The 1997 CIA World FactbookPart 37 out of 47(since 1 January 1996) head of government : Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July 1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister elections : none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (14 seats, 11 popularly elected from single member constituencies; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 3 July 1995 (next to be held by July 2000) election results: percent of vote by party - SKLNP 58%, PAM 41%; seats by party - SKNLP 7, PAM 1, NRP 1, CCM 2 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia); one judge of the Supreme Court resides in Saint Kitts Political parties and leaders: People's Action Movement (PAM), Dr. Kennedy SIMMONDS; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS; Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Joseph PARRY; Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Vance AMORY International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission : Ambassador Osbert LIBURD chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; US interests are monitored by the embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red Economy Economy - overview: The economy has traditionally depended on the growing and processing of sugarcane; decreasing world prices have hurt the industry in recent years. Tourism and export-oriented manufacturing have assumed larger roles. Most food is imported. The newly elected government has undertaken a program designed to revitalize the faltering sugar sector. It is also working to improve revenue collection in order to better fund social programs. GDP: purchasing power parity - $235 million (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4% (1996 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,700 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 22% services: 72% (1996 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: -0.9% (1995) Labor force: total : 18,172 (June 1995) by occupation: services 69%, manufacturing 31% Unemployment rate: 4.3% (May 1995) Budget: revenues: $100.2 million expenditures: $100.1 million, including capital expenditures of $41.4 million (1996 est.) Industries: sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages Industrial production growth rate: NA % Electricity - capacity: 15,000 kW (1995) Electricity - production: 42 million kWh (1995) Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fishing potential not fully exploited Exports: total value: $35.4 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, food, electronics, beverages and tobacco partners: US 46.6%, UK 26.4%, Caricom nations 9.8% (1994) Imports: total value : $112.4 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, manufactures, food, fuels partners: US 45%, Caricom nations 18.8%, UK 12.5%, Canada 4.2%, Japan 4.2%, (1994) Debt - external: $45.3 million (1994 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: calendar year @Saint Kitts and Nevis:Communications Telephones: 3,800 (1986 est.) Telephone system: good interisland VHF/UHF/SHF radiotelephone connections and international link via Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) domestic : interisland links are handled by VHF/UHF/SHF radiotelephone international: international calls are carried by radiotelephone to Antigua and Barbuda and from there switched to submarine cable or to Intelsat, or carried to Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) by radiotelephone and switched to Intelsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 25,000 (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 4 Televisions: 9,500 (1993 est.) @Saint Kitts and Nevis:Transportation Railways: total: 58 km narrow gauge: 58 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts to serve sugarcane plantations (1995) Highways: total : 310 km paved: 132 km unpaved: 178 km (1995 est.) Ports and harbors: Basseterre, Charlestown Merchant marine: none Airports: 2 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force, Coast Guard Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49 : NA Military manpower - fit for military service: males: NA Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA% Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transshipment points for South American drugs destined for the US ______________________________________________________________________ SAINT LUCIA @Saint Lucia:Geography Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Geographic coordinates: 13 53 N, 60 68 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 620 sq km land: 610 sq km water : 10 sq km Area - comparative: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 158 km Maritime claims: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone : 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August Terrain: volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m Natural resources: forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops : 21% permanent pastures: 5% forests and woodland: 13% other: 53% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: hurricanes and volcanic activity Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements @Saint Lucia:People Population: 150,630 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years : 35% (male 26,430; female 26,018) 15-64 years: 60% (male 44,117; female 45,922) 65 years and over: 5% (male 3,091; female 5,052) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 1.14% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 23.31 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 5.71 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: -6.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 17.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.36 years male : 67.74 years female: 75.23 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.44 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun : Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint Lucian Ethnic groups: black 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, white 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 7%, Anglican 3% Languages: English (official), French patois Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school total population: 67% male: 65% female : 69% (1980 est.) @Saint Lucia:Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia Data code: ST Government type: parliamentary democracy National capital: Castries Administrative divisions: 11 quarters; Anse La Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux Fort Independence: 22 February 1979 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 22 February (1979) Constitution: 22 February 1979 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General William George MALLET (since 1 June 1996) head of government : Prime Minister Vaughn LEWIS (since 31 March 1996) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections: none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body, six appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members are elected by popular vote from single member constituencies to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Assembly - last held 27 April 1992 (next to be held NA May 1997) election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, jurisdiction extends to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Political