:Greenland Economy
Overview:Over the past 25 years, the economy has changed from one based onsubsistence whaling, hunting, and fishing to one dependent on foreign trade.Fishing is still the most important industry, accounting for over 75% ofexports and about 25% of the population's income. Maintenance of a socialwelfare system similar to Denmark's has given the public sector a dominantrole in the economy. In 1990, the economy became critically dependent onshrimp exports and on an annual subsidy (now about $500 million) from theDanish Government because cod exports dropped off and commercial mineralproduction stopped. As of 1992, the government also has taken control of thehealth sector from Denmark. The new Home Rule government installed in March1991 has decided to end much of the central control of the economy and toopen it wider to competitive forces.GNP:purchasing power equivalent - $500 million, per capita $9,000; real growthrate 5% (1988)Inflation rate (consumer prices):l.6% (1991)Unemployment rate:9% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues $381 million; expenditures $381 million, including capitalexpenditures of $36 million (1989)Exports:$435 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:fish and fish products 83%, metallic ores and concentrates 13%partners:Denmark 79%, Benelux 9%, Germany 5%Imports:$420 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:manufactured goods 28%, machinery and transport equipment 24%, food and liveanimals 12.4%, petroleum and petroleum products 12%partners:Denmark 65%, Norway 8.8%, US 4.6%, Germany 3.8%, Japan 3.8%, Sweden 2.4%External debt:$480 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:84,000 kW capacity; 176 million kWh produced, 3,180 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:fish processing (mainly shrimp), potential for platinum and gold mining,handicrafts, shipyardsAgriculture:sector dominated by fishing and sheep raising; crops limited to forage andsmall garden vegetables; 1988 fish catch of 133,500 metric tonsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:Danish krone (plural - kroner); 1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 reExchange rates:Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.447 (March 1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189(1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Greenland Communications
Highways:80 kmPorts:Kangerluarsoruseq (Faeringehavn), Paamiut (Frederikshaab), Nuuk (Godthaab),Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Julianehaab, Maarmorilik, North Star BayMerchant marine:1 refrigerated cargo (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,021 GRT/1,778 DWT; note- operates under the registry of DenmarkCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:11 total, 8 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:adequate domestic and international service provided by cables andmicrowave; 17,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 (35 repeaters)FM, 4 (9 repeaters) TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
:Greenland Defense Forces
Note: defense is responsibility of Denmark
:Grenada Geography
Total area:340 km2Land area:340 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:121 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; tempered by northeast trade windsTerrain:volcanic in origin with central mountainsNatural resources:timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harborsLand use:arable land 15%; permanent crops 26%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest andwoodland 9%; other 47%Environment:lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to NovemberNote:islands of the Grenadines group are divided politically with Saint Vincentand the Grenadines
:Grenada People
Population:83,556 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.3% (1992)Birth rate:34 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:- 30 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:28 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:69 years male, 74 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Grenadian(s); adjective - GrenadianEthnic divisions:mainly of black African descentReligions:largely Roman Catholic; Anglican; other Protestant sectsLanguages:English (official); some French patoisLiteracy:98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school(1970)Labor force:36,000; services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%, manufacturing 5%,other 32% (1985)Organized labor:20% of labor force
:Grenada Government
Long-form name:noneType:parliamentary democracyCapital:Saint George'sAdministrative divisions:6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Little Martinique*, SaintAndrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint PatrickIndependence:7 February 1974 (from UK)Constitution:19 December 1973Legal system:based on English common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 7 February (1974)Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Ministers of Government(cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralSir Paul SCOON (since 30 September 1978)Head of Government:Prime Minister Nicholas BRATHWAITE (since 13 March 1990)Political parties and leaders:National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nicholas BRATHWAITE; Grenada UnitedLabor Party (GULP), Sir Eric GAIRY; The National Party (TNP), Ben JONES; NewNational Party (NNP), Keith MITCHELL; Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement(MBPM), Terrence MARRYSHOW; New Jewel Movement (NJM), Bernard COARDSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:House of Representatives:last held on 13 March 1990 (next to be held by NA March 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) NDC 8, GULP 3, TNP 2, NNP 2Member of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Denneth MODESTE; Chancery at 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 265-2561; there is a GrenadianConsulate General in New YorkUS:Charge d'Affaires Annette VELER; Embassy at Ross Point Inn, Saint George's(mailing address is P. O. Box 54, Saint George's); telephone (809) 444-1173through 1178
:Grenada Government
Flag:a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) andgreen triangles (hoist side and outer side) with a red border around theflag; there are seven yellow five-pointed stars with three centered in thetop red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a reddisk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmegpod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largestproducer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the sevenadministrative divisions
:Grenada Economy
