:Egypt Economy
Currency:Egyptian pound (plural - pounds); 1 Egyptian pound (#E) = 100 piastersExchange rates:Egyptian pounds (#E) per US$1 - 3.3310 (January 1992), 2.7072 (1990), 2.5171(1989), 2.2233 (1988), 1.5183 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
:Egypt Communications
Railroads:5,110 km total; 4,763 km 1,435-meter standard gauge, 347 km 0.750-metergauge; 951 km double track; 25 km electrifiedHighways:51,925 km total; 17,900 km paved, 2,500 km gravel, 13,500 km improved earth,18,025 km unimproved earthInland waterways:3,500 km (including the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, andnumerous smaller canals in the delta); Suez Canal, 193.5 km long (includingapproaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 meters of waterPipelines:crude oil 1,171 km; petroleum products 596 km; natural gas 460 kmPorts:Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, Bur Safajah, DamiettaMerchant marine:150 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,019,182 GRT/1,499,880 DWT; includes11 passenger, 5 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 86 cargo, 3refrigerated cargo, 15 roll-on/roll-off, 12 petroleum tanker, 15 bulk, 1containerCivil air:50 major transport aircraftAirports:92 total, 82 usable; 66 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over3,659 m; 44 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 24 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:system is large but still inadequate for needs; principal centers areAlexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez and Tanta; intercityconnections by coaxial cable and microwave; extensive upgrading in progress;600,000 telephones (est.); broadcast stations - 39 AM, 6 FM, 41 TV;satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT, 1 ARABSAT; 5 submarine coaxial cables; troposphericscatter to Sudan; radio relay to Libya, Israel, and Jordan
:Egypt Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense CommandManpower availability:males 15-49, 13,911,006; 9,044,425 fit for military service; 563,321 reachmilitary age (20) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, 6.4% of GDP (1991)
:El Salvador Geography
Total area:21,040 km2Land area:20,720 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than MassachusettsLand boundaries:545 km; Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 kmCoastline:307 kmMaritime claims:Territorial sea:200 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm)Disputes:dispute with Honduras over several sections of the land boundary; disputeover Golfo de Fonseca maritime boundary because of disputed sovereignty ofislandsClimate:tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April)Terrain:mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateauNatural resources:hydropower, geothermal power, crude oilLand use:arable land 27%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest andwoodland 6%; other 30%; includes irrigated 5%Environment:The Land of Volcanoes; subject to frequent and sometimes very destructiveearthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollutionNote:smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline onCaribbean Sea
:El Salvador People
Population:5,574,279 (July 1992), growth rate 2.2% (1992)Birth rate:33 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:- 6 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:26 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:68 years male, 75 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Salvadoran(s); adjective - SalvadoranEthnic divisions:mestizo 89%, Indian 10%, white 1%Religions:Roman Catholic about 75%, with extensive activity by Protestant groupsthroughout the country (more than 1 million Protestant evangelicals in ElSalvador at the end of 1990)Languages:Spanish, Nahua (among some Indians)Literacy:73% (male 76%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:1,700,000 (1982 est.); agriculture 40%, commerce 16%, manufacturing 15%,government 13%, financial services 9%, transportation 6%, other 1%; shortageof skilled labor and a large pool of unskilled labor, but manpower trainingprograms improving situation (1984 est.)Organized labor:total labor force 15%; agricultural labor force 10%; urban labor force 7%(1987 est.)
:El Salvador Government
Long-form name:Republic of El SalvadorType:republicCapital:San SalvadorAdministrative divisions:14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan,Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan,San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate, UsulutanIndependence:15 September 1821 (from Spain)Constitution:20 December 1983Legal system:based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicial review oflegislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,with reservationsNational holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Executive branch:president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Alfredo CRISTIANI Buchard (since 1 June 1989); Vice President JoseFrancisco MERINO (since 1 June 1989)Political parties and leaders:National Republican Alliance (ARENA), Armando CALDERON Sol; ChristianDemocratic Party (PDC), Fidel CHAVEZ Mena; National Conciliation Party(PCN), Ciro CRUZ Zepeda; National Democratic Union (UDN), Mario AGUINADACarranza; the Democratic Convergence (CD) is a coalition of three parties -the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Wilfredo BARILLAS; the NationalRevolutionary Movement (MNR), Victor VALLE; and the Popular Social ChristianMovement (MPSC), Ruben ZAMORA; Authentic Christian Movement (MAC), Julio REYPRENDES; Democratic Action (AD), Ricardo GONZALEZ CamachoSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Legislative Assembly:last held 10 March 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - ARENA 44.3%,PDC 27.96%, CD 12.16%, PCN 8.99%, MAC 3.23%, UDN 2.68%; seats - (84 total)ARENA 39, PDC 26, PCN 9, CD 8, UDN 1, MAC 1President:last held 19 March 1989 (next to be held March 1994); results - AlfredoCRISTIANI (ARENA) 53.8%, Fidel CHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 36.6%, other 9.6%Other political or pressure groups:Business organizations:National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP), conservative; ProductiveAlliance (AP), conservative; National Federation of Salvadoran SmallBusinessmen (FENAPES), conservative
:El Salvador Government