parties and leaders: United Workers' Party (UWP), Vaughn LEWIS; Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP), Kenneth ANTHONY; Saint Lucia Freedom Party (SLFP), Martinus FRANCOIS International organization participation: ACCT (associate), ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), NAM, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel EDMUNDS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6728 consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the Ambassador to Saint Lucia resides in Bridgetown (Barbados) Flag description: blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border Economy Economy - overview: Though foreign investment in manufacturing and information processing in recent years has increased Saint Lucia's industrial base, the economy remains vulnerable due to its heavy dependence on banana production, which is subject to periodic droughts and tropical storms. Indeed, the destructive effect of Tropical Storm Iris in mid-1995 caused the loss of 20% of the year's banana crop. Increased competition from Latin American bananas will probably further reduce market prices, exacerbating Saint Lucia's need to diversify its economy in coming years, e.g., by further expanding tourism, manufacturing, and construction. GDP: purchasing power parity - $695 million (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.3% (1996 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,400 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture : 13.8% industry: 17.4% services: 68.8% (1992 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3% (1996 est.) Labor force: total: 43,800 by occupation: agriculture 43.4%, services 38.9%, industry and commerce 17.7% (1983 est.) Unemployment rate: 25% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $361.5 million expenditures: $311 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1995 est.) Industries: clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing Industrial production growth rate: NA % Electricity - capacity: 34,000 kW (1995) Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption per capita: 801 kWh (1995 est.) Agriculture - products: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa Exports: total value: $104.1 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: bananas 60%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil partners: UK 56%, US 22%, Caricom countries 19% (1991) Imports: total value: $270.5 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 21%, food and live animals, chemicals, fuels partners: US 34%, Caricom countries 17%, UK 14%, Japan 7%, Canada 4% (1991) Debt - external: $115 million (1996) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (February 1997; fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Saint Lucia:Communications Telephones: 26,000 (1992 est.) Telephone system: domestic: system is automatically switched international: direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados; international calls beyond these countries are carried by Intelsat from Martinique Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: 104,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 3 ( two commercial stations and one cable) Televisions: 26,000 (1992 est.) @Saint Lucia:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 760 km paved: 500 km unpaved : 260 km Ports and harbors: Castries, Vieux Fort Merchant marine: none Airports: 3 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Coast Guard Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49 : NA Military manpower - fit for military service: males: NA Military expenditures - dollar figure: $5 million (1991); note - for police forces Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (1991) Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe ______________________________________________________________________ SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON (territorial collectivity of France) @Saint Pierre and Miquelon:Geography Location: Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada) Geographic coordinates: 46 50 N, 56 20 E Map references: North America Area: total: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy Terrain: mostly barren rock Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports Land use: arable land: 13% permanent crops: NA% permanent pastures: NA% forests and woodland: 4% other: 83% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard Environment - current issues: NA Environment - international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA Geography - note: vegetation scanty @Saint Pierre and Miquelon:People Population: 6,862 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over : NA Population growth rate: 0.76% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 12.63 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 5.59 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 0.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over : NA male(s)/female total population: NA male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 9.26 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population : 76.64 years male: 75.07 years female: 78.53 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.62 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) adjective: French Ethnic groups: Basques and Bretons (French fishermen) Religions: Roman Catholic 99% Languages: French Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99% (1982 est.) @Saint Pierre and Miquelon:Government Country name: conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Data code: SB Dependency status: self-governing territorial collectivity of France Government type: NA National capital: Saint-Pierre Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) note : there are no first-order administrative divisions approved by the US Government, but there are two communes - St. Pierre, Miquelon Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763) National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law with special adaptations for local conditions, such as housing and taxation Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President of France Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean-Francois CARENCO (since NA) head of government : President of the General Council Bernard LE SOAVEC (since NA 1996) cabinet: NA elections: prefect appointed by the president of France on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the General Council is elected by the members of the council Legislative branch: unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and 4 from Miquelon; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) elections: elections last held NA April 1994 (next to be held NA April 2000) election results : percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 15, other 4 note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect 1 seat to the French Senate; elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September 2004); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects 1 seat to the French National Assembly; elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 25 May-1 June 1997 - special election); results - percent of vote by party - UDF 73.78%; seats by party - UDF 1 Judicial branch: Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party or PS; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF International organization participation: FZ, WFTU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territorial collectivity of France) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territorial collectivity of France) Flag description: a yellow sailing ship rides on a dark blue background with a black wave line under the ship; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the square into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one on top of the other; the flag of France is used for official occasions Economy Economy - overview: The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre has dropped steadily over the years. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. The islands are heavily subsidized by France. Imports come primarily from Canada and France. GDP: purchasing power parity - $74 million (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: NA% GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $11,000 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate - consumer price index: NA% Labor force: total: 2,980 (1994) by occupation : NA Unemployment rate: 9.3% (1995) Budget: revenues: $28 million expenditures : $28 million, including capital expenditures of $7.8 million (1992 est.) Industries: fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: NA kW Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs; fish catch of 14,800 metric tons (1994) Exports: total value: $5 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities : fish and fish products, fox and mink pelts partners: US 58%, France 17%, UK 11%, Canada, Portugal (1990) Imports: total value: $70.2 million (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials partners : Canada, France, US, Netherlands, UK Debt - external: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA 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 @Saint Pierre and Miquelon:Communications Telephones: 3,650 (1994 est.) Telephone system: domestic : NA international: radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; 1 earth station in French domestic satellite system Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 Radios: 3,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 0 (programs from France, Canada, and the US are rebroadcast) Televisions: 2,000 (1992 est.) @Saint Pierre and Miquelon:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total : 114 km paved: 69 km unpaved: 45 km (1994 est.) Ports and harbors: Saint Pierre Merchant marine: none Airports: 3 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 Military Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues Disputes - international: focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France; in 1992 an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone area of 12,348 sq km to settle the dispute ______________________________________________________________________ SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES the Grenadines] @Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:Geography Location: Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago Geographic coordinates: 13 15 N, 61 12 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total : 340 sq km land: 340 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 84 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Terrain: volcanic, mountainous Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,234 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 18% permanent pastures: 5% forests and woodland: 36% other: 31% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat Environment - current issues: pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive Environment - international agreements: party to : Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Desertification Geography - note: the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada @Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:People Population: 119,092 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (male 19,208; female 18,571) 15-64 years: 63% (male 37,555; female 37,166) 65 years and over: 5% (male 2,719; female 3,873) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 0.62% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 19.07 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 5.35 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: -7.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years : 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 16.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.22 years male: 71.71 years female: 74.78 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.01 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s) adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian Ethnic groups: black, white, East Indian, Carib Amerindian Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: English, French patois Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school total population : 96% male: 96% female: 96% (1970 est.) @Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:Government Country name: conventional long form : none conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Data code: VC Government type: constitutional monarchy National capital: Kingstown Administrative divisions: 6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick Independence: 27 October 1979 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1979) Constitution: 27 October 1979 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General David JACK (since 29 September 1989) head of government: Prime Minister James Fitz-Allen MITCHELL (since 30 July 1984) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections: none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators; members are elected by popular vote from single member constituencies to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 21 February 1994 (next to be held by NA May 1999) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 12, ULP 3 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia); one judge of the Supreme Court resides in Saint Vincent Political parties and leaders: New Democratic Party (NDP), James F. MITCHELL; United People's Movement (UPM), Adrian SAUNDERS; National Reform Party (NRP), Joel MIGUEL; Unity Labor Party (ULP),Vincent BEACHE - formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party (SVLP) and the Movement for National Unity (MNU) International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kingsley C.A. LAYNE chancery : 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the Ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines resides in Bridgetown (Barbados) Flag description: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern Economy Economy - overview: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of this lower middle income economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. The government has been relatively unsuccessful at introducing new industries, and high unemployment rates of 35%-40% continue. The continuing dependence on a single crop represents the biggest obstacle to the islands' development; tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in both 1994 and 1995. The tourism sector has considerable potential for development