Overview:The economy is essentially agricultural and centers on the traditionalproduction of spices and tropical plants. Agriculture accounts for about 16%of GDP and 80% of exports and employs 24% of the labor force. Tourism is theleading foreign exchange earner, followed by agricultural exports.Manufacturing remains relatively undeveloped, but is expected to grow, givena more favorable private investment climate since 1983. Despite animpressive average annual growth rate for the economy of 5.5% during theperiod 1986-91, unemployment remains high at about 25%.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $238 million, per capita $2,800 (1989); realgrowth rate 5.2% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.0% (1990)Unemployment rate:25% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues $54.9 million; expenditures $77.6 million, including capitalexpenditures of $16.6 million (1990 est.)Exports:$26.0 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:nutmeg 36%, cocoa beans 9%, bananas 14%, mace 8%, textiles 5%partners:US 12%, UK, FRG, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago (1989)Imports:$105.0 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%, chemicals 10%, fuel 6%(1989)partners:US 29%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Canada (1989)External debt:$90 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 5.8% (1989 est.); accounts for 6% of GDPElectricity:12,500 kW capacity; 26 million kWh produced, 310 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food and beverage, textile, light assembly operations, tourism, constructionAgriculture:accounts for 16% of GDP and 80% of exports; bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, and maceaccount for two-thirds of total crop production; world's second-largestproducer and fourth-largest exporter of nutmeg and mace; small-size farmspredominate, growing a variety of citrus fruits, avocados, root crops,sugarcane, corn, and vegetablesEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY84-89), $60 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $70 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $32 millionCurrency:East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Grenada Communications
Highways:1,000 km total; 600 km paved, 300 km otherwise improved; 100 km unimprovedPorts:Saint George'sCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:automatic, islandwide telephone system with 5,650 telephones; new SHF radiolinks to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links toTrinidad and Carriacou; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
:Grenada Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast GuardManpower availability:NADefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
:Guadeloupe Geography
Total area:1,780 km2Land area:1,760 km2Comparative area:10 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:306 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:subtropical tempered by trade winds; relatively high humidityTerrain:Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grand-Terre islow limestone formationNatural resources:cultivable land, beaches, and climate that foster tourismLand use:arable land 18%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest andwoodland 40%; other 24%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:subject to hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcanoNote:located 500 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea
:Guadeloupe People
Population:409,132 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992)Birth rate:19 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:8 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 80 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guadeloupian(s); adjective - GuadeloupeEthnic divisions:black or mulatto 90%; white 5%; East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%Languages:French, creole patoisLiteracy:90% (male 90%, female 91%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982)Labor force:120,000; 53.0% services, government, and commerce, 25.8% industry, 21.2%agricultureOrganized labor:11% of labor force
:Guadeloupe Government
Long-form name:Department of GuadeloupeType:overseas department of FranceCapital:Basse-TerreAdministrative divisions:none (overseas department of France)Independence:none (overseas department of France)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:French legal systemNational holiday:Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Executive branch:government commissionerLegislative branch:unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional CouncilJudicial branch:Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe, FrenchGuiana, and MartiniqueLeaders:Chief of State:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)Head of Government:Commissioner of the Republic Jean-Paul PROUST (since November 1989)Political parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Marlene CAPTANT; Communist Party of Guadeloupe(PCG), Christian Medard CELESTE; Socialist Party (PSG), Dominique LARIFLA;Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG); IndependentRepublicans; Union for French Democracy (UDF); Union for a New Majority(UNM)Suffrage:universal at age 18Elections:French National Assembly:last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1994); Guadeloupeelects four representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(4 total) PS 2 seats, RPR 1 seat, PCG 1 seatFrench Senate:last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1994); Guadeloupeelects two representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(2 total) PCG 1, PS 1General Council:last held NA 1986 (next to be held by NA 1992); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (42 total) number of seats by party NARegional Council:last held on 16 March 1992 (next to be held by 16 March 1998); results - RPR33.1%, PSG 28.7%, PCG 23.8%, UDF 10.7%, other 3.7%; seats - (41 total) RPR15, PSG 12, PCG 10, UDF 4Communists:3,000 est.Other political or pressure groups:Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG); Popular Movement forIndependent Guadeloupe (MPGI); General Union of Guadeloupe Workers (UGTG);General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers (CGT-G); Christian Movement for theLiberation of Guadeloupe (KLPG)
:Guadeloupe Government
Member of:FZ, WCLDiplomatic representation:as an overseas department of France, the interests of Guadeloupe arerepresented in the US by FranceFlag:the flag of France is used
:Guadeloupe Economy
