:Antarctica People
Population:no indigenous inhabitants; staffing of research stations varies seasonallyPopulation:Summer (January) population:4,115; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile 256, ChinaNA, Ecuador NA, Finland 11, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12, India 60,Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, New Zealand 264, Norway23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116,Uruguay NA, US 1,666, Russia 565 (1989-90)Summer only stations:over 40; Argentina 7, Australia 3, Chile 5, Germany 3, India 1, Italy 1,Japan 4, New Zealand 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2,UK 1, US numerous, Russia 5 (1989-90); note - the disintegration of theformer Soviet Union has placed the status and future of its Antarcticfacilities in doubt. Stations may be subject to closings at any time becauseof ongoing economic difficulties.Winter (July) population:1,066 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, China NA,France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 1, Japan 38, South Korea 14, NZ11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, Russia 313(1989-90)Year-round stations:43 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, Finland 1,France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, SouthAfrica 3, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, Russia 6 (1990-91)
:Antarctica Government
Long-form name:noneType:Antarctic Treaty Summary: Article 1:area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such asweapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may beused for scientific research or any other peaceful purposesArticle 2:freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continueArticle 3:free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN andother international agenciesArticle 4:does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no newclaims shall be asserted while the treaty is in forceArticle 5:prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastesArticle 6:includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60. 00' southArticle 7:treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, toany area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advancenotice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel mustbe givenArticle 8:allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own statesArticle 9:frequent consultative meetings take place among member nationsArticle 10:treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica thatare contrary to the treatyArticle 11:disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately,by the ICJArticle 12, 13, 14:deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involvednationsOther agreements:more than 170 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings andratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for the Conservation ofAntarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation ofAntarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic MarineLiving Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988but was subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on EnvironmentalProtection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits ratification; thisagreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment throughfive specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, and flora, environmentalimpact assessments, waste management, and protected areas; it also prohibitsall activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research
:Antarctica Economy
Overview:No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast andsmall-scale tourism, both based abroad.
:Antarctica Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage only at most coastal stationsAirports:41 airport facilities at different locations operated by 14 nationalgovernments party to the Treaty; one additional air facility operated bycommercial (nongovernmental) tourist organization; helicopter pads at 28 ofthese locations; runways at 9 locations are gravel, sea ice, glacier ice, orcompacted snow surface suitable for wheeled fixed-wing aircraft; no pavedrunways; 16 locations have snow-surface skiways limited to use byski-equipped planes - 9 runways/skiways 1,000 to 3,000 m, 4 runways/skiwaysless than 1,000 m, 5 runways/skiways greater than 3,000 m, and 7 ofunspecified or variable length; airports generally subject to severerestrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographicconditions
:Antarctica Defense Forces
Note:none; Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty states that advance notice of allmilitary activities and the introduction of military personnel must be given
:Antigua and Barbuda Geography
Total area:440 km2Land area:440 km2; includes RedondaComparative area:slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:153 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areasNatural resources:negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourismLand use:arable land 18%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest andwoodland 16%; other 59%Environment:subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); insufficientfreshwater resources; deeply indented coastline provides many naturalharborsNote:420 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico
:Antigua and Barbuda People
Population:64,110 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992)Birth rate:18 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:20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:71 years male, 75 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.7 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s); adjective - Antiguan, BarbudanEthnic divisions:almost entirely of black African origin; some of British, Portuguese,Lebanese, and Syrian originReligions:Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman CatholicLanguages:English (official), local dialectsLiteracy:89% (male 90%, female 88%) age 15 and over having completed 5 or more yearsof schooling (1960)Labor force:30,000; commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983)Organized labor:Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA), membership 500;Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU), 10,000 members; Antigua Workers Union(AWU), 10,000 members (1986 est.)