over the next decade. GDP: purchasing power parity - $259 million (1996 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3% (1996 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $2,190 (1996 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 18% services: 70% (1995 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3% (1996 est.) Labor force: total: 67,000 (1984 est.) by occupation: agriculture 26%, industry 17%, services 57% (1980 est.) Unemployment rate: 35%-40% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $80 million expenditures: $118 million, including capital expenditures of $39 million (1996 est.) Industries: food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: 20,000 kW (1993) Electricity - production: 61.6 million kWh (1993) Electricity - consumption per capita: 480 kWh (1993) Agriculture - products: bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; small fish catch used locally Exports: total value: $55 million (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities : bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch, tennis racquets partners: Caricom countries 57%, UK 29%, US 9% (1994) Imports: total value : $122 million (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels partners: US 35%, Caricom countries 27%, UK 12% (1994) Debt - external: $93 million (1996 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (February 1997; fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: calendar year @Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:Communications Telephones: 6,189 (1983 est.) Telephone system: domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines international: VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados; new SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and to Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 76,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 cable Televisions: 20,600 (1992 est.) @Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 800 km paved : 450 km unpaved: 350 km (1995 est.) Ports and harbors: Kingstown Merchant marine: total: 692 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,545,742 GRT/10,306,453 DWT ships by type: bulk 114, cargo 349, chemical tanker 25, combination bulk 9, combination ore/oil 6, container 36, liquefied gas tanker 4, livestock carrier 5, multi-function large load carrier 1, oil tanker 65, passenger 3, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 35, roll-on/roll-off cargo 34, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 24 countries among which are Croatia 29, Slovenia 9, China 9, Greece 5, Norway 3, Ukraine 3, UAE 3, Germany 2, Russia 2, Syria 1 (1996 est.) Airports: 6 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: NA Military manpower - fit for military service: males: NA Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA% Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transshipment points for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe ______________________________________________________________________ SAN MARINO @San Marino:Geography Location: Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy Geographic coordinates: 43 46 N, 12 25 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 60 sq km land: 60 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 39 km border countries: Italy 39 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers Terrain: rugged mountains Elevation extremes: lowest point: Fiume Ausa 55 m highest point: Monte Titano 749 m Natural resources: building stone Land use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: NA% permanent pastures : NA% forests and woodland: NA% other: 83% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: NA Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution Geography - note: landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines @San Marino:People Population: 24,714 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (male 1,993; female 1,992) 15-64 years : 68% (male 8,442; female 8,270) 65 years and over: 16% (male 1,683; female 2,334) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 0.76% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 10.68 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 7.97 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 4.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.37 years male: 77.42 years female: 85.32 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.51 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural) adjective: Sammarinese Ethnic groups: Sammarinese, Italian Religions: Roman Catholic Languages: Italian Literacy: definition: age 10 and over can read and write total population: 96% male: 97% female: 95% (1976 est.) @San Marino:Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of San Marino conventional short form: San Marino local long form : Repubblica di San Marino local short form: San Marino Data code: SM Government type: republic National capital: San Marino Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle Independence: 301 AD (by tradition) National holiday: Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic, 3 September Constitution: 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution Legal system: based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: co-chiefs of state Captain Regent Piero Paolo GASPERONI and Captain Regent Pietro BUGLI (for the period 1 April-30 September 1996) head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Gabriele GATTI (since NA July 1986) cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term elections : co-chiefs of state (captain regents) elected by the Great and General Council for a six-month term; election last held NA March 1996 (next to be held NA September 1996); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term; election last held NA 1993 (next to be held NA 1998) election results: Giancarlo VENTURINI and Maurizio RATTINI elected captain regents; percent of legislative vote - NA; Gabriele GATTI elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA note: the popularly elected parliament (Great and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (Co-Chiefs of State) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Great and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State) which has ten other members, all selected by the Great and General Council; assisting the Captains Regent are three Secretaries of State - Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Finance - and several additional secretaries; the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has assumed many of the prerogatives of a prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Great and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections : last held 30 May 1993 (next to be held by NA May 1998) election results: percent of vote by party - PDCS 41.4%, PSS 23.7%, PDP 18.6%, AP 7.7%, MD 5.3%, RC 3.3%; seats by party - PDCS 26, PSS 14, PDP 11, AP 4, MD 3, RC 2 Judicial branch: Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party or PDCS [Cesare GASPERONI, secretary general]; Democratic Progressive Party or PDP (formerly San Marino Communist Party or PSS) [Claudio FELICI, secretary general]; San Marino Socialist Party or PSS [Maurizio RATTINI, secretary general]; Democratic Movement or MD [Massimo