FMLN front organizations:Labor fronts include - National Union of Salvadoran Workers (UNTS), leftistumbrella front group, leads FMLN front network; National Federation ofSalvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS), best organized of front groups andcontrolled by FMLN's National Resistance (RN); Social Security InstituteWorkers Union (STISSS), one of the most militant fronts, is controlled byFMLN's Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN) and RN; Association ofTelecommunications Workers (ASTTEL); Centralized Union Federation of ElSalvador (FUSS); Treasury Ministry Employees (AGEMHA); Nonlabor frontsinclude - Committee of Mothers and Families of Political Prisoners,Disappeared Persons, and Assassinated of El Salvador (COMADRES);Nongovernmental Human Rights Commission (CDHES); Committee of Dismissed andUnemployed of El Salvador (CODYDES); General Association of SalvadoranUniversity Students (AGEUS); National Association of Salvadoran Educators(ANDES-21 DE JUNIO); Salvadoran Revolutionary Student Front (FERS),associated with the Popular Forces of Liberation (FPL); Association ofNational University Educators (ADUES); Salvadoran University Students Front(FEUS); Christian Committee for the Displaced of El Salvador (CRIPDES), anFPL front; The Association for Communal Development in El Salvador(PADECOES), controlled by the People's Revolutionary Army (ERP);Confederation of Cooperative Associations of El Salvador (COACES)Other political or pressure groups:Labor organizations:Federation of Construction and Transport Workers Unions (FESINCONSTRANS),independent; Salvadoran Communal Union (UCS), peasant association; UnitaryFederation of Salvadoran Unions (FUSS), leftist; National Federation ofSalvadoran Workers (FENASTRAS), leftist; Democratic Workers Central (CTD),moderate; General Confederation of Workers (CGT), moderate; National Unityof Salvadoran Workers (UNTS), leftist; National Union of Workers andPeasants (UNOC), moderate labor coalition of democratic labor organizations;United Workers Front (FUT)Leftist political parties:National Democratic Union (UDN), National Revolutionary Movement (MNR), andPopular Social Movement (MPSC)Leftist revolutionary movement:Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), leadership body of theinsurgency, five factions - Popular Liberation Forces (FPL), Armed Forces ofNational Resistance (FARN), People's Revolutionary Army (ERP), SalvadoranCommunist Party/Armed Forces of Liberation (PCES/FAL), and Central AmericanWorkers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC)/Popular Liberation Revolutionary ArmedForces (FARLP)Member of:BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS,OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Miguel Angel SALAVERRIA; Chancery at 2308 California Street NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-9671 through 3482; there areSalvadoran Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans,New York, and San FranciscoUS:Ambassador William G. WALKER; Embassy at 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230, SanSalvador (mailing address is APO AA 34023); telephone [503] 26-7100; FAX[503] (26) 5839
:El Salvador Government
Flag:three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with thenational coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms featuresa round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICACENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat ofarms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by thewords REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; alsosimilar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an Xpattern centered in the white band
:El Salvador Economy
Overview:The agricultural sector accounts for 25% of GDP, employs about 40% of thelabor force, and contributes about 66% to total exports. Coffee is the majorcommercial crop, accounting for 45% of export earnings. The manufacturingsector, based largely on food and beverage processing, accounts for 18% ofGDP and 15% of employment. Economic losses because of guerrilla sabotagetotal more than $2 billion since 1979. The costs of maintaining a largemilitary seriously constrain the government's efforts to provide essentialsocial services. Nevertheless, growth in national output during the period1990-91 exceeded growth in population for the first time since 1987.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $5.5 billion, per capita $1,010; real growth rate3% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):19% (1990)Unemployment rate:10% (1989)Budget:revenues $751 million; expenditures $790 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports:$580 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:coffee 45%, sugar, cotton, shrimppartners:US 49%, Germany 24%, Guatemala 7%, Costa Rica 4%, Japan 4%Imports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:petroleum products, consumer goods, foodstuffs, machinery, constructionmaterials, fertilizerpartners:US 40%, Guatemala 12%, Venezuela 7%, Mexico 7%, Germany 5%, Japan 4%External debt:$2.0 billion (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 2.4% (1990); accounts for 22% of GDPElectricity:682,000 kW capacity; 1,927 million kWh produced, 356 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food processing, textiles, clothing, beverages, petroleum, tobacco products,chemicals, furnitureAgriculture:accounts for 25% of GDP and 40% of labor force (including fishing andforestry); coffee most important commercial crop; other products -sugarcane, corn, rice, beans, oilseeds, beef, dairy products, shrimp; notself-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaineEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $2.95 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $525 millionCurrency:Salvadoran colon (plural - colones); 1 Salvadoran colon (C) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Salvadoran colones (C) per US$1 - 8.1 (January 1992), floating rate sincemid-1990); 5.0000 (fixed rate 1986 to mid-1990)Fiscal year:calendar year
:El Salvador Communications
Railroads:602 km 0.914-meter gauge, single trackHighways:10,000 km total; 1,500 km paved, 4,100 km gravel, 4,400 km improved andunimproved earthInland waterways:Rio Lempa partially navigablePorts:Acajutla, CutucoCivil air:7 major transport aircraftAirports:107 total, 77 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:nationwide trunk radio relay system; connection into Central AmericanMicrowave System; 116,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 77 AM, no FM, 5TV, 2 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:El Salvador Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Police, Treasury PoliceManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,265,149; 809,419 fit for military service; 68,445 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $220 million, 3.6% of GDP (1991)
:Equatorial Guinea Geography
Total area:28,050 km2Land area:28,050 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:539 km; Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 kmCoastline:296 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:maritime boundary dispute with Gabon because of disputed sovereignty overislands in Corisco BayClimate:tropical; always hot, humidTerrain:coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanicNatural resources:timber, crude oil, small unexploited deposits of gold, manganese, uraniumLand use:arable land 8%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest andwoodland 51%; other 33%Environment:subject to violent windstormsNote:insular and continental regions rather widely separated