:Antigua and Barbuda Government
Long-form name:noneType:parliamentary democracyCapital:Saint John'sAdministrative divisions:6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, SaintJohn, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint PhilipIndependence:1 November 1981 (from UK)Constitution:1 November 1981Legal system:based on English common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 1 November (1981)Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralSir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS (since 1 November 1981, previously Governorsince 1976)Head of Government:Prime Minister Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr. (since NA 1976); Deputy PrimeMinister (vacant)Political parties and leaders:Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Vere C. BIRD, Sr., Lester BIRD; UnitedProgressive Party (UPP), Baldwin SPENCERSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:House of Representatives:last held 9 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of voteby party NA; seats - (17 total) ALP 15, UPP 1, independent 1Other political or pressure groups:United Progressive Party (UPP), a coalition of three opposition politicalparties - the United National Democratic Party (UNDP), the Antigua CaribbeanLiberation Movement (ACLM), and the Progressive Labor Movement (PLM), theUPP is led by Baldwin SPENCER; Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU), headedby Noel THOMASMember of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Patrick Albert LEWIS; Chancery at Suite 2H, 3400 InternationalDrive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 362-5211 or 5166, 5122,5225; there is an Antiguan Consulate in Miami
:Antigua and Barbuda Government
US:the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, and, inhis absence, the Embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Bryant SALTER;Embassy at Queen Elizabeth Highway, Saint John's (mailing address is FPO AA34054); telephone (809) 462-3505 or 3506; FAX (809) 462-3516Flag:red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag;the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, andwhite with a yellow rising sun in the black band
:Antigua and Barbuda Economy
Overview:The economy is primarily service oriented, with tourism the most importantdeterminant of economic performance. During the period 1987-90, real GDPexpanded at an annual average rate of about 6%. Tourism makes a directcontribution to GDP of about 13% and also affects growth in other sectors -particularly in construction, communications, and public utilities. AlthoughAntigua and Barbuda is one of the few areas in the Caribbean experiencing alabor shortage in some sectors of the economy, it was hurt in 1991 by adownturn in tourism caused by the Persian Gulf war and the US recession.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $418 million, per capita $6,500 (1989); realgrowth rate 4.2% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:5.0% (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $92.8 million; expenditures $101 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports:$33.2 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%,machinery and transport equipment 17%partners:OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3%Imports:$325.9 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,chemicals, oilpartners:US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50%External debt:$250 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 3% (1989 est.); accounts for 3% of GDPElectricity:52,100 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 1,482 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, householdappliances)Agriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP; expanding output of cotton, fruits, vegetables, andlivestock; other crops - bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane;not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:US commitments, $10 million (1985-88); Western (non-US) countries, ODA andOOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $50 millionCurrency:East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Antigua and Barbuda Communications
Railroads:64 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge and 13 km 0.610-meter gauge used almostexclusively for handling sugarcaneHighways:240 kmPorts:Saint John'sMerchant marine:105 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 364,891 GRT/552,475 DWT; includes 71cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 12 container, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1multifunction large load carrier, 1 oil tanker, 12 chemical tanker, 2 bulk;note - a flag of convenience registryCivil air:11 major transport aircraftAirports:3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways less than 1,220 mTelecommunications:good automatic telephone system; 6,700 telephones; tropospheric scatterlinks with Saba and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV, 2shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
:Antigua and Barbuda Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda PoliceForce (including the Coast Guard)Manpower availability:NADefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, 1% of GDP (FY91)
:Arctic Ocean Geography
Total area:14,056,000 km2Land area:14,056,000 km2; includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea,East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea,Laptev Sea, and other tributary water bodiesComparative area:slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the US; smallest of the world'sfour oceans (after Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean)Coastline:45,389 kmDisputes:some maritime disputes (see littoral states)Climate:persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winterscharacterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions,and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp andfoggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snowTerrain:central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averagesabout 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three timesthat size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearlystraight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to DenmarkStrait (between Greenland and Iceland); the ice pack is surrounded by openseas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter andextends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50%continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder acentral basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera,Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge); maximum depth is 4,665 meters in theFram BasinNatural resources:sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil andgas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals, whales)Environment:endangered marine species include walruses and whales; ice islandsoccasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved fromglaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; maximum snowcover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean andlasts about 10 months; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked fromOctober to June; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover fromdisruptions or damageNote:major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the PacificOcean via the Bering Strait); ships subject to superstructure icing fromOctober to May; strategic location between North America and Russia;shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia,floating research stations operated by the US and Russia
:Arctic Ocean Economy
Overview:Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources,including crude oil, natural gas, fish, and seals.