Overview:The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services.It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism isa key industry, with most tourists from the US. In addition, an increasinglylarge number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditionally importantsugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas(which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers.Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption,although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, which comes mainlyfrom France. Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production.Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especiallyhigh among the young.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, per capita $3,300; real growth rateNA% (1987)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.3% (1988)Unemployment rate:38% (1987)Budget:revenues $254 million; expenditures $254 million, including capitalexpenditures of NA (1989)Exports:$153 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:bananas, sugar, rumpartners:France 68%, Martinique 22% (1987)Imports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:vehicles, foodstuffs, clothing and other consumer goods, constructionmaterials, petroleum productspartners:France 64%, Italy, FRG, US (1987)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:171,500 kW capacity; 441 million kWh produced, 1,279 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourismAgriculture:cash crops - bananas and sugarcane; other products include tropical fruitsand vegetables; livestock - cattle, pigs, and goats; not self-sufficient infoodEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $4 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.235 billionCurrency:French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.6397 (March 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453(1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Guadeloupe Communications
Railroads:privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation linesHighways:1,940 km total; 1,600 km paved, 340 km gravel and earthPorts:Pointe-a-Pitre, Basse-TerreCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:9 total, 9 usable, 8 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:domestic facilities inadequate; 57,300 telephones; interisland radio relayto Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Martinique; broadcast stations - 2 AM,8 FM (30 private stations licensed to broadcast FM), 9 TV; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT ground station
:Guadeloupe Defense Forces
Branches:French Forces, GendarmerieManpower availability:males 15-49, 98,069; NA fit for military serviceNote:defense is responsibility of France
:Guam Geography
Total area:541.3 km2Land area:541.3 km2Comparative area:slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:125.5 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth)Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast tradewinds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December;little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralinelimestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastal cliffs andnarrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center, mountains insouthNatural resources:fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)Land use:arable land 11%; permanent crops 11%; meadows and pastures 15%; forest andwoodland 18%; other 45%Environment:frequent squalls during rainy season; subject to relatively rare, butpotentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August)Note:largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago;strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean 5,955 km west-southwest ofHonolulu about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines
:Guam People
Population:142,271 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:27 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:4 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:3 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:15 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:72 years male, 76 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guamanian(s); adjective - Guamanian; note - Guamanians are UScitizensEthnic divisions:Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, Caucasian 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, andother 18%Religions:Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%Languages:English and Chamorro, most residents bilingual; Japanese also widely spokenLiteracy:96% (male 96%, female 96%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980)Labor force:46,930; federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%,services 15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990)Organized labor:13% of labor force
:Guam Government
Long-form name:Territory of GuamType:organized, unincorporated territory of the US; policy relations between Guamand the US are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Territorial andInternational Affairs, US Department of the InteriorCapital:AganaAdministrative divisions:none (territory of the US)Independence:none (territory of the US)Constitution:Organic Act of 1 August 1950Legal system:NANational holiday:Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March), Liberation Day (July 21), USGovernment holidaysExecutive branch:President of the US, governor, lieutenant governor, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral LegislatureJudicial branch:Federal District Court of Guam, Territorial Superior Court of GuamLeaders:Chief of State:President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989)Head of Government:Governor Joseph A. ADA (since November 1986); Lieutenant Governor Frank F.BLASPolitical parties and leaders:Democratic Party (controls the legislature); Republican Party (party of theGovernor)Suffrage:universal at age 18; US citizens, but do not vote in US presidentialelectionsElections:Governor:last held on 6 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results -Joseph F. ADA reelectedLegislature:last held on 6 November 1990 (next to be held November 1992); a byelectionwas held in April 1991 to replace a deceased legislator, results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) Democratic 11, Republican 10US House of Representatives:last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); Guam elects onenonvoting delegate; results - Ben BLAZ was elected as the nonactingdelegate; seats - (1 total) Republican 1Member of:ESCAP (associate), IOC, SPCDiplomatic representation:none (territory of the US)Flag:territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides;centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beachscene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAMsuperimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag
:Guam Economy