:Equatorial Guinea People
Population:388,799 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:42 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:15 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:107 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:49 years male, 53 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s); adjective - EquatorialGuinean or EquatoguineanEthnic divisions:indigenous population of Bioko, primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos; Rio Muni,primarily Fang; less than 1,000 Europeans, mostly SpanishReligions:natives all nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic; some paganpractices retainedLanguages:Spanish (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, IboLiteracy:50% (male 64%, female 37%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:172,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 66%, services 23%, industry 11% (1980);labor shortages on plantations; 58% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:no formal trade unions
:Equatorial Guinea Government
Long-form name:Republic of Equatorial GuineaType:republic in transition to multiparty democracyCapital:MalaboAdministrative divisions:7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, BiokoSur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-NzasIndependence:12 October 1968 (from Spain; formerly Spanish Guinea)Constitution:new constitution 17 November 1991Legal system:partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal customNational holiday:Independence Day, 12 October (1968)Executive branch:president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers(cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral House of Representatives of the People (Camara de Representantesdel Pueblo)Judicial branch:Supreme TribunalLeaders:Chief of State:President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August1979)Head of Government:Prime Minister Cristino SERICHE BIOKO MALABO (since 15 August 1982); DeputyPrime Minister Isidoro Eyi MONSUY ANDEME (since 15 August 1989)Political parties and leaders:only party - Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, party leader; multipartyism legalizedin new constitution of November 1991, promulgated January 1992Suffrage:universal adult at age NAElections:Chamber of People's Representatives:last held 10 July 1988 (next to be held 10 July 1993); results - PDGE is theonly party; seats - (41 total) PDGE 41President:last held 25 June 1989 (next to be held 25 June 1996); results - PresidentBrig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO was reelected withoutoppositionMember of:ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO,IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAS (observer), OAU,UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Damaso OBIANG NDONG; Chancery (temporary) 57 Magnolia Avenue,Mount Vernon, NY 10553; telephone (914) 667-9664US:Ambassador John E. BENNETT; Embassy at Calle de Los Ministros, Malabo(mailing address is P.O. Box 597, Malabo); telephone [240] (9) 2185, 2406,2507; FAX [240] (9) 2164
:Equatorial Guinea Government
Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a blueisosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered inthe white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars(representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shieldbearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the mottoUNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)
:Equatorial Guinea Economy
Overview:The economy, destroyed during the regime of former President Macias NGUEMA,is now based on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which account for abouthalf of GDP and nearly all exports. Subsistence agriculture predominates,with cocoa, coffee, and wood products providing income, foreign exchange,and government revenues. There is little industry. Commerce accounts forabout 8% of GDP and the construction, public works, and service sectors forabout 38%. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore,manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Oil exploration, taking place underconcessions offered to US, French, and Spanish firms, has been moderatelysuccessful.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $156 million, per capita $400; real growth rate1.6% (1988 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $27 million; expenditures $29 million, including capitalexpenditures of NA (1990 est.)Exports:$37 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:coffee, timber, cocoa beanspartners:Spain 38.2%, Italy 12.2%, Netherlands 11.4%, FRG 6.9%, Nigeria 12.4 (1988)Imports:$68.3 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinerypartners:France 25.9%, Spain 21.0%, Italy 16%, US 12.8%, Netherlands 8%, Germany3.1%, Gabon 2.9%, Nigeria 1.8 (1988)External debt:$213 million (1990)Industrial production:growth rate - 6.8% (1990 est.)Electricity:23,000 kW capacity; 60 million kWh produced, 160 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:fishing, sawmillingAgriculture:cash crops - timber and coffee from Rio Muni, cocoa from Bioko; food crops -rice, yams, cassava, bananas, oil palm nuts, manioc, livestockIllicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia toWestern EuropeEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY81-89), $14 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89) $130 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $55 millionCurrency:Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF)= 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54(1987)
:Equatorial Guinea Economy
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Equatorial Guinea Communications
Highways:Rio Muni - 2,460 km; Bioko - 300 kmPorts:Malabo, BataMerchant marine:2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,413 GRT/6,699 DWT; includes 1 cargoand 1 passenger-cargoCivil air:1 major transport aircraftAirports:3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:poor system with adequate government services; international communicationsfrom Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; 2,000 telephones;broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
:Equatorial Guinea Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National PoliceManpower availability:males 15-49, 81,850; 41,528 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP
:Estonia Geography