:Arctic Ocean Communications
Ports:Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)Telecommunications:no submarine cablesNote:sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage(North America) and Northern Sea Route (Asia) are important seasonalwaterways
:Argentina Geography
Total area:2,766,890 km2Land area:2,736,690 km2Comparative area:slightly more than four times the size of TexasLand boundaries:9,665 km total; Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay1,880 km, Uruguay 579 kmCoastline:4,989 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive economic zone:nm limits unknownTerritorial sea:12 nm (overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm)Disputes:short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section ofthe boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered FalklandIslands (Islas Malvinas); claims British- administered South Georgia and theSouth Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in AntarcticaClimate:mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwestTerrain:rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau ofPatagonia in south, rugged Andes along western borderNatural resources:fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese,crude oil, uraniumLand use:arable land 9%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 52%; forest andwoodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:Tucuman and Mendoza areas in Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos areviolent windstorms that can strike Pampas and northeast; irrigated soildegradation; desertification; air and water pollution in Buenos AiresNote:second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic locationrelative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)
:Argentina People
Population:32,901,234 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992)Birth rate:20 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:9 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:34 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:67 years male, 74 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Argentine(s); adjective - ArgentineEthnic divisions:white 85%; mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15%Religions:nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%,Jewish 2%, other 6%Languages:Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, FrenchLiteracy:95% (male 96%, female 95%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:10,900,000; agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.)Organized labor:3,000,000; 28% of labor force
:Argentina Government
Long-form name:Argentine RepublicType:republicCapital:Buenos AiresAdministrative divisions:23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 district**(distrito); Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes,Distrito Federal**, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza,Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, SantaFe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego, Tucuman; note - the nationalterritory is in the process of becoming a province; the US does notrecognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence:9 July 1816 (from Spain)Constitution:1 May 1853Legal system:mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsoryICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamberor Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara deDiputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President (positionvacant)Political parties and leaders:Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella politicalorganization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Mario LOSADA, moderately left ofcenter; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Jorge AGUADO, conservativeparty; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftist party; severalprovincial partiesSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Chamber of Deputies:last held in three phases during late 1991 for half of 254 seats, totalcurrent breakdown of seats - JP 122, UCR 85, UCD 10, other 37President:last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - Carlos SaulMENEM was electedSenate:last held May 1989, but provincial elections in late 1991 set the stage forindirect elections by provincial senators for one-third of 46 seats in thenational senate in May 1992; total current breakdown of seats - JP 27, UCR14, others 5Communists:some 70,000 members in various party organizations, including a smallnucleus of activists
:Argentina Government
Other political or pressure groups:Peronist-dominated labor movement, General Confederation of Labor(Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization), Argentine Industrial Union(manufacturers' association), Argentine Rural Society (large landowners'association), business organizations, students, the Roman Catholic Church,the Armed ForcesMember of:AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77,GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS,MERCOSUR, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG,UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Carlos ORTIZ DE ROZAS; Chancery at 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-6400 through 6403; there areArgentine Consulates General in Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, SanFrancisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Baltimore, Chicago,and Los AngelesUS:Ambassador Terence A. TODMAN; Embassy at 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires(mailing address is APO AA 34034); telephone [54] (1) 774- 7611 or 8811,9911; Telex 18156 AMEMBARFlag:three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue;centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face knownas the Sun of May
:Argentina Economy