Overview:The economy is based on US military spending and on revenues from tourism.Over the past 20 years the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating aconstruction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. Visitorsnumbered about 900,000 in 1990. The small manufacturing sector includestextiles and clothing, beverage, food, and watch production. About 60% ofthe labor force works for the private sector and the rest for government.Most food and industrial goods are imported, with about 75% from the US. In1991 the unemployment rate was about 4.1%.GNP:purchasing power equivalent - $2.0 billion, per capita $14,000; real growthrate NA% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):12.6% (1991)Unemployment rate:4.1% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $525 million; expenditures $395 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA.Exports:$34 million (f.o.b., 1984)commodities:mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials,fish, food and beverage productspartners:US 25%, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12%Imports:$493 million (c.i.f., 1984)commodities:petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goodspartners:US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:500,000 kW capacity; 2,300 million kWh produced, 16,300 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concreteproducts, printing and publishing, food processing, textilesAgriculture:relatively undeveloped with most food imported; fruits, vegetables, eggs,pork, poultry, beef, copraEconomic aid:although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transferpayments from the general revenues of the US Federal Treasury into whichGuamanians pay no income or excise taxes; under the provisions of a speciallaw of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury, rather than the US Treasury,receives federal income taxes paid by military and civilian Federalemployees stationed in GuamCurrency:US currency is usedExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
:Guam Communications
Highways:674 km all-weather roadsPorts:Apra HarborAirports:5 total, 4 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:26,317 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 3 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 2 PacificOcean INTELSAT ground stations
:Guam Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Guatemala Geography
Total area:108,890 km2Land area:108,430 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than TennesseeLand boundaries:1,687 km; Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 kmCoastline:400 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:not specificExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claims Belize, but boundary negotiations to resolve the dispute have begunClimate:tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlandsTerrain:mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau(Peten)Natural resources:crude oil, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicleLand use:arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 12%; forest andwoodland 40%; other 32%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequent violent earthquakes;Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms;deforestation; soil erosion; water pollutionNote:no natural harbors on west coast
:Guatemala People
Population:9,784,275 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:34 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-2 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:61 years male, 66 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guatemalan(s); adjective - GuatemalanEthnic divisions:Ladino (mestizo - mixed Indian and European ancestry) 56%, Indian 44%Religions:predominantly Roman Catholic; also Protestant, traditional MayanLanguages:Spanish, but over 40% of the population speaks an Indian language as aprimary tongue (18 Indian dialects, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi)Literacy:55% (male 63%, female 47%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:2,500,000; agriculture 60%, services 13%, manufacturing 12%, commerce 7%,construction 4%, transport 3%, utilities 0.8%, mining 0.4% (1985)Organized labor:8% of labor force (1988 est.)
:Guatemala Government
Long-form name:Republic of GuatemalaType:republicCapital:GuatemalaAdministrative divisions:22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, BajaVerapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala,Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche,Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez,Totonicapan, ZacapaIndependence:15 September 1821 (from Spain)Constitution:31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986Legal system:civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Executive branch:president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Jorge SERRANO Elias (since 14 January 1991); Vice PresidentGustavo ESPINA Salguero (since 14 January 1991)Political parties and leaders:National Centrist Union (UCN), Jorge CARPIO Nicolle; Solidarity ActionMovement (MAS), Jorge SERRANO Elias; Christian Democratic Party (DCG),Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo; National Advancement Party (PAN), Alvaro ARZUIrigoyen; National Liberation Movement (MLN), Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon; SocialDemocratic Party (PSD), Mario SOLARZANO Martinez; Popular Alliance 5 (AP-5),Max ORLANDO Molina; Revolutionary Party (PR), Carlos CHAVARRIA; NationalAuthentic Center (CAN), Hector MAYORA Dawe; Democratic Institutional Party(PID), Oscar RIVAS; Nationalist United Front (FUN), Gabriel GIRON;Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG), Efrain RIOS MonttSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Congress:last held on 11 November 1990 (next to be held 11 November 1995); results -UCN 25.6%, MAS 24.3%, DCG 17. 5%, PAN 17.3%, MLN 4.8%, PSD/AP-5 3.6%, PR2.1%; seats - (116 total) UCN 38, DCG 27, MAS 18, PAN 12, Pro - Rios Montt10, MLN 4, PR 1, PSD/AP-5 1, independent 5President:runoff held on 11 January 1991 (next to be held 11 November 1995); results -Jorge SERRANO Elias (MAS) 68.1%, Jorge CARPIO Nicolle (UCN) 31.9%Communists:Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT); main radical left guerrilla groups - GuerrillaArmy of the Poor (EGP), Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms(ORPA), Rebel Armed Forces (FAR), and PGT dissidents
:Guatemala Government
Other political or pressure groups:Federated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACIF), Mutual Support Group(GAM), Unity for Popular and Labor Action (UASP), Agrarian Owners Group(UNAGRO), Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC)Member of:BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU,LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Juan Jose CASO-FANJUL; Chancery at 2220 R Street NW, Washington,DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-4952 through 4954; there are GuatemalanConsulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, NewYork, and San FranciscoUS:Ambassador Thomas F. STROOCK; Embassy at 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone10, Guatemala City (mailing address is APO AA 34024); telephone [502] (2)31-15-41Flag:three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light bluewith the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includesa green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing theinscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date ofindependence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and apair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath
:Guatemala Economy
Overview:The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, which accounts for26% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and supplies two-thirds ofexports. Manufacturing, predominantly in private hands, accounts for about18% of GDP and 12% of the labor force. In both 1990 and 1991, the economygrew by 3%, the fourth and fifth consecutive years of mild growth. Inflationat 40% in 1990-91 was more than double the 1987-89 level.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $11.7 billion, per capita $1,260; real growthrate 3% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):40% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:6.7%, with 30-40% underemployment (1989 est.)Budget:revenues $1.05 billion; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $270 million (1989 est.)Exports:$1.16 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:coffee 26%, sugar 13%, bananas 7%, beef 2%partners:US 39%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, HondurasImports:$1.66 billion (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motor vehiclespartners:US 40%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, GermanyExternal debt:$2.6 billion (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA; accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity:802,600 kW capacity; 2,461 million kWh produced, 266 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals,rubber, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 26% of GDP; most important sector of economy and contributestwo-thirds of export earnings; principal crops - sugarcane, corn, bananas,coffee, beans, cardamom; livestock - cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens; foodimporterIllicit drugs:illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drugtrade; the government has an active eradication program for cannabis andopium poppy; transit country for cocaine shipmentsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $1.1 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.92 billionCurrency:quetzal (plural - quetzales); 1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavosExchange rates:free market quetzales (Q) per US$1 - 5.0854 (January 1992), 5.0289 (1991),2.8161 (1989), 2.6196 (1988), 2.500 (1987); note - black-market rate 2.800(May 1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Guatemala Communications
Railroads:884 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; 782 km government owned, 102 kmprivately ownedHighways:26,429 km total; 2,868 km paved, 11,421 km gravel, and 12,140 unimprovedInland waterways:260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-waterseasonPipelines:crude oil 275 kmPorts:Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de CastillaMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,129 GRT/6,450 DWTCivil air:8 major transport aircraftAirports:448 total, 400 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 19 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fairly modern network centered in Guatemala [city]; 97,670 telephones;broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 25 TV, 15 shortwave; connection intoCentral American Microwave System; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Guatemala Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 2,169,073; 1,420,116 fit for military service; 107,239 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $113 million, 1% of GDP (1990)
:Guernsey Geography
Total area:194 km2Land area:194 km2; includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smallerislandsComparative area:slightly larger than Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:50 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcastTerrain:mostly level with low hills in southwestNatural resources:croplandLand use:arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest andwoodland NA%; other NA%; cultivated about 50%Environment:large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter PortNote:52 km west of France
:Guernsey People
Population:57,949 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992)Birth rate:12 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:11 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:5 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:6 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:72 years male, 78 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Channel Islander(s); adjective - Channel IslanderEthnic divisions:UK and Norman-French descentReligions:Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, MethodistLanguages:English, French; Norman-French dialect spoken in country districtsLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 16Labor force:NAOrganized labor:NA
:Guernsey Government
Long-form name:Bailiwick of GuernseyType:British crown dependencyCapital:Saint Peter PortAdministrative divisions:none (British crown dependency)Independence:none (British crown dependency)Constitution:unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practiceLegal system:English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal CourtNational holiday:Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)Executive branch:British monarch, lieutenant governor, bailiff, deputy bailiffLegislative branch:unicameral Assembly of the StatesJudicial branch:Royal CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Lieutenant Governor Lt. Gen. Sir Michael WILKINS (since NA 1990); BailiffMr. Graham Martyn DOREY (since February 1992)Political parties and leaders:none; all independentsSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Assembly of the States:last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by partysince all are independents; seats - (60 total, 33 elected), all independentsMember of:noneDiplomatic representation:none (British crown dependency)Flag:white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extendingto the edges of the flag
:Guernsey Economy