Total area:45,100 km2Land area:43,200 km2; (includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea)Comparative area:slightly larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combinedLand boundaries:557 km; Latvia 267 km, Russia 290 kmCoastline:1,393 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:NA nmContinental shelf:NA meter depthExclusive economic zone:NA nmExclusive fishing zone:NA nmTerritorial sea:NA nmDisputes:international small border strips along the northern (Narva) and southern(Petseri) sections of eastern border with Russia ceded to Russia in 1945 bythe Estonian SSRClimate:maritime, wet, moderate wintersTerrain:marshy, lowlandsNatural resources:shale oil, peat, phosphorite, amberLand use:22% arable land; NA% permanent crops; 11% meadows and pastures; 31% forestand woodland; 21% other; includes NA% irrigated; 15% swamps and lakesEnvironment:coastal waters largely polluted
:Estonia People
Population:1,607,349 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992)Birth rate:16 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:12 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:3 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:65 years male, 74 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.3 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Estonian(s); adjective - EstonianEthnic divisions:Estonian 61.5%, Russian 30.3%, Ukrainian 3.17%, Byelorussian 1.8%, Finn1.1%, other 2.13% (1989)Religions:Lutheran is primary denominationLanguages:Estonian NA% (official), Latvian NA%, Lithuanian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA%Literacy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:796,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 13%, other45% (1990)Organized labor:NA
:Estonia Government
Long-form name:Republic of EstoniaType:republicCapital:TallinnAdministrative divisions:none - all districts are under direct republic jurisdictionIndependence:8 November 1917; occupied by Germany in March 1918 and restored to power inNovember 1918; annexed by USSR 6 August 1940; declared independence 20August 1991 and regained independence from USSR 6 September 1991Constitution:currently rewriting constitution, but readopted the constitution of 1938Legal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsNational holiday:Independence Day, 24 February (1918)Executive branch:prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameral Supreme CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Chairman, Supreme Council Arnold R'UTEL (since April 1983)Head of Government:Prime Minister Tiit VAHI (since January 1992)Political parties and leaders:Popular Front of Estonia (Rahvarinne), NA chairman; Estonian ChristianDemocratic Party, Aivar KALA, chairman; Estonian Christian Democratic Union,Illar HALLASTE, chairman; Estonian Heritage Society (EMS), Trivimi VELLISTE,chairman; Estonian National Independence Party (ERSP), Lagle PAREK,chairman; Estonian Social Democratic Party, Marju LAURISTIN, chairman;Estonian Green Party, Tonu OJA; Independent Estonian Communist Party, VainoVALJAS; People's Centrist Party, Edgar SAVISAAR, chairmanSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Congress of Estonia:last held March 1990 (next to be held NA); note - Congress of Estonia is aquasi-governmental structure; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(495 total) number of seats by party NAPresident:last held NA 1990; (next to be held NA); results - NASupreme Council:last held 18 March 1990; (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (105 total) number of seats by party NAOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:CSCE, IAEA, ICFTU, NACC, UN, UNCTADDiplomatic representation:Ambassador Ernst JAAKSON, Legation of Estonia, Office of Consulate General,9 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1421, New York, NY 10020; telephone (212)247-1450
:Estonia Government
US:Ambassador Robert C. FRASURE; Embassy at Kentmanni 20, Tallin EE 0001;telephone 011-[358] (49) 303-182 (cellular); FAX [358] (49) 306-817(cellular); note - dialing to Baltics still requires use of an internationaloperator unless you use the cellular phone linesFlag:pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990; flag is three equalhorizontal bands of blue, black, and white
:Estonia Economy
Overview:Starting in July 1991, under a new law on private ownership, smallenterprises, such as retail shops and restaurants, were sold to privateowners. The auctioning of large-scale enterprises is now in progress withthe proceeds being held in escrow until the prior ownership (that is,Estonian or the Commonwealth of Independent States) can be established.Estonia ranks first in per capita consumption among the former Sovietrepublics. Agriculture is well developed, especially meat production, andprovides a surplus for export. Only about one-fifth of the work force is inagriculture. The major share of the work force engages in manufacturing bothcapital and consumer goods based on raw materials and intermediate productsfrom the other former Soviet republics. These manufactures are of highquality by ex-Soviet standards and are exported to the other republics.Estonia's mineral resources are limited to major deposits of shale oil (60%of old Soviet total) and phosphorites (400 million tons). Estonia has alarge, relatively modern port and produces more than half of its own energyneeds at highly polluting shale oil power plants. Like the other 14successor republics, Estonia is suffering through a difficult transitionalperiod - between a collapsed command economic structure and astill-to-be-built market structure. It has advantages in the transition, nothaving suffered so long under the Soviet yoke and having better chances ofdeveloping profitable ties to the Nordic and West European countries.GDP:$NA billion, per capita $NA; real growth rate -11% (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):approximately 200% (1991)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA millionExports:$186 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:machinery 30%, food 17%, chemicals 11%, electric power 9%partners:Russia 50%, other former Soviet republics 30%, Ukraine 15%, West 5%Imports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:machinery 45%, oil 13%, chemicals 12%partners:NAExternal debt:$650 million (end of 1991)Industrial production:growth rate -9% (1991)Electricity:3,305,000 kW capacity; 17,200 million kWh produced, 10,865 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:accounts for 30% of labor force; oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates,electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles, paper,shoes, apparelAgriculture:employs 20% of work force; very efficient; net exports of meat, fish, dairyproducts, and potatoes; imports feedgrains for livestock; fruits andvegetables
:Estonia Economy
Illicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia toWestern EuropeEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million;Communist countries (1971-86), $NA millionCurrency:kroon; to be introduced in 1992Exchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
