) Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; cattle, sheep; fish products Exports: total value: $483 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: fish and fish products, iron ore, gold partners : Japan 27%, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg Imports: total value: $365 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%, France, Germany, Spain, Italy Debt - external: $2.3 billion (1994) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiyas (UM) per US$1 - 141.230 (December 1996), 137.222 (1996), 129.768 (1995), 123.575 (1994), 120.806 (1993), 87.027 (1992) Fiscal year: calendar year @Mauritania:Communications Telephones: 17,000 (1991 est.) Telephone system: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations (improvements being made) domestic : mostly cable and open-wire lines international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 2 Arabsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 300,000 (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1987 est.) Televisions: 50,000 (1992 est.) @Mauritania:Transportation Railways: total: 704 km (single track); note - owned and operated by government mining company standard gauge : 704 km 1.435-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 7,600 km paved: 851 km unpaved: 6,749 km (1995 est.) Waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports and harbors: Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso Merchant marine: none Airports: 24 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total : 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (1996 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 9 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 518,212 (1997 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males : 253,047 (1997 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $33 million (1995) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.5% (1995) Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none ______________________________________________________________________ MAURITIUS @Mauritius:Geography Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar Geographic coordinates: 20 17 S, 57 33 E Map references: World Area: total: 1,860 sq km land: 1,850 sq km water: 10 sq km note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Area - comparative: almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point : Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire 828 m Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land: 49% permanent crops: 3% permanent pastures: 3% forests and woodland: 22% other: 23% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 170 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards Environment - current issues: water pollution Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements @Mauritius:People Population: 1,154,272 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 27% (male 155,779; female 151,964) 15-64 years : 67% (male 387,406; female 391,167) 65 years and over: 6% (male 27,719; female 40,237) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 1.21% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 18.81 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 6.68 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years : 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 16.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.71 years male: 66.88 years female : 74.53 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.23 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun : Mauritian(s) adjective: Mauritian Ethnic groups: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2% Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%), Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1% Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 82.9% male : 87.1% female: 78.8% (1995 est.) @Mauritius:Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius conventional short form : Mauritius Data code: MP Government type: parliamentary democracy National capital: Port Louis Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Constitution: 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992) and Vice President Rabindranath GHURBURRUN (since 1 July 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Navin RAMGOOLAM (since 27 December 1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Paul BERENGER (since 27 December 1995) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly for five-year terms; election last held NA June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president and are responsible to the National Assembly election results : Cassam UTEEM elected president and Rabindranath GHURBURRUN elected vice president; percent of vote by the National Assembly - NA Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (66 seats - 62 popularly elected, 4 appointed; members serve five-year terms); note - the election commission appoints four members from the losing political parties to give representation to various ethnic minorities elections: last held on 20 December 1995 (next to be held by December 2000) election results: percent of vote by party - MLP/MMM 65%, MSM/RMM 20%, other 15%; seats by party - MLP 35, MMM 25, allies of MLP and MMM on Rodrigues Island 2; appointed were Rodrigues Movement 2, PMSD 1, Hizbullah 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: government coalition : MLP/MMM alliance, consisting of Mauritian Labor Party or MLP [Navin RAMGOOLAM] and Mauritian Militant Movement or MMM [Paul BERENGER] opposition: MSM/MSR alliance consisting of the Militant Socialist Movement or MSM [Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH] and the Mauritian Militant Renaissance or MMR [Dr. Paramhansa NABABSING]; Organization of the People of Rodrigues or OPR [Louis Serge CLAIR]; Mauritius Social Democrat Party or PMSD [Xavier-Luc DUVAL]; Hizbullah [Imam Mustapha BEEHARRY] Political pressure groups and leaders: various labor unions International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING chancery: Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492 FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission : Ambassador Harold Walter GEISEL (8 July 1996) embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: International Mail: P.O. Box 544, Port Louis; US Mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2450 telephone : [230] 208-2347, 208-2354, 208-9763 through 9767 FAX: [230] 208-9534 Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green Economy Economy - overview: Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low income, agriculturally based economy to a middle income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial services, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 25% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on industrialization (with a view to modernization and to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in 1991-96 continued strong with solid growth and low unemployment. GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.7 billion (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5% (1996 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,300 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9.3% industry : 31.6% services: 59.1% (1995 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 6% (1995) Labor force: total : 479,500 (1993 est.) by occupation: construction and industry 37%, services 24%, agriculture and fishing 15%, trade, restaurants, hotels 14%, transportation and communication 7%, finance 3% Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $732 million expenditures: $550 million, including capital expenditures of $123 million (FY94/95 est.) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel; chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery; tourism Industrial production growth rate: 5.8% (1992) Electricity - capacity: 235,000 kW (1991) Electricity - production: 425 million kWh (1991) Electricity - consumption per capita: 393 kWh (1991 est.) Agriculture - products: sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses; cattle, goats; fish Exports: total value: $1.57 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: clothing and textiles 67%, sugar 25% partners: UK 34%, France 21%, US 15%, Germany 6%, Italy 4% Imports: total value: $1.98 billion (c.i.f., 1995) commodities : manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: France 20%, India 8%, Hong Kong 7%, UK 6%, Germany 5% Debt - external: $996.8 million (1993 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 18.528 (January 1997), 17.948 (1996), 17.386 (1995), 17.960 (1994), 17.648 (1993), 15.563 (1992) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Mauritius:Communications Telephones: 65,000 (1985 est.) Telephone system: small system with good service domestic: primarily microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several countries Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 395,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 4 (1987 est.) note: two new subscription channels began operation in 1995 Televisions: 151,096 (1991 est.) @Mauritius:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 1,877 km paved: 1,746 km (including 29 km of expressways) unpaved : 131 km (1995 est.) Ports and harbors: Port Louis Merchant marine: total: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 221,147 GRT/309,513 DWT ships by type : bulk 1, cargo 9, container 4, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1 (1996 est.) Airports: 4 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m : 1 under 914 m: 2 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: National Police Force (includes the paramilitary Special Mobile Force or SMF, Special Support Units or SSU, and National Coast Guard) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 333,029 (1997 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males : 169,129 (1997 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $11.2 million (FY92/93) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.4% (FY92/93) Transnational Issues Disputes - international: claims the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; heroin consumption and transshipment are growing problems ______________________________________________________________________ MAYOTTE (territorial collectivity of France) @Mayotte:Geography Location: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 12 50 S, 45 10 E Map references: Africa Area: total : 375 sq km land: 375 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
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