Overview:Tourism is a major source of revenue. Other economic activity includesfinancial services, breeding the world-famous Guernsey cattle, and growingtomatoes and flowers for export.GDP:$NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate 9% (1987)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1988)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $208.9 million; expenditures $173.9 million, including capitalexpenditures of NA (1988)Exports:$NAcommodities:tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetablespartners:UK (regarded as internal trade)Imports:$NAcommodities:coal, gasoline, and oilpartners:UK (regarded as internal trade)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:173,000 kW capacity; 525 million kWh produced, 9,340 kWh per capita (1989)Industries:tourism, bankingAgriculture:tomatoes, flowers (mostly grown in greenhouses), sweet peppers, eggplant,other vegetables and fruit; Guernsey cattleEconomic aid:noneCurrency:Guernsey pound (plural - pounds); 1 Guernsey (#G) pound = 100 penceExchange rates:Guernsey pounds (#G) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603(1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987); note - the Guernseypound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:calendar year
:Guernsey Communications
Ports:Saint Peter Port, Saint SampsonTelecommunications:broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 41,900 telephones; 1 submarine cable
:Guernsey Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Guinea Geography
Total area:245,860 km2Land area:245,860 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than OregonLand boundaries:3,399 km; Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Ivory Coast 610 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 kmCoastline:320 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) withsouthwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterlyharmattan windsTerrain:generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interiorNatural resources:bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fishLand use:arable land 6%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 12%; forest andwoodland 42%; other 40%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season;deforestation
:Guinea People
Population:7,783,926 (July 1992), growth rate - 1.5% (1992)Birth rate:46 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:21 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-40 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:143 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:41 years male, 45 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guinean(s); adjective - GuineanEthnic divisions:Fulani 35%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, small indigenous tribes 15%Religions:Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%Languages:French (official); each tribe has its own languageLiteracy:24% (male 35%, female 13%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:2,400,000 (1983); agriculture 82.0%, industry and commerce 11.0%, services5.4%; 88,112 civil servants (1987); 52% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:virtually 100% of wage earners loosely affiliated with the NationalConfederation of Guinean Workers
:Guinea Government
Long-form name:Republic of GuineaType:republicCapital:ConakryAdministrative divisions:33 administrative regions (regions administratives, singular - regionadministrative); Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba,Dinguiraye, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane,Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue,YomouIndependence:2 October 1958 (from France; formerly French Guinea)Constitution:23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)Legal system:based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal codescurrently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984)Executive branch:president, Transitional Committee for National Recovery (ComiteTransitionale de Redressement National or CTRN) replaced the MilitaryCommittee for National Recovery (Comite Militaire de Redressement Nationalor CMRN); Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:People's National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire) was dissolvedafter the 3 April 1984 coup; note: framework for a new National Assemblyestablished in December 1991 (will have 114 seats)Judicial branch:Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:Gen. Lansana CONTE (since 5 April 1984)Political parties and leaders:none; following the 3 April 1984 coup, all political activity was bannedSuffrage:noneElections:noneMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO,WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Ansoumane CAMARA; Chanceryat 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-9420US:Ambassador Dane F. SMITH, Jr.; Embassy at 2nd Boulevard and 9th Avenue,Conakry (mailing address is B. P. 603, Conakry); telephone (224) 44-15-20through 24Flag:three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses thepopular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, whichhas a large black letter R centered in the yellow band
:Guinea Economy
Overview:Although possessing many natural resources and considerable potential foragricultural development, Guinea is one of the poorest countries in theworld. The agricultural sector contributes about 40% to GDP and employs morethan 80% of the work force, while industry accounts for 27% of GDP. Guineapossesses over 25% of the world's bauxite reserves; exports of bauxite andalumina accounted for about 70% of total exports in 1989.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $3.0 billion, per capita $410; real growth rate4.3% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):19.6% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $449 million; expenditures $708 million, including capitalexpenditures of $361 million (1990 est.)Exports:$788 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:alumina, bauxite, diamonds, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palm kernelspartners:US 33%, EC 33%, USSR and Eastern Europe 20%, CanadaImports:$692 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs,textiles, and other grainpartners:US 16%, France, BrazilExternal debt:$2.6 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity:113,000 kW capacity; 300 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1989)Industries:bauxite mining, alumina, gold, diamond mining, light manufacturing andagricultural processing industriesAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP (includes fishing and forestry); mostly subsistencefarming; principal products - rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels,cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, timber; livestock - cattle, sheep andgoats; not self-sufficient in food grainsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $227 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,465 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $120 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $446millionCurrency:Guinean franc (plural - francs); 1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Guinean francs (FG) per US$1 - 675 (1990), 618 (1989), 515 (1988), 440(1987), 383 (1986)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Guinea Communications