TONTI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Tito MASI]; Communist Refoundation or RC [Paolo GIOVAGNOLI] International organization participation: CE, ECE, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WToO Diplomatic representation in the US: San Marino does not have an embassy in the US honorary consulate(s) general: Washington and New York honorary consulate(s): Detroit Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the US Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San Marino Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty) Economy Economy - overview: The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 1995 more than 3.3 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food. GDP: purchasing power parity - $408 million (1994 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.8% (1994 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,900 (1994 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate - consumer price index: 5.3% (1995) Labor force: total: 15,600 (1995) by occupation: industry 40%, agriculture 2% (1993) Unemployment rate: 3.6% (April 1996) Budget: revenues: $320 million expenditures: $320 million, including capital expenditures of $26 million (1995 est.) Industries: tourism, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: NA kW note: electricity supplied by Italy Electricity - production: NA kWh note: electricity supplied by Italy Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: wheat, grapes, maize, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, meat, cheese, hides Exports: trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodities: building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, and ceramics Imports: trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodities: wide variety of consumer manufactures, food Debt - external: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Italian lire (Lit) = 100 centesimi; note - also mints its own coins Exchange rates: Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,568.1 (January 1997), 1,542.9 (1996), 1,628.9 (1995), 1,612.4 (1994), 1,573.7 (1993), 1,232.4 (1992) Fiscal year: calendar year @San Marino:Communications Telephones: 15,000 (1995 est.) Telephone system: domestic: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system international: microwave radio relay and cable connections to Italian network; no satellite earth stations Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA (1 private radio broadcast station) Radios: 12,535 (1991 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1991 est.) note: receives broadcasts from Italy Televisions: 7,500 (1992 est.) @San Marino:Transportation Railways: 0 km; note - there is a 1.5 km cable railway connecting the city of San Marino to Borgo Maggiore Highways: total: 220 km paved : NA km unpaved: NA km Ports and harbors: none Airports: none Military Military branches: Voluntary Military Force, Police Force Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: NA Military manpower - fit for military service: males: NA Military expenditures - dollar figure: $3.7 million (1995) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1% (1995) Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none ______________________________________________________________________ SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE @Sao Tome and Principe:Geography Location: Western Africa, island in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon Geographic coordinates: 1 00 N, 7 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 960 sq km land: 960 sq km water : 0 sq km Area - comparative: more than five times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 209 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May) Terrain: volcanic, mountainous Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 36% permanent pastures: 1% forests and woodland : NA% other: 61% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 100 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion Environment - international agreements: party to: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification @Sao Tome and Principe:People Population: 147,865 (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (male 29,815; female 29,307) 15-64 years: 55% (male 40,830; female 41,056) 65 years and over : 5% (male 3,053; female 3,804) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 2.54% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 33.77 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 8.4 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth : 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 60.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.09 years male : 62.15 years female: 66.08 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.22 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun: Sao Tomean(s) adjective: Sao Tomean Ethnic groups: mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese) Religions: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: Portuguese (official) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 73% male: 85% female : 62% (1991 est.) @Sao Tome and Principe:Government Country name: conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e Principe Data code: TP Government type: republic National capital: Sao Tome Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao Tome Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975) Constitution: approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990 Legal system: based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991) head of government: Prime Minister Raul Wagner BRAGANCA NETO (since 20 November 1996) cabinet : Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 30 June and 15 July 1996 (next to be held in 2001); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president election results : Miguel TROVOADA reelected president in Sao Tome's second multiparty presidential election; percent of vote - NA Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: parliament dissolved by President TROVOADA in July 1994; early elections held 2 October 1994 (next to be held October 1998) election results: percent of vote by party - MLSTP 49%, PCD-GR 25.5%, ADI 25.5%; seats by party - MLSTP 27, PCD-GR 14, ADI 14 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the National Peoples Assembly Political parties and leaders: Party for Democratic Convergence-Reflection Group or PCD-GR [Armindo AGUIAR, secretary general]; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe or MLSTP [Francisco Fortunas PIRES]; Christian Democratic Front or FDC [Alphonse Dos SANTOS]; Democratic Opposition Coalition or CODO; Independent Democratic Action or ADI [Carlos NEVES]; other small parties International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in the US: Sao Tome and Principe does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by First Secretary Domingos AUGUSTO Ferreira, located at 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604, New York, NY 10168, telephone [1] (212) 697-4211 Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands Flag description: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Economy Economy - overview: This small poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence over 20 years ago. However, cocoa