:Estonia Communications
Railroads:1,030 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines(1990)Highways:30,300 km total (1990); 29,200 km hard surfaced; 1,100 km earthInland waterways:500 km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil NA km, refined products NA km, natural gas NA kmPorts:maritime - Tallinn, Parnu; inland - NarvaMerchant marine:65 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 386,634 GRT/516,866 DWT; includes 51cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 2 short-sea passenger, 6 bulkCivil air:NA major transport aircraftAirports:NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:telephone diversity - NA; broadcast stations - 3 TV (provide Estonianprograms as well as Moscow Ostenkino's first and second programs);international traffic is carried to the other former USSR republics bylandline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection to theMoscow international gateway switch, by the Finnish cellular net, and by anold copper submarine cable to Finland
:Estonia Defense Forces
Branches:Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard;Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, Air Defense, and Border Guard)Manpower availability:males 15-49, total mobilized force projected 120,000-130,000; NA fit formilitary service; between 10,000-12,000 reach military age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
:Ethiopia Geography
Total area:1,221,900 km2Land area:1,101,000 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries:5,141 km; Djibouti 459 km, Kenya 861 km, Somalia 1,600 km, Sudan 2,221 kmCoastline:1,094 kmMaritime claims:Territorial sea:12 nmDisputes:southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a Provisional AdministrativeLine; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis;territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden; independence referendum inEritrea scheduled for April 1992Climate:tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation; some areas proneto extended droughtsTerrain:high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift ValleyNatural resources:small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potashLand use:arable land 12%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 41%; forest andwoodland 24%; other 22%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcaniceruptions; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;frequent droughts; famineNote:strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes andclose to Arabian oilfields
:Ethiopia People
Population:54,270,464 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992)Birth rate:45 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:14 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:2 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:112 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:50 years male, 53 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.9 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Ethiopian(s); adjective - EthiopianEthnic divisions:Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%Religions:Muslim 40-45%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35-40%, animist 15-20%, other 5%Languages:Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, English(major foreign language taught in schools)Literacy:62% (male NA%, female NA%) age 10 and over can read and write (1983 est.)Labor force:18,000,000; agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services12%, industry and construction 8% (1985)Organized labor:All Ethiopian Trade Union formed by the government in January 1977 torepresent 273,000 registered trade union members; was dissolved when the TGEcame to power; labor code of 1975 is being redrafted
:Ethiopia Government
Long-form name:noneType:on 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and tookcontrol in Addis Ababa; the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE),announced as a two-year transitional period; on 29 May 1991, IssayasAFEWORKE, secretary general of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front(EPLF), announced the formation of the Provisional Government in Eritrea(PGE), in preparation for an eventual referendum on independence for theprovinceCapital:Addis AbabaAdministrative divisions:14 administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedaderakababi) and 1 autonomous region* (rasgez akababi); Addis Ababa (AddisAbaba), Afar, Agew, Amhara, Benishangul, Ertra (Eritrea)*, Gambela,Gurage-Hadiya-Wolayta, Harer, Kefa, Omo, Oromo, Sidamo, Somali, TigrayIndependence:oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - atleast 2,000 yearsConstitution:to be redrafted by 1993Legal system:NANational holiday:National Revolution Day 12 September (1974)Executive branch:president, prime minister, Council of MinistersLegislative branch:Council of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Interim President Meles ZENAWI (since 1 June 1991); transitional governmentHead of Government:Acting Prime Minister Tamirat LAYNE (since 6 June 1991)Political parties and leaders:NASuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Council of Representatives:last held 14 June 1987 (next to be held after new constitution drafted)President:last held 10 September 1987; next election planned after new constitutiondrafted; results - MENGISTU Haile-Mariam elected by the now defunct NationalAssembly, but resigned and left Ethiopia on 21 May 1991Other political or pressure groups:Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP);numerous small, ethnic-based groups have formed since Mengistu's resignationMember of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Counselor, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Girma AMARE; Chancery at 2134Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-2281 or 2282
:Ethiopia Government
US:Charge d'Affaires Marc A. BAAS; Embassy at Entoto Street, Addis Ababa(mailing address is P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa); telephone [251] (01)550666; FAX [251] (1) 551-166Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red; Ethiopia isthe oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were sooften adopted by other African countries upon independence that they becameknown as the pan-African colors
:Ethiopia Economy