Railroads:1,045 km; 806 km 1.000-meter gauge, 239 km 1.435-meter standard gaugeHighways:30,100 km total; 1,145 km paved, 12,955 km gravel or laterite (of whichbarely 4,500 km are currently all-weather roads), 16,000 km unimproved earth(1987)Inland waterways:1,295 km navigable by shallow-draft native craftPorts:Conakry, KamsarCivil air:10 major transport aircraftAirports:15 total, 15 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small radiocommunication stations,and new radio relay system; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM 1FM, 1 TV; 65,000 TV sets; 200,000 radio receivers; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATearth station
:Guinea Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (acts primarily as a coast guard), Air Force, Republican Guard,paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,759,811; 888,968 fit for military service (1989)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.2% of GDP (1988)
:Guinea-Bissau Geography
Total area:36,120 km2Land area:28,000 km2Comparative area:slightly less than three times the size of ConnecticutLand boundaries:724 km; Guinea 386, Senegal 338 kmCoastline:350 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 12 November 1991 rendered itsdecision on the Guinea-Bissau/Senegal maritime boundary in favor of SenegalClimate:tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoon-type rainy season (June toNovember) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) withnortheasterly harmattan windsTerrain:mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in eastNatural resources:unexploited deposits of petroleum, bauxite, phosphates; fish, timberLand use:arable land 11%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest andwoodland 38%; other 7%Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season
:Guinea-Bissau People
Population:1,047,137 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:42 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:18 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:124 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:45 years male, 48 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.7 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guinea-Bissauan(s); adjective - Guinea-BissauanEthnic divisions:African about 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel7%); European and mulatto less than 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 30%, Christian 5%Languages:Portuguese (official); Criolo and numerous African languagesLiteracy:36% (male 50%, female 24%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:403,000 (est.); agriculture 90%, industry, services, and commerce 5%,government 5%; population of working age 53% (1983)Organized labor:only one trade union - the National Union of Workers of Guinea-Bissau (UNTG)
:Guinea-Bissau Government
Long-form name:Republic of Guinea-BissauType:republic; highly centralized multiparty since mid-1991; the African Partyfor the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) held anextraordinary party congress in December 1990 and established a two-yeartransition program during which the constitution will be revised, allowingfor multiple political parties and a presidential election in 1993Capital:BissauAdministrative divisions:9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama,Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, TombaliIndependence:10 September 1974 (from Portugal; formerly Portuguese Guinea)Constitution:16 May 1984Legal system:NANational holiday:Independence Day, 10 September (1974)Executive branch:president of the Council of State, vice presidents of the Council of State,Council of State, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral National People's Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular)Judicial branch:none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of MinistersLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President of the Council of State Brig. Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (assumedpower 14 November 1980 and elected President of Council of State on 16 May1984)Political parties and leaders:3 parties - African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and CapeVerde (PAIGC), President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader; PAIGC is still themajor party and controls all aspects of the Government, but 2 oppositionparties registered in late 1991; Democratic Social Front (FDS), RafaelBARBOSA, leader; Bafata Movement, Domingos Fernandes GARNER, leader;Democratic Front, Aristides MENEZES, leader; other parties formingSuffrage:universal at age 15Elections:National People's Assembly:last held 15 June 1989 (next to be held 15 June 1994); results - PAIGC isthe only party; seats - (150 total) PAIGC 150, appointed by RegionalCouncilsPresident of Council of State:last held 19 June 1989 (next to be held NA 1993); results - Brig. Gen. JoaoBernardo VIEIRA was reelected without opposition by the National People'sAssemblyMember of:ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Alfredo Lopes CABRAL; Chancery at 918 16th Street NW, MezzanineSuite, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 872-4222,
:Guinea-Bissau Government
US:Ambassador William L. JACOBSEN, Jr.; Embassy at 17 Avenida Domingos Ramos,Bissau (mailing address is 1067 Bissau Codex, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau);telephone [245] 20-1139, 20-1145, 20-1113Flag:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical redband on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in thered band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to theflag of Cape Verde, which has the black star raised above the center of thered band and is framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell
:Guinea-Bissau Economy