Overview:Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population,an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base.Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, theeconomy has encountered major problems in recent years, leading toescalating inflation and a recession during 1988-90. Since 1978, Argentina'sexternal debt has nearly doubled to $58 billion, creating severe debtservicing difficulties and hurting the country's creditworthiness withinternational lenders. Elected in 1989, President Menem has implemented acomprehensive economic restructuring program that shows signs of reversingArgentina's economic decline and putting it on a path of stable, sustainablegrowth.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $101.2 billion, per capita $3,100; real growthrate 5.5% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):83.8% (1991)Unemployment rate:6.4% (October 1991)Budget:revenues $13.6 billion; expenditures $16.6 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $2.5 billion (1991)Exports:$12 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, woolpartners:US 12%, USSR, Italy, Brazil, Japan, NetherlandsImports:$8 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants,agricultural productspartners:US 22%, Brazil, FRG, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, NetherlandsExternal debt:$61 billion (January 1992)Industrial production:growth rate 20% (1991 est.); accounts for 30% of GDPElectricity:17,059,000 kW capacity; 47,357 million kWh produced, 1,450 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals andpetrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steelAgriculture:accounts for 15% of GNP (including fishing); produces abundant food for bothdomestic consumption and exports; among world's top five exporters of grainand beef; principal crops - wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beetsIllicit drugs:increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $718 millionCurrency:peso (plural - pesos); 1 pesos = 100 centavos
:Argentina Economy
Exchange rates:pesos per US$1 - 0.99076 (Feburary 1992), 0.95355 (1991), 0.48759 (1990),0.04233 (1989), 0.00088 (1988), 0.00021 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Argentina Communications
Railroads:34,172 km total (includes 209 km electrified); includes a mixture of1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter narrowgauge, and 0.750-meter narrow gaugeHighways:208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improvedearth, 20,300 km unimproved earthInland waterways:11,000 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 kmPorts:Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa FeMerchant marine:98 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,235,385 GRT/1,952,307 DWT; includes35 cargo, 6 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 1 railcar carrier, 33 oiltanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 10 bulk; in addition, 2 navaltankers and 1 military transport are sometimes used commerciallyCivil air:56 major transport aircraftAirports:1,702 total, 1,473 usable; 137 with permanent-surface runways; 1 withrunways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 326 with runways1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones);microwave widely used; broadcast stations - 171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellitenetwork has 40 earth stations
:Argentina Defense Forces
Branches:Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force,National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only),National Aeronautical Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 8,101,856; 6,568,885 fit for military service; 276,457 reachmilitary age (20) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $700 million, 1.5% of GDP (1991)
:Armenia Geography
Total area:29,800 km2Land area:28,400 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:1,254 km total; Azerbaijan (east) 566 km, Azerbaijan (south) 221 km, Georgia164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:violent and longstanding dispute with Azerbaijan over ethnically Armenianexclave of Nagorno-Karabakh; some irredentism by Armenians living insouthern Georgia; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkeyhave greatly subsidedClimate:continental, hot, and subject to droughtTerrain:high Armenian Plateau with mountain; little forest land; fast flowingrivers; good soil in Aras River valleyNatural resources:small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, aluminaLand use:10% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forestand woodland; NA% other; NA% irrigatedEnvironment:pollution of Razdan and Aras Rivers; air pollution in Yerevan
:Armenia People
Population:3,415,566 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992)Birth rate:22 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:—7 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:68 years male, 74 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.7 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Armenian(s); adjective - ArmenianEthnic divisions:Armenian 93.3%, Russian 1.5%, Kurd 1.7%, other 3.5%Religions:Armenian Orthodox 94%Languages:Armenian 93%, Russian 2%, other 5%Literacy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (NA)Labor force:1,630,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%,other 40%(1990)Organized labor:NA
:Armenia Government
Long-form name:Republic of ArmeniaType:republicCapital:YerevanAdministrative divisions:none - all rayons are under direct republic jurisdictionIndependence:Armenian Republic formed 29 November 1920 and became part of the SovietUnion on 30 December 1922; on 23 September 1991, Armenia renamed itself theRepublic of ArmeniaConstitution:adopted NA April 1978, effective NALegal system:based on civil law systemNational holiday:NAExecutive branch:President, Council of Ministers, prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameral body - Supreme SovietJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN (since 16 October 1991), VicePresident Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since 16 October 1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since November 1991), First Deputy PrimeMinister Grant BAGRATYAN (since NA September 1990); Supreme Soviet Chairman- Babken ARARKTSYANPolitical parties and leaders:Armenian National Movement, Husik LAZARYAN, chairman; NationalSelf-Determination Association, Pakvyr HAYRIKIAN, chairman; NationalDemocratic Union, Vazgen MANUKYAN, chairman; Democratic Liberal Party,Ramkavar AZATAKAN, chairman; Dashnatktsutyan Party, Rouben MIRZAKHANIN;Chairman of Parliamentary opposition - Mekhak GABRIYELYANSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 16 October 1990 (next to be held NA); results - elected by theSupreme Soviet, Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN 86%; radical nationalistsabout 7%Supreme Soviet:last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (259 total); number of seats by party NAOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:CSCE, NACC, UN, UNCTADDiplomatic representation:Charge d'Affaires ad interim, Aleksandr ARZOUMANIANUS:Ambassador (vacant); Steven R. MANN, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at HotelHrazdan (telephone 8-011-7-8852-53-53-32); (mailing address is APO AE09862); telephone 8-011-7-885-215-1122 (voice and FAX); 8-011-7-885-215-1144(voice)
:Armenia Government
Flag:NA
:Armenia Economy