Overview:Ethiopia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Africa. Itseconomy is based on subsistence agriculture, which accounts for about 45% ofGDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of total employment; coffee generates 60% ofexport earnings. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on inputsfrom the agricultural sector. Over 90% of large-scale industry, but lessthan 10% of agriculture, is state run; the government is considering sellingoff a portion of state-owned plants. Favorable agricultural weather largelyexplains the 4.5% growth in output in FY89, whereas drought anddeteriorating internal security conditions prevented growth in FY90. In 1991the lack of law and order, particularly in the south, interfered witheconomic development and growth.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $6.6 billion, per capita $130, real growth rate-0.4% (FY90 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.2% (1989)Unemployment rate:NABudget:revenues $1.8 billion; expenditures $1.7 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $842 million (FY88)Exports:$429 million (f.o.b., FY88)commodities:coffee 60%, hidespartners:US, FRG, Djibouti, Japan, PDRY, France, Italy, Saudi ArabiaImports:$1.1 billion (c.i.f., FY88)commodities:food, fuels, capital goodspartners:USSR, Italy, FRG, Japan, UK, US, FranceExternal debt:$2.6 billion (1988)Industrial production:growth rate 2.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity:330,000 kW capacity; 650 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing, cementAgriculture:accounts for 45% of GDP and is the most important sector of the economy eventhough frequent droughts and poor cultivation practices keep farm outputlow; famines not uncommon; export crops of coffee and oilseeds grown partlyon state farms; estimated 50% of agricultural production at subsistencelevel; principal crops and livestock - cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds,sugarcane, potatoes and other vegetables, hides and skins, cattle, sheep,goatsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $504 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.4 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $8 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.0billionCurrency:birr (plural - birr); 1 birr (Br) = 100 centsExchange rates:birr (Br) per US$1 - 2.0700 (fixed rate)
:Ethiopia Economy
Fiscal year: 8 July - 7 July
:Ethiopia Communications
Railroads:988 km total; 681 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge(nonoperational)Highways:44,300 km total; 3,650 km paved, 9,650 km gravel, 3,000 km improved earth,28,000 km unimproved earthPorts:Aseb, MitsiwaMerchant marine:12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,627 GRT/88,909 DWT; includes 8cargo, 1 roll-on/roll off, 1 livestock carrier, 2 petroleum tankerCivil air:25 major transport aircraftAirports:123 total, 86 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:open-wire and radio relay system adequate for government use; open-wire toSudan and Djibouti; radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; broadcast stations -4 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 100,000 TV sets; 9,000,000 radios; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
:Ethiopia Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 12,015,589; 6,230,680 fit for military service; 572,982 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $760 million, 12.8% of GDP (1989)
:Europa Island Geography
Total area:28 km2Land area:28 km2Comparative area:about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:22.2 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claimed by MadagascarClimate:tropicalTerrain:NANatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest andwoodland NA%; other NA%; heavily woodedEnvironment:wildlife sanctuaryNote:located in the Mozambique Channel 340 km west of Madagascar
:Europa Island People
Population: uninhabited
:Europa Island Government
Long-form name:noneType:French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic JacquesDEWATRE (as of July 1991); resident in ReunionCapital:none; administered by France from Reunion
:Europa Island Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Europa Island Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports:1 with runways 1,220 to 2,439 mTelecommunications:1 meteorological station
:Europa Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Geography
Total area:12,170 km2Land area:12,170 km2; includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland andabout 200 small islandsComparative area:slightly smaller than ConnecticutLand boundaries:noneCoastline:1,288 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:100 meter depthExclusive fishing zone:150 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:administered by the UK, claimed by ArgentinaClimate:cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more thanhalf of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January andFebruary, but does not accumulateTerrain:rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plainsNatural resources:fish and wildlifeLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 99%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 1%Environment:poor soil fertility and a short growing seasonNote:deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) People
Population:1,900 (July 1992), growth rate 0.2% (1992)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:NA deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NA migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:NA years male, NA years female (1992)Total fertility rate:NA children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Falkland Islander(s); adjective - Falkland IslandEthnic divisions:almost totally BritishReligions:primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United Free Church; EvangelistChurch, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 15 (1988)Labor force:1,100 (est.); agriculture, mostly sheepherding about 95%Organized labor:Falkland Islands General Employees Union, 400 members
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Government
Long-form name:Colony of the Falkland IslandsType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:StanleyAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:3 October 1985Legal system:English common lawNational holiday:Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)Executive branch:British monarch, governor, Executive CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Governor William Hugh FULLERTON (since NA 1988)Suffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Legislative Council:last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (10 total, 8 elected) number of seats by partyNAMember of:ICFTUDiplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theFalkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half ofthe flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the majoreconomic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered theislands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employsmost of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meet domesticconsumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown are primarily thosefor providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool tothe UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of fish in thesurrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far,efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. In1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlersoperating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license feesamount to more than $40 million per year and are a primary source of incomefor the government. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands DevelopmentCorporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundantwildlife and trout fishing.GDP:$NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA%Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.4% (1980-87 average)Unemployment rate:NA%; labor shortageBudget:revenues $62.7 million; expenditures $41.8 million, excluding capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY90)Exports:at least $14.7 millioncommodities:wool, hides and skins, and otherpartners:UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.)Imports:at least $13.9 millioncommodities:food, clothing, fuels, and machinerypartners:UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:9,200 kW capacity; 17 million kWh produced, 8,638 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:wool and fish processingAgriculture:predominantly sheep farming; small dairy herds; some fodder and vegetablecropsEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$277 millionCurrency:Falkland pound (plural - pounds); 1 Falkland pound (#F) = 100 penceExchange rates:Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.5519 (January 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5604(1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987); note - the Falklandpound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Communications
Highways:510 km total; 30 km paved, 80 km gravel, and 400 km unimproved earthPorts:Port StanleyCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:5 total, 5 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220 to 2,439 mTelecommunications:government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networks provideeffective service to almost all points on both islands; 590 telephones;broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation with links through London to other countries
:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Defense Forces
Branches:British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force, RoyalNavy, and Royal Marines); Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Faroe Islands Geography
Total area:1,400 km2Land area:1,400 km2Comparative area:slightly less than eight times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:764 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windyTerrain:rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coastNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 98%Environment:precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands; archipelagoof 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited isletsNote:strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlanticabout midway between Iceland and Shetland Islands
:Faroe Islands People
Population:48,588 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992)Birth rate:17 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:75 years male, 81 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.2 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Faroese (singular and plural); adjective - FaroeseEthnic divisions:homogeneous Scandinavian populationReligions:Evangelical LutheranLanguages:Faroese (derived from Old Norse), DanishLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:17,585; largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, andcommerceOrganized labor:NA
:Faroe Islands Government
Long-form name:noneType:part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division ofDenmarkCapital:TorshavnAdministrative divisions:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Independence:part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division ofDenmarkConstitution:DanishLegal system:DanishNational holiday:Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)Executive branch:Danish monarch, high commissioner, prime minister, deputy prime minister,Cabinet (Landsstyri)Legislative branch:unicameral Parliament (Lgting)Judicial branch:noneLeaders:Chief of State:Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High CommissionerBent KLINTE (since NA)Head of Government:Prime Minister Atli P. DAM (since 15 January 1991)Political parties and leaders:opposition:Cooperation Coalition Party, Pauli ELLEFSEN; Republican Party, SignerHANSEN; Progressive and Fishing Industry Party-Christian People's Party(PFIP-CPP), leader NA; Progress Party, leader NA; Home Rule Party, HilmarKASStwo-party ruling coalition:Social Democratic Party, Atli P. DAM; People's Party, Jogvan SUND- STEINSuffrage:universal at age 20Elections:Danish Parliament:last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Social Democratic 1, People'sParty 1; note - the Faroe Islands elects two representatives to the DanishParliamentFaroese Parliament:last held 17 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - SocialDemocratic 27.4%, People's Party 21.9%, Cooperation Coalition Party 18.9%,Republican Party 14.7%, Home Rule 8.8%, PFIP-CPP 5.9%, other 2.4%; seats -(32 total) two-party coalition 17 (Social Democratic 10, People's Party 7),Cooperation Coalition Party 6, Republican Party 4, Home Rule 3, PFIP-CPP 2Diplomatic representation:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Flag:white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of theflag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in thestyle of the DANNEBROG (Danish flag)
:Faroe Islands Economy
Overview:The Faroese, who have long been enjoying the affluent living standards ofthe Danes and other Scandinavians, now must cope with the decline of theall-important fishing industry and with an external debt twice the size ofannual income. When the nations of the world extended their fishing zones to200 nautical miles in the early 1970s, the Faroese no longer could continuetheir traditional long-distance fishing and subsequently depleted their ownnearby fishing areas. The government's tight controls on fish stocks and itsausterity measures have caused a recession, and subsidy cuts will forcefurther reductions in the fishing industry, which has already been plaguedwith bankrupcies. An annual Danish subsidy of $140 million continues toprovide roughly one-third of the islands' budget revenues.