production has substantially declined because of drought and mismanagement. The resulting shortage of cocoa for export has created a persistent balance-of-payments problem. Sao Tome has to import all fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a significant amount of food. Over the years, it has been unable to service its external debt and has had to depend on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies, but economic growth has remained sluggish. GDP: purchasing power parity - $149 million (1995 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2.6% (1995 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,000 (1995 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture : 28% industry: 14% services: 58% (1994 est.) Inflation rate - consumer price index: 38% (1994 est.) Labor force: most of population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; there are shortages of skilled workers Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $58 million expenditures: $114 million, including capital expenditures of $54 million (1993 est.) Industries: light construction, textiles, soap, beer; fish processing; timber Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity - capacity: 6,000 kW (1991) Electricity - production: 12 million kWh (1991) Electricity - consumption per capita: NA kWh Agriculture - products: cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papaya, beans; poultry; fish Exports: total value: $7.8 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: cocoa 85%-90%, copra, coffee, palm oil partners: Netherlands 75.7%, Germany 1.2%, Portugal 1.1% Imports: total value : $26.2 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products partners: Portugal 32.2%, France 16.8%, Belgium 6.6%, Japan, Angola Debt - external: $250 million (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 dobra (Db) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: dobras (Db) per US$1 - 2,500 (November 1996), 1,610 (May 1995), 129.59 (1 July 1993), 230 (1992), 260.0 (November 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year @Sao Tome and Principe:Communications Telephones: 2,200 (1986 est.) Telephone system: domestic: minimal system international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 Radios: 33,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1992 est.) Televisions: NA @Sao Tome and Principe:Transportation Railways: 0 km Highways: total : 310 km paved: 211 km unpaved: 99 km (1995 est.) Ports and harbors: Santo Antonio, Sao Tome Merchant marine: total : 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,096 GRT/1,105 DWT (1996 est.) Airports: 2 (1996 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total : 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1996 est.) Military Military branches: Army, Navy, Security Police Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 36,127 (1997 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males: 18,898 (1997 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA% Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none ______________________________________________________________________ SAUDI ARABIA @Saudi Arabia:Geography Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen Geographic coordinates: 25 00 N, 45 00 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 1,960,582 sq km land: 1,960,582 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 4,415 km border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 728 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km Coastline: 2,640 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: not specified territorial sea : 12 nm Climate: harsh, dry desert with great extremes of temperature Terrain: mostly uninhabited, sandy desert Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures : 56% forests and woodland: 1% other: 41% (1993 est.) Irrigated land: 4,350 sq km (1993 est.) Natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms Environment - current issues: desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills Environment - international agreements: party to: Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal @Saudi Arabia:People Population: 20,087,965 (July 1997 est.) note : includes 5,164,790 non-nationals (July 1997 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 4,389,113; female 4,252,034) 15-64 years: 55% (male 6,561,725; female 4,410,589) 65 years and over: 2% (male 246,894; female 227,610) (July 1997 est.) Population growth rate: 3.42% (1997 est.) Birth rate: 37.94 births/1,000 population (1997 est.) Death rate: 5.18 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.) Net migration rate: 1.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.) Sex ratio: at birth : 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.49 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.08 male(s)/female total population: 1.26 male(s)/female (1997 est.) Infant mortality rate: 43.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.51 years male: 67.72 years female: 71.4 years (1997 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.41 children born/woman (1997 est.) Nationality: noun : Saudi(s) adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian Ethnic groups: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Arabic Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 62.8% male: 71.5% female: 50.2% (1995 est.) @Saudi Arabia:Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conventional short form: Saudi Arabia local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Data code: SA Government type: monarchy National capital: Riyadh Administrative divisions: 13 provinces (mintaqah, singular - mintaqat); Al Bahah, Al Hudud Ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Hail, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk Independence: 23 September 1932 (unification) National holiday: Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932) Constitution: none; governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law) Legal system: based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the king, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1 January to 22 February 1996); note - the king is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the king, heir to the throne since 13 June 1982, regent from 1 January to 22 February 1996); note - the king is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the king and includes many royal family members elections: none; the king is an absolute monarch Legislative branch: a consultative council (60 members and a chairman appointed by the king for four-year terms) Judicial branch: Supreme Council of Justice Political parties and leaders: none allowed International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BIS (pending member), CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador BANDAR bin Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800 consulate(s) general : Houston, Los Angeles, and New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wyche FOWLER, Jr. embassy : Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: American Embassy-Riyadh, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800 FAX : [966] (1) 488-7360 consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)
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