Overview:Armenia under the old centrally planned Soviet system had built up textile,machine-building, and other industries and had become a key supplier tosister republics. In turn, Armenia had depended on supplies of raw materialsand energy from the other republics. Most of these supplies enter therepublic by rail through Azerbaijan (85%) and Georgia (15%). The economy hasbeen severely hurt by ethnic strife with Azerbaijan over control of theNagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, a mostly Armenian-populated enclavewithin the national boundaries of Azerbaijan. In addition to outrightwarfare, the strife has included interdiction of Armenian imports on theAzerbaijani railroads and expensive airlifts of supplies to beleaguredArmenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. An earthquake in December 1988 destroyedabout one-tenth of industrial capacity and housing, the repair of which hasnot been possible because the supply of funds and real resources has beendisrupted by the reorganization and subsequent dismantling of the centralUSSR administrative apparatus. Among facilities made unserviceable by theearthquake are the Yerevan nuclear power plant, which had supplied 40% ofArmenia's needs for electric power and a plant that produced one-quarter ofthe output of elevators in the former USSR. Armenia has some deposits ofnonferrous metal ores (bauxite, copper, zinc, and molybdenum) that arelargely unexploited. For the mid-term, Armenia's economic prospects seemparticularly bleak because of ethnic strife and the unusually highdependence on outside areas, themselves in a chaotic state oftransformation.GDP:$NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate —10% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):91%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$176 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, ferrous and nonferrous metals, andchemicals (1991)partners:NAImports:$1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:machinery, energy, consumer goods (1991)partners:NAExternal debt:$650 million (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate —9.6% (1991)Electricity:NA kW capacity; 10,433 million kWh produced, about 3,000 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:diverse, including (in percent of output of former USSR) metalcuttingmachine tools (6.7%), forging-pressing machines (4.7%), electric motors(8.7%), tires (2.1%), knitted wear (5.6%), hosiery (2.3%), shoes (2.2%),silk fabric (5.3%), washing machines (2.0%); also chemicals, trucks,watches, instruments, and microelectronics
:Armenia Economy
Agriculture:only 10% of land area is arable; employs 18% of labor force; citrus, cotton,and dairy farming; vineyards near Yerevan are famous for brandy and otherliqueursIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; used as atransshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid:NACurrency:as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currencyExchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
:Armenia Communications
Railroads:840 km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not includeindustrial lines (1990)Highways:11,300 km total (1990); 10,500 km hard surfaced, 800 km earthInland waterways:NA km perennially navigablePipelines:NAPorts:none - landlockedMerchant marine:none:landlockedCivil air:noneAirports: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:Armenia has about 260,000 telephones, of which about 110,000 are in Yerevan;average telephone density is 8 per 100 persons; international connections toother former republics of the USSR are by landline or microwave and to othercountries by satellite and by leased connection through the Moscowinternational gateway switch; broadcast stations - 100% of populationreceives Armenian and Russian TV programs; satellite earth station -INTELSAT
:Armenia Defense Forces
Branches:Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard; CISForces (Ground and Air Defense)Manpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18)annuallyDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
:Aruba Geography
Total area:193 km2Land area:193 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:68.5 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:12 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:flat with a few hills; scant vegetationNatural resources:negligible; white sandy beachesLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 100%Environment:lies outside the Caribbean hurricane beltNote:28 km north of Venezuela
:Aruba People
Population:64,692 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992)Birth rate:16 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:—3 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:73 years male, 80 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Aruban(s); adjective - ArubanEthnic divisions:mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80%Religions:Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, also small Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, andJewish minorityLanguages:Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Englishdialect), English (widely spoken), SpanishLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NA, but most employment is in the tourist industry (1986)Organized labor:Aruban Workers' Federation (FTA)
:Aruba Government
Long-form name:noneType:part of the Dutch realm - full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986upon separation from the Netherlands AntillesCapital:OranjestadAdministrative divisions:none (self-governing part of the Netherlands)Independence:none (part of the Dutch realm); note - in 1990, Aruba requested and receivedfrom the Netherlands cancellation of the agreement to automatically giveindependence to the island in 1996Constitution:1 January 1986Legal system:based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influenceNational holiday:Flag Day, 18 MarchExecutive branch:Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral legislature (Staten)Judicial branch:Joint High Court of JusticeLeaders:Chief of State:Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented byGovernor General Felipe B. TROMP (since 1 January 1986)Head of Government:Prime Minister Nelson ODUBER (since NA February 1989)Political parties and leaders:Electoral Movement Party (MEP), Nelson ODUBER; Aruban People's Party (AVP),Henny EMAN; National Democratic Action (ADN), Pedro Charro KELLY; NewPatriotic Party (PPN), Eddy WERLEMEN; Aruban Patriotic Party (PPA), BennyNISBET; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86(AD '86), Arturo ODUBER; Organization for Aruban Liberty (OHA), GlenbertCROES; governing coalition includes the MEP, PPA, and ADNSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Legislature:last held 6 January 1989 (next to be held by NA January 1993); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) MEP 10, AVP 8, ADN 1, PPN 1,PPA 1Member of:ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WTO (associate)Diplomatic representation:none (self-governing part of the Netherlands)Flag:blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion anda red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner
:Aruba Economy
Overview:Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, although offshore banking and oilrefining and storage are also important. Hotel capacity expanded rapidlybetween 1985 and 1989 and nearly doubled in 1990 alone. Unemployment hassteadily declined from about 20% in 1986 to about 3% in 1991. The reopeningof the local oil refinery, once a major source of employment and foreignexchange earnings, promises to give the economy an additional boost.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $854 million, per capita $13,600; real growthrate l0% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:3% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $145 million; expenditures $185 million, including capitalexpenditures of $42 million (1988)Exports:$134.4 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:mostly petroleum productspartners:US 64%, ECImports:$488 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:food, consumer goods, manufacturespartners:US 8%, ECExternal debt:$81 million (1987)Industrial production:growth rate NAElectricity:310,000 kW capacity; 945 million kWh produced, 15,000 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refiningAgriculture:poor quality soils and low rainfall limit agricultural activity to thecultivation of aloes, some livestock, and fishingEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $220millionCurrency:Aruban florin (plural - florins); 1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 centsExchange rates:Aruban florins (Af.) per US$1 - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Aruba Communications
Highways:Aruba has a system of all-weather highwaysPorts:Oranjestad, Sint NicolaasCivil air:Air Aruba has a fleet of 3 intermediate-range Boeing aircraftAirports:government-owned airport east of Oranjestad accepts transatlantic flightsTelecommunications:generally adequate; extensive interisland radio relay links; 72,168telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 1 sea cable to SintMaarten
:Aruba Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands Geography
Total area:5 km2Land area:5 km2; includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and CartierIslandComparative area:about 8.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:74.1 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of explorationExclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropicalTerrain:low with sand and coralNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other - grass and sand 100%Environment:surrounded by shoals and reefs; Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserveestablished in August 1983Note:located in extreme eastern Indian Ocean between Australia and Indonesia, 320km off the northwest coast of Australia
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands People
Population: no permanent inhabitants; seasonal caretakers
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands Government
Long-form name:Territory of Ashmore and Cartier IslandsType:territory of Australia administered by the Australian Minister for Arts,Sports, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories - Roslyn KELLYCapital:none; administered from Canberra, AustraliaAdministrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Legal system:relevant laws of the Northern Territory of AustraliaDiplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
:Ashmore and Cartier Islands Defense Forces
Note:defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the RoyalAustralian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
:Atlantic Ocean Geography
Total area:82,217,000 km2Land area:82,217,000 km2; includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait,Denmark Strait, Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea,Norwegian Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodiesComparative area:slightly less than nine times the size of the US; second-largest of theworld's four oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than Indian Oceanor Arctic Ocean)Coastline:111,866 kmDisputes:some maritime disputes (see littoral states)Climate:tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near CapeVerde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur fromMay to December, but are most frequent from August to NovemberTerrain:surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, andBaltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circularsystem of currents) in the north Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyrein the south Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-AtlanticRidge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin;maximum depth is 8,605 meters in the Puerto Rico TrenchNatural resources:oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravelaggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stonesEnvironment:endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles,and whales; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, andeastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, LakeMaracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipalsewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea; icebergscommon in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic fromFebruary to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and theMadeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southernAtlanticNote:ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north Atlantic from Octoberto May and extreme south Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can bea hazard to shipping from May to September; major choke points include theDardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals;strategic straits include the Dover Strait, Straits of Florida, MonaPassage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; north Atlantic shippinglanes subject to icebergs from February to August; the Equator divides theAtlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic OceanKiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways
:Atlantic Ocean Economy
Overview:Economic activity is limited to exploitation of natural resources,especially fish, dredging aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and crude oil andnatural gas production (Caribbean Sea and North Sea).
:Atlantic Ocean Communications
Ports:Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain),Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen(Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki(Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon(Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal(Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria),Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam(Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad; Russia), Stockholm(Sweden)Telecommunications:numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK,North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct linksacross Atlantic via INTELSAT satellite network
:Australia Geography
Total area:7,686,850 km2Land area:7,617,930 km2; includes Macquarie IslandComparative area:slightly smaller than the USLand boundaries:noneCoastline:25,760 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory)Climate:generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in northTerrain:mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeastNatural resources:bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten,mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, crude oilLand use:arable land 6%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 58%; forest andwoodland 14%; other 22%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:subject to severe droughts and floods; cyclones along coast; limitedfreshwater availability; irrigated soil degradation; regular, tropical,invigorating, sea breeze known as the doctor occurs along west coast insummer; desertificationNote:world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country
:Australia People
Population:17,576,354 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992)Birth rate:15 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:7 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 80 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Australian(s); adjective - AustralianEthnic divisions:Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, Aboriginal and other 1%Religions:Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26.0%, other Christian 24.3%Languages:English, native languagesLiteracy:100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)Labor force:8,630,000 (September 1991); finance and services 33.8%, public and communityservices 22.3%, wholesale and retail trade 20.1%, manufacturing and industry16.2%, agriculture 6.1% (1987)Organized labor:40% of labor force (November 1991)
:Australia Government
Long-form name:Commonwealth of AustraliaType:federal parliamentary stateCapital:CanberraAdministrative divisions:6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales,Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria,Western AustraliaIndependence:1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies)Constitution:9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901Dependent areas:Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk IslandLegal system:based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:Australia Day, 26 JanuaryExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Federal Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and alower house or House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralWilliam George HAYDEN (since 16 February 1989)Head of Government:Prime Minister Paul John KEATING (since 20 December 1991); Deputy PrimeMinister Brian HOWE (since 4 June 1991)Political parties and leaders:government:Australian Labor Party, Paul John KEATINGopposition:Liberal Party, John HEWSON; National Party, Timothy FISCHER; AustralianDemocratic Party, John COULTERSuffrage:universal and compulsory at age 18Elections:House of Representatives:last held 24 March 1990 (next to be held by NA November 1993); results -Labor 39.7%, Liberal-National 43%, Australian Democrats and independents11.1%; seats - (148 total) Labor 78, Liberal-National 69, independent 1Senate:last held 11 July 1987 (next to be held by NA July 1993); results - Labor43%, Liberal-National 42%, Australian Democrats 8%, independents 2%; seats -(76 total) Labor 32, Liberal-National 34, Australian Democrats 7,independents 3Communists:4,000 members (est.)
:Australia Government
Other political or pressure groups:Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splintergroup); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Partysplinter group)Member of:AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, COCOM,CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIIMOG, UNTAG, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation:Ambassador Michael J. COOK; Chancery at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 797-3000; there are AustralianConsulates General in Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York,Pago Pago (American Samoa), and San FranciscoUS:Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER; Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, AustralianCapital Territory 2600 (mailing address is APO AP 96549); telephone [61] (6)270-5000; FAX [61] (6) 270-5970; there are US Consulates General inMelbourne, Perth, and Sydney, and a Consulate in BrisbaneFlag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a largeseven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is arepresentation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one smallfive-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars
:Australia Economy
Overview:Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a percapita GDP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries.Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agriculturalproducts, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Of the top 25 exports, 21 areprimary products, so that, as happened during 1983-84, a downturn in worldcommodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government ispushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition ininternational markets continues to be severe.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $280.8 billion, per capita $16,200; realgrowth rate —0.6% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.3% (September 1991)Unemployment rate:10.5% (November 1991)Budget:revenues $76.9 billion; expenditures $75.4 billion, including capitalexpenditures of NA (FY91)Exports:$41.7 billion (f.o.b., FY91)commodities:metals, minerals, coal, wool, cereals, meat, manufacturerspartners:Japan 26%, US 11%, NZ 6%, South Korea 4%, Singapore 4%, UK, Taiwan, HongKongImports:$37.8 billion (f.o.b., FY91)commodities:manufactured raw materials, capital equipment, consumer goodspartners:US 24%, Japan 19%, UK 6%, FRG 7%, NZ 4% (1990)External debt:$130.4 billion (June 1991)Industrial production:growth rate —0.9% (1991); accounts for 32% of GDPElectricity:40,000,000 kW capacity; 155,000 million kWh produced, 8,960 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals,steel, motor vehiclesAgriculture:accounts for 5% of GNP and 37% of export revenues; world's largest exporterof beef and wool, second-largest for mutton, and among top wheat exporters;major crops - wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruit; livestock - cattle, sheep,poultryIllicit drugs:Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products;government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivationand output of poppy straw concentrateEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.4 billionCurrency:Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991),1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987)
:Australia Economy
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Australia Communications
Railroads:40,478 km total; 7,970 km 1.600-meter gauge, 16,201 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, 16,307 km 1.067-meter gauge; 183 km dual gauge; 1,130 km electrified;government owned (except for a few hundred kilometers of privately ownedtrack) (1985)Highways:837,872 km total; 243,750 km paved, 228,396 km gravel, crushed stone, orstabilized soil surface, 365,726 km unimproved earthInland waterways:8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craftPipelines:crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 kmPorts:Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart,Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, TownsvilleMerchant marine:85 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,324,803 GRT/3,504,385 DWT; includes2 short-sea passenger, 8 cargo, 8 container, 11 roll-on/roll-off, 1 vehiclecarrier, 17 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 1combination ore/oil, 30 bulk, 1 combination bulkCivil air:about 150 major transport aircraftAirports:481 total, 440 usable; 237 with permanent-surface runways, 1 with runwayover 3,659 m; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 268 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good international and domestic service; 8.7 million telephones; broadcaststations - 258 AM, 67 FM, 134 TV; submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua NewGuinea, and Indonesia; domestic satellite service; satellite stations - 4Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 6 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Australia Defense Forces
Branches:Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 4,769,005; 4,153,060 fit for military service; 138,117 reachmilitary age (17) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $7.5 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY92 budget)
:Austria Geography
Total area:83,850 km2Land area:82,730 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than MaineLand boundaries:2,591 km total; Czechoslovakia 548 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovenia 262 km, Switzerland 164 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlandsand snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showersTerrain:mostly mountains with Alps in west and south; mostly flat, with gentleslopes along eastern and northern marginsNatural resources:iron ore, crude oil, timber, magnesite, aluminum, lead, coal, lignite,copper, hydropowerLand use:arable land 17%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 24%; forest andwoodland 39%; other 19%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:because of steep slopes, poor soils, and cold temperatures, population isconcentrated on eastern lowlandsNote:landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with manyeasily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube
:Austria People
Population:7,867,541 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (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:8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:73 years male, 80 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Austrian(s); adjective - AustrianEthnic divisions:German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1%Religions:Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9%Languages:GermanLiteracy:99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1974 est.)Labor force:3,470,000 (1989); services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture andforestry 8.1%; an estimated 200,000 Austrians are employed in other Europeancountries; foreign laborers in Austria number 177,840, about 6% of laborforce (1988)Organized labor:60.1% of work force; the Austrian Trade Union Federation has 1,644,408members (1989)
:Austria Government
Long-form name:Republic of AustriaType:federal republicCapital:ViennaAdministrative divisions:9 states (bundeslander, singular - bundesland); Burgenland, Karnten,Niederosterreich, Oberosterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg,WienIndependence:12 November 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire)Constitution:1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1945)Legal system:civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative actsby a Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supremecourts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 26 October (1955)Executive branch:president, chancellor, vice chancellor, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) consists of an upper councilor Federal Council (Bundesrat) and a lower council or National Council(Nationalrat)Judicial branch:Supreme Judicial Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for civil and criminal cases,Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for bureaucratic cases,Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) for constitutional casesLeaders:Chief of State:President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992)Head of Government:Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986); Vice Chancellor ErhardBUSEK (since 2 July 1991)Political parties and leaders:Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman;Austrian People's Party (OVP), Erhard BUSEK, chairman; Freedom Party ofAustria (FPO), Jorg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPO), WalterSILBERMAYER, chairman; Green Alternative List (GAL), Johannes VOGGENHUBER,chairmanSuffrage:universal at age 19; compulsory for presidential electionsElections:National Council:last held 7 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - SPO 43%,OVP 32.1%, FPO 16.6%, GAL 4.5%, KPO 0.7%, other 0.32%; seats - (183 total)SPO 80, OVP 60, FPO 33, GAL 10President:last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held 1996); results of Second Ballot -Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43%Communists:membership 15,000 est.; activists 7,000-8,000