Overview:Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world, with a percapita GDP below $200. Agriculture and fishing are the main economicactivities. Cashew nuts, peanuts, and palm kernels are the primary exports.Exploitation of known mineral deposits is unlikely at present because of aweak infrastructure and the high cost of development. The government'sfour-year plan (1988-91) has targeted agricultural development as the toppriority.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $162 million, per capita $160; real growth rate5.0% (1989)Inflation rate (consumer prices):25% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $22.7 million; expenditures $30.8 million, including capitalexpenditures of $18.0 million (1989 est.)Exports:$14.2 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:cashews, fish, peanuts, palm kernelspartners:Portugal, Senegal, France, The Gambia, Netherlands, SpainImports:$68.9 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:capital equipment, consumer goods, semiprocessed goods, foods, petroleumpartners:Portugal, Netherlands, Senegal, USSR, GermanyExternal debt:$462 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate - 1.0% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP (1989 est.)Electricity:22,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:agricultural processing, beer, soft drinksAgriculture:accounts for over 50% of GDP, nearly 100% of exports, and 90% of employment;rice is the staple food; other crops include corn, beans, cassava, cashewnuts, peanuts, palm kernels, and cotton; not self-sufficient in food;fishing and forestry potential not fully exploitedEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $615 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $41 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $68millionCurrency:Guinea-Bissauan peso (plural - pesos); 1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100centavosExchange rates:Guinea-Bissauan pesos (PG) per US$1 - 1987.2 (1989), 1363.6 (1988), 851.65(1987), 238.98 (1986)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Guinea-Bissau Communications
Highways:3,218 km; 2,698 km bituminous, remainder earthInland waterways:scattered stretches are important to coastal commercePorts:BissauCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:34 total, 15 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:poor system of radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiocommunications; 3,000telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 1 TV
:Guinea-Bissau Defense Forces
Branches:People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; including Army, Navy, Air Force),paramilitary forceManpower availability:males 15-49, 228,856; 130,580 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $9.3 million, 5-6% of GDP (1987)
:Guyana Geography
Total area:214,970 km2Land area:196,850 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than IdahoLand boundaries:2,462 km; Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 kmCoastline:459 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:outer edge of continental margin or 200 nmExclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Surinameclaims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Kutari Rivers (allheadwaters of the Courantyne)Climate:tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons(May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)Terrain:mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in southNatural resources:bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fishLand use:arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest andwoodland 83%; other 8%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:flash floods a constant threat during rainy seasons; water pollution
:Guyana People
Population:739,431 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.6% (1992)Birth rate:21 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-20 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:50 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:61 years male, 68 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Guyanese (singular and plural); adjective - GuyaneseEthnic divisions:East Indian 51%, black and mixed 43%, Amerindian 4%, European and Chinese 2%Religions:Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1%Languages:English, Amerindian dialectsLiteracy:95% (male 98%, female 96%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1990est.)Labor force:268,000; industry and commerce 44.5%, agriculture 33.8%, services 21.7%;public-sector employment amounts to 60-80% of the total labor force (1985)Organized labor:34% of labor force
:Guyana Government
Long-form name:Co-operative Republic of GuyanaType:republicCapital:GeorgetownAdministrative divisions:10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, EastBerbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice,Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, UpperTakutu-Upper EssequiboIndependence:26 May 1966 (from UK; formerly British Guiana)Constitution:6 October 1980Legal system:based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; hasnot accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Republic Day, 23 February (1970)Executive branch:executive president, first vice president, prime minister, first deputyprime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme Court of JudicatureLeaders:Chief of State:Executive President Hugh Desmond HOYTE (since 6 August 1985); First VicePresident Hamilton GREEN (since 6 August 1985)Head of Government:Prime Minister Hamilton GREEN (since NA August 1985)Political parties and leaders:People's National Congress (PNC), Hugh Desmond HOYTE; People's ProgressiveParty (PPP), Cheddi JAGAN; Working People's Alliance (WPA), Eusi KWAYANA,Rupert ROOPNARINE; Democratic Labor Movement (DLM), Paul TENNASSEE; People'sDemocratic Movement (PDM), Llewellyn JOHN; National Democratic Front (NDF),Joseph BACCHUS; United Force (UF), Manzoor NADIR; United Republican Party(URP), Leslie RAMSAMMY; National Republican Party (NRP), Robert GANGADEEN;Guyanese Labor Party (GLP), Nanda GOPAULSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Executive President:last held on 9 December 1985 (next to be held 1992); results - Hugh DesmondHOYTE was elected president since he was leader of the party with the mostvotes in the National Assembly electionsNational Assembly:last held on 9 December 1985 (next to be held mid-1992); results - PNC 78%,PPP 16%, UF 4%, WPA 2%; seats - (65 total, 53 elected) PNC 42, PPP 8, UF 2,WPA 1Other political or pressure groups:Trades Union Congress (TUC); Guyana Council of Indian Organizations (GCIO);Civil Liberties Action Committee (CLAC); the latter two organizations aresmall and active but not well organized; Guyanese Action for Reform andDemocracy (GUARD) includes various labor groups, as well as several of thesmaller political parties
:Guyana Government
Member of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Dr. Cedric Hilburn GRANT; Chancery at 2490 Tracy Place NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-6900; there is a GuyaneseConsulate General in New YorkUS:Ambassador George JONES; Embassy at 99-100 Young and Duke Streets,Georgetown; telephone [592] (2) 54900 through 54909Flag:green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposedon a long yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow black border between the redand yellow, and a narrow white border between the yellow and the green