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $662 million, per capita $14,000; real growthrate 3% (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.0% (1988)Unemployment rate:5-6% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $425 million; expenditures $480 million, including capitalexpenditures of NA (1991 est.)Exports:$386 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:fish and fish products 88%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment (1989)partners:Denmark 20%, Germany 18.3%, UK 14.2%, France 11.2%, Spain 7.9%, US 4.5%Imports:$322 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 24.4%, manufactures 24%, food andlivestock 19%, fuels 12%, chemicals 6.5%partners:Denmark 43.8%, Norway 19.8%, Sweden 4.9%, Germany 4.2%, US 1.3%External debt:$1.3 billion (1989)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:80,000 kW capacity; 280 million kWh produced, 5,910 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:fishing, shipbuilding, handicraftsAgriculture:accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 27% of labor force; principal crops -potatoes and vegetables; livestock - sheep; annual fish catch about 360,000metric tonsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:Danish krone (plural - kroner); 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oreExchange rates:Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.116 (January 1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189(1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Faroe Islands Communications
Highways:200 kmPorts:Torshavn, TvoroyriMerchant marine:10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,015 GRT/24,007 DWT; includes 1short-sea passenger, 5 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 2 refrigerated cargo; note- a subset of the Danish registerAirports:1 with permanent surface runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good international communications; fair domestic facilities; 27,900telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 (10 repeaters) FM, 3 (29 repeaters)TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables
:Faroe Islands Defense Forces
Branches:no organized native military forces; only a small Police Force is maintainedNote:defense is the responsibility of Denmark
:Fiji Geography
Total area:18,270 km2Land area:18,270 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than New JerseyLand boundaries:noneCoastline:1,129 kmMaritime claims:(measured from claimed archipelagic baselines)Continental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim addedExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly mountains of volcanic originNatural resources:timber, fish, gold, copper; offshore oil potentialLand use:arable land 8%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest andwoodland 65%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:subject to hurricanes from November to January; includes 332 islands ofwhich approximately 110 are inhabitedNote:located 2,500 km north of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean
:Fiji People
Population:749,946 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992)Birth rate:25 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-10 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:62 years male, 67 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Fijian(s); adjective - FijianEthnic divisions:Indian 49%, Fijian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese,and other 5%Religions:Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%,other 2%; note - Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and thereis a Muslim minority (1986)Languages:English (official); Fijian; HindustaniLiteracy:86% (male 90%, female 81%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.)Labor force:235,000; subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15%(1987)Organized labor:about 45,000 employees belong to some 46 trade unions, which are organizedalong lines of work and ethnic origin (1983)
:Fiji Government
Long-form name:Republic of FijiType:military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji arepublic on 6 October 1987Capital:SuvaAdministrative divisions:4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, WesternIndependence:10 October 1970 (from UK)Constitution:10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new Constitution was proposedon 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990Legal system:based on British systemNational holiday:Independence Day, 10 October (1970)Executive branch:president, prime minister, Cabinet Great Councils of Chiefs (highest rankingmembers of the traditional chiefly system)Legislative branch:the bicameral Parliament, consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lowerhouse or House of Representatives, was dissolved following the coup of 14May 1987; the Constitution of 23 September 1988 provides for a bicameralParliamentJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu GANILAU (since 5 December 1987)Head of Government:Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (since 5 December 1987); Deputy PrimeMinister Josefata KAMIKAMICA (since October 1991); note - Ratu Sir KamiseseMARA served as prime minister from 10 October 1970 until the 5-11 April 1987election; after a second coup led by Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA on 25September 1987, Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA was reappointed as prime ministerPolitical parties and leaders:Fijian Political Party (primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen. Sitivini RABUKA;National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian), Siddiq KOYA; ChristianFijian Nationalist Party (CFNP), Sakeasi BUTADROKA; Fiji Labor Party (FLP),Jokapeci KOROI; All National Congress (ANC), Apisai TORA; General VotersParty (GVP), Max OLSSON; Fiji Conservative Party (FCP), Isireli VUIBAU;Conservative Party of Fiji (CPF), Jolale ULUDOLE and Viliame SAVU; FijiIndian Liberal Party, Swami MAHARAJ; Fiji Indian Congress Party, IshwariBAJPAI; Fiji Independent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four Corners Party,David TULVANUAVOUSuffrage:noneElections:House of Representatives:last held 14 May 1987 (next to be held 23-29 May 1992); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (70 total, with ethnic Fijians allocated 37 seats,ethnic Indians 27 seats, and independents and other 6 seats) number of seatsby party NAMember of:ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
:Fiji Government
Diplomatic representation:Ambassador Pita Kewa NACUVA; Chancery at Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin AvenueNW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 337-8320; there is a FijianConsulate in New YorkUS:Ambassador Evelyn I. H. TEEGEN; Embassy at 31 Loftus Street, Suva (mailingaddress is P. O. Box 218, Suva); telephone [679] 314-466; FAX [679] 300-081Flag:light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theFijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts ayellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint Georgefeaturing stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove