:Malawi People
Population:9,605,342 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992); note - 900,000 Mozambicanrefugees in Malawi (1990 est.)Birth rate:52 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:17 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-17 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:48 years male, 51 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:7.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Malawian(s); adjective - MalawianEthnic divisions:Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian,EuropeanReligions:Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%; traditional indigenousbeliefs are also practicedLanguages:English and Chichewa (official); other languages important regionallyLiteracy:22% (male 34%, female 12%) age 15 and over can read and write (1966)Labor force:428,000 wage earners; agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services15%, commerce 9%, construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, otherpermanently employed 6% (1986)Organized labor:small minority of wage earners are unionized
:Malawi Government
Long-form name:Republic of MalawiType:one-party stateCapital:LilongweAdministrative divisions:24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga,Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza,Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima,Thyolo, ZombaIndependence:6 July 1964 (from UK; formerly Nyasaland)Constitution:6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974Legal system:based on English common law and customary law; judicial review oflegislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsoryICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1964)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National AssemblyJudicial branch:High Court, Supreme Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in asPresident for Life 6 July 1971)Political parties and leaders:only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrativesecretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretarygeneral vacant since 1983Suffrage:universal at age 21Elections:President:President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971National Assembly:last held 27-28 May 1987 (next to be held by May 1992); results - MCP is theonly party; seats - (133 total, 112 elected) MCP 133Member of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS,NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA; Chancery at 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 797-1007US:Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR; Embassy in new capital city developmentarea, address NA (mailing address is P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe); telephone[265] 730-166; FAX [265] 732-282Flag:three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant,rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag ofAfghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposedon the hoist side of the black and red bands
:Malawi Economy
Overview:Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. Theeconomy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the populationliving in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of exportrevenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improvedsignificantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly basedeconomic adjustment effort by the government. The economy depends onsubstantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, andindividual donor nations.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion, per capita $200; growth rate 4.2%(1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):9% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capitalexpenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$390 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanutspartners:US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, GermanyImports:$560 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:food, petroleum, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipmentpartners:South Africa, Japan, US, UK, ZimbabweExternal debt:$1.8 billion (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988)Electricity:185,000 kW capacity; 550 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumergoodsAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, andcorn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock -cattle and goatsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 millionCurrency:Malawian kwacha (plural - kwacha); 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambalaExchange rates:Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 2.7200 (January 1992), 2.8033 (1991), 2.7289(1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Malawi Communications
Railroads:789 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilizedsoil; 10,520 km earth and improved earthInland waterways:Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 kmPorts:Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (LakeMalawi)Civil air:5 major transport aircraftAirports:48 total, 43 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communicationsstations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV;satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSATNote:a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira orNacala railroads, but now most go through South Africa because of insurgentactivity and damage to rail lines
:Malawi Defense Forces
Branches:Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includingparamilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young PioneersManpower availability:males 15-49, 2,000,406; 1,016,901 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Malaysia Geography
Total area:329,750 km2Land area:328,550 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:2,669 km; Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782, Thailand 506 kmCoastline:4,675 km; Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation, specified boundary in the SouthChina SeaExclusive fishing zone:200 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed bythe Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient thatdivides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with SingaporeClimate:tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October toFebruary) monsoonsTerrain:coastal plains rising to hills and mountainsNatural resources:tin, crude oil, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxiteLand use:arable land 3%; permanent crops 10%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest andwoodland 63%; other 24%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:subject to flooding; air and water pollutionNote:strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
:Malaysia People
Population:18,410,920 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:29 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:27 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:66 years male, 71 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Malaysian(s); adjective - MalaysianEthnic divisions:Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9%Religions:Peninsular Malaysia - Malays nearly all Muslim, Chinese predominantlyBuddhists, Indians predominantly Hindu; Sabah - Muslim 38%, Christian 17%,other 45%; Sarawak - tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%,Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5%Languages:Peninsular Malaysia - Malay (official); English, Chinese dialects, Tamil;Sabah - English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Mandarin and Hakkadialects predominate among Chinese; Sarawak - English, Malay, Mandarin,numerous tribal languagesLiteracy:78% (male 86%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:7,258,000 (1991 est.)Organized labor:640,000; 10% of total labor force (1990)
:Malaysia Government
Long-form name:noneType:Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; constitutional monarchy nominallyheaded by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; PeninsularMalaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors areappointed by Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governmentsare limited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internalsecurity, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak -self-governing state within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House ofRepresentatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and otherpowers delegated to federal governmentCapital:Kuala LumpurAdministrative divisions:13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories*(wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah,Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, PulauPinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*Independence:31 August 1957 (from UK)Constitution:31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 when Federation of Malaya becameFederation of MalaysiaLegal system:based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in theSupreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 31 August (1957)Executive branch:paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy primeminister, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (DewanNegara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26April 1989)Head of Government:Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy PrimeMinister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986)Political parties and leaders:Peninsular Malaysia:National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by UnitedMalays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad;Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan RakyatMalaysia, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S.Samy VELLUSabah:Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), JosephPairin KITINGAN; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA
:Malaysia Government
Sarawak:coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka BumiputraBersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak UnitedPeople's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak NationalParty (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), DatukLeo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIMKit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOORSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:House of Representatives:last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995); results -National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNOgot 71 seats and MCA 18 seatsMember of:APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed; Chancery at 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2700; there are MalaysianConsulates General in Los Angeles and New YorkUS:Ambassador Paul M. CLEVELAND; Embassy at 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 KualaLumpur (mailing address is P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur);telephone [60] (3) 248-9011; FAX [60] (3) 242-2207Flag:fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white(bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing ayellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and thestar are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag ofthe US
:Malaysia Economy
Overview:During the period 1988-91 booming exports helped Malaysia continue torecover from the severe 1985-86 recession. Real output grew by 8.8% in 1989,10% in 1990, and 8.6% in 1991, helped by vigorous growth in manufacturingoutput, further increases in foreign direct investment - particularly fromJapanese and Taiwanese firms facing higher costs at home - and increased oilproduction. Malaysia has become the world's third-largest producer ofsemiconductor devices (after the US and Japan) and the world's largestexporter of semiconductor devices. Inflation has remained low; unemploymenthas stood at 6% of the labor force; and the government has followed prudentfiscal/monetary policies. The country is not self-sufficient in food, andsome of the rural population subsist at the poverty level. Malaysia's highexport dependence leaves it vulnerable to a recession in the OECD countriesor a fall in world commodity prices.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $48.0 billion, per capita $2,670; real growthrate 8.6% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.5% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:5.8% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $12.2 billion; expenditures $14.4 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $3.2 billion (1991 est.)Exports:$35.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:electrical manufactures, crude petroleum, timber, rubber, palm oil, textilespartners:Singapore, US, Japan, ECImports:$38.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:food, crude oil, consumer goods, intermediate goods, capital equipment,chemicalspartners:Japan, US, Singapore, Germany, UKExternal debt:$21.3 billion (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 18% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDPElectricity:5,600,000 kW capacity; 16,500 million kWh produced, 940 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:Peninsular Malaysia:rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturingindustry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processingtimberSabah:logging, petroleum productionSarawak:agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, loggingAgriculture:Peninsular Malaysia:natural rubber, palm oil, riceSabah:mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice
:Malaysia Economy
Sarawak:rubber, timber, pepper; there is a deficit of rice in all areas; fish catchof 608,000 metric tons in 1987Illicit drugs:transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe,and the Third WorldEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $42 millionCurrency:ringgit (plural - ringgits); 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 senExchange rates:ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6930 (January 1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048(1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988), 2.5196 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Malaysia Communications
Railroads:Peninsular Malaysia:1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government ownedRailroads:Sabah:136 km 1.000-meter gaugeHighways:Peninsular Malaysia:23,600 km (19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous-surface treatment, and4,248 km unpaved)Sabah:3,782 kmSarawak:1,644 kmInland waterways:Peninsular Malaysia:3,209 kmSabah:1,569 kmSarawak:2,518 kmPipelines:crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 kmPorts:Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang,Sandakan, TawauMerchant marine:167 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,653,633 GRT/2,444,393 DWT; includes1 passenger-cargo, 1 short-sea passenger, 64 cargo, 27 container, 2 vehiclecarrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 37 petroleum tanker, 5chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 21 bulkCivil air:53 major transport aircraftAirports:115 total, 108 usable; 33 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runwaysover 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good intercity service provided to Peninsular Malaysia mainly by radiorelay; adequate intercity radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak viaBrunei; international service good; good coverage by radio and televisionbroadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations - 28 AM, 3 FM, 33TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cablelinks to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic
:Malaysia Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, RoyalMalaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border ScoutsManpower availability:males 15-49, 4,728,103; 2,878,574 fit for military service; 179,486 reachmilitary age (21) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Maldives Geography
Total area:300 km2Land area:300 km2Comparative area:slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:644 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:35-310 nm (defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides withmaritime boundary with India)Territorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy,southwest monsoon (June to August)Terrain:flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 metersNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land 10%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest andwoodland 3%; other 84%Environment:1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atollsNote:archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes inIndian Ocean
:Maldives People
Population:234,371 (July 1992), growth rate 3.7% (1992)Birth rate:45 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:62 years male, 64 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Maldivian(s); adjective - MaldivianEthnic divisions:Maldivians are a generally homogenous admixture of Sinhalese, Dravidian,Arab, Austrolasian, and AfricanReligions:Sunni MuslimLanguages:Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic); English spoken bymost government officialsLiteracy:92% (male 92%, female 92%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985)Labor force:66,000 (est.); 25% engaged in fishing industryOrganized labor:none
:Maldives Government
Long-form name:Republic of MaldivesType:republicCapital:MaleAdministrative divisions:19 district (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu,Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa,Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, WaavuIndependence:26 July 1965 (from UK)Constitution:4 June 1964Legal system:based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily incommercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 26 July (1965)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis)Judicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978)Political parties and leaders:no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for thepast eight centuriesSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:President:last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results -President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelectedCitizens' Council:last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results -percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected)Member of:AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF,IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN missionin New YorkUS:the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodicvisits there; US Consular Agency, Midhath Hilmy, Male; telephone 2581Flag:red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical whitecrescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
:Maldives Economy
Overview:The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture islimited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10%of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of thework force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an importantsource of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism has become one of themost important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industryaccounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to haveincreased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $174 million, per capita $770 (1988); real growthrate 10.1% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):10.7% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NEGL%Budget:revenues $67 million; expenditures $82 million, including capitalexpenditures of $45 million (1990 est.)Exports:$52.0 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:fish 57%, clothing 25%partners:US, UK, Sri LankaImports:$128.9 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:consumer goods 54%, intermediate and capital goods 33%, petroleum products13%partners:Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, IndiaExternal debt:$70 million (December 1989)Industrial production:growth rate -5.0% (1988); accounts for 6% of GDPElectricity:5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconutprocessing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicraftsAgriculture:accounts for almost 30% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more importantthan farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; moststaple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.)Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $14 millionCurrency:rufiyaa (plural - rufiyaa); 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laarisExchange rates:rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.234 (January 1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990),9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988), 9.2230 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Maldives Communications
Highways:Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the cityPorts:Male, GanMerchant marine:13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 37,293 GRT/56,246 DWT; includes 11cargo, 1 container, 1 petroleum tankerCivil air:1 major transport aircraftAirports:2 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 mTelecommunications:minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcaststations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Maldives Defense Forces
Branches:National Security Service (paramilitary police force)Manpower availability:males 15-49, 52,195; 29,162 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.8 million, NA% of GDP (1984 est.)
:Mali Geography
Total area:1,240,000 km2Land area:1,220,000 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries:7,243 km; Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Ivory Coast 532km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submittedto the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJissued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept;Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including thetripoint with NigerClimate:subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mildJune to November; cool and dry November to FebruaryTerrain:mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south,rugged hills in northeastNatural resources:gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium; bauxite, iron ore,manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploitedLand use:arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest andwoodland 7%; other 66%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertificationNote:landlocked
:Mali People
Population:8,641,178 (July 1992), growth rate 2.5% (1992)Birth rate:52 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:21 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-5 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:110 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:43 years male, 47 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:7.3 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Malian(s); adjective - MalianEthnic divisions:Mande (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole) 50%, Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%,Tuareg and Moor 5%, other 10%Religions:Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%Languages:French (official); Bambara spoken by about 80% of the population; numerousAfrican languagesLiteracy:32% (male 41%, female 24%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:2,666,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce1% (1981); 50% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:National Union of Malian Workers (UNTM) is umbrella organization for over 13national unions
:Mali Government
Long-form name:Republic of MaliType:republic; an interim government appointed by the national reform conferencehas organized a series of democratic elections and is scheduled to hand overpower to an elected government on 26 March 1992Capital:BamakoAdministrative divisions:8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti,Segou, Sikasso, TombouctouIndependence:22 September 1960 (from France; formerly French Sudan)Constitution:2 June 1974, effective 19 June 1979; amended September 1981 and March 1985;new constitution presented during national reform conference in August 1991;a constitutional referendum is scheduled for 16 January 1992Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review oflegislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)Executive branch:Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25members, predominantly civilianLegislative branch:Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State:Lt. Col. Amadou Toumani TOUREHead of Government:Prime Minister Soumana SAKO (since 2 April 1991)Political parties and leaders:formerly the only party, the Democratic Union of Malian People (UDPM), wasdisbanded after the coup of 26 March 1991, and the new regime legalized theformation of political parties on 5 April 1991; new political parties areUnion of Democratic Forces (UFD), Demba DIALLO; Union for Democracy andDevelopment (UDD), Moussa Bala COULIBALY; Sudanese Union/African DemocraticRally (US-RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; African Party for Solidarity andJustice (ADEMA), Alpha Oumar KONARE; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP),Idrissa TRAORE; Democratic Party for Justice (PDJ), Abdul BA; Rally forDemocracy and Progress (RDP), Almany SYLLA; Party for the Unity of MalianPeople (PUPM), Nock AGATTIA; Hisboulah al Islamiya, Hamidou DRAMERA; Unionof Progressive Forces (UFP), Yacouba SIDIBE; National Congress of DemocraticInitiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Assembly for Justice and Progress, KadyDRAME; Sudanese Progressive Party (PPS), Sekene Mody SISSOKO; numerous smallparties formed in 1991; 46 total partiesSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:President:last held on 9 June 1985 (next to be held March 1992); results - Gen. MoussaTRAORE was reelected without opposition
:Mali Government
National Assembly:last held on 26 June 1988 (next to be held NA 1992); results - UDPM was theonly party; seats - (82 total) UDPM 82; note - following the military coupof 26 March 1991, President TRAORE was deposed and the UDPM was disbanded;the 25-member CTSP has instituted a multiparty system, and presidentialelections are to be held on 26 March 1992 and legislative elections on 9February 1992 (new National Assembly to have 116 seats)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Mohamed Alhousseyni TOURE; Chancery at 2130 R Street NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-2249 or 939-8950US:Ambassador Herbert D. GELBER; Embassy at Rue Rochester NY and Rue MohamedV., Bamako (mailing address is B. P. 34, Bamako); telephone [223] 225470;FAX [233] 22-80-59Flag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses thepopular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
:Mali Economy
Overview:Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% of its landarea desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to theriverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population live asnomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture andfishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, per capita $265; real growth rate2.2% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-1.6% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capitalexpenditures of $178 (1989 est.)Exports:$285 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skinspartners:mostly franc zone and Western EuropeImports:$513 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cerealspartners:mostly franc zone and Western EuropeExternal debt:$2.2 billion (1989 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 19.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity:260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold,fishingAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms;cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops -millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, andgoatsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190millionCurrency:Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF)= 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54(1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Mali Communications
Railroads:642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through KayesHighways:about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth,10,360 km unimproved earthInland waterways:1,815 km navigableCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:35 total, 27 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radiorelay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay inprogress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV;satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT
:Mali Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, NationalPolice, Surete NationaleManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,701,050; 966,293 fit for military service; no conscriptionDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)
:Malta Geography
Total area:320 km2Land area:320 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:140 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive fishing zone:25 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summersTerrain:mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffsNatural resources:limestone, saltLand use:arable land 38%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 59%; includes irrigated 3%Environment:numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce - increasingreliance on desalinationNote:strategic location in central Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily, 290 kmnorth of Libya
:Malta People
Population:359,231 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992)Birth rate:14 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:1 migrant/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 79 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Maltese (singular and plural); adjective - MalteseEthnic divisions:mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, EnglishReligions:Roman Catholic 98%Languages:Maltese and English (official)Literacy:84% (male 86%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985)Labor force:127,200; government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing22%, training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990)Organized labor:about 40% of labor force
:Malta Government
Long-form name:Republic of MaltaType:parliamentary democracyCapital:VallettaAdministrative divisions:none (administration directly from Valletta)Independence:21 September 1964 (from UK)Constitution:26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974Legal system:based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservationsNational holiday:Independence Day, 21 SeptemberExecutive branch:president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Constitutional Court and Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989)Head of Government:Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); DeputyPrime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987)Political parties and leaders:Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), AlfredSANTSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:House of Representatives:last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results -NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note -additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote toensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 afteradjustment)Member of:C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO,IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET; Chancery at 2017 Connecticut AvenueNW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-3611 or 3612; there is aMaltese Consulate General in New YorkUS:Ambassador Sally J. NOVETZKE; Embassy at 2nd Floor, Development House, SaintAnne Street, Floriana, Valletta (mailing address is P. O. Box 535,Valletta); telephone [356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654;FAX same as phone numbersFlag:two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upperhoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
:Malta Economy
Overview:Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and aproductive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, haslimited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources.Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services.Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy.Manufacturing accounts for about 27% of GDP, with the electronics andtextile industries major contributors. In 1990 inflation was held to a low3.0%. Per capita GDP at $7,000 places Malta in the middle-income range ofthe world's nations.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, per capita $7,000 (1991 est.); realgrowth rate 5.5% (1990)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.0% (1990)Unemployment rate:3.8% (1990)Budget:revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $380 million (1992 plan)Exports:$l.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:clothing, textiles, footwear, shipspartners:Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11%Imports:$2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goodspartners:Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4%External debt:$90 million, medium and long term (December 1987)Industrial production:growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity:328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 2,990 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing,textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobaccoAgriculture:accounts for 3% of GDP; overall, 20% self-sufficient; main products -potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers,green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs; generally adequate supplies ofvegetables, poultry, milk, pork products; seasonal or periodic shortages ingrain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic foodstuffsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48millionCurrency:Maltese lira (plural - liri); 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 centsExchange rates:Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3257 (March 1992), 0.3004 (1991), 0.3172(1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988), 0.3451 (1987)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Malta Communications
Highways:1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35km improved and unimproved earthPorts:Valletta, MarsaxlokkMerchant marine:658 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,003,001 GRT/15,332,287 DWT;includes 3 passenger, 13 short-sea passenger, 241 cargo, 14 container, 2passenger-cargo, 16 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 1 barge carrier, 15refrigerated cargo, 11 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil, 2specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 124 petroleum tanker, 176 bulk, 23combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships,former republics of the USSR own 52 ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6,Yugoslavia owns 9, Romania owns 4Civil air:7 major transport aircraftAirports:1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 mTelecommunications:automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones;excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarinecable and radio relay between islands; international service by 1 submarinecable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Malta Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Forces, Maltese Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 95,661; 76,267 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Man, Isle of Geography
Total area:588 km2Land area:588 km2Comparative area:slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:113 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the timeTerrain:hills in north and south bisected by central valleyNatural resources:lead, iron oreLand use:arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest andwoodland NA%; other NA%; extensive arable land and forestsEnvironment:strong westerly winds prevailNote:located in Irish Sea equidistant from England, Scotland, and Ireland
:Man, Isle of People
Population:64,068 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992)Birth rate:11 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:14 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:4 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:72 years male, 78 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Manxman, Manxwoman; adjective - ManxEthnic divisions:native Manx of Norse-Celtic descent; BritishReligions:Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society ofFriendsLanguages:English, Manx GaelicLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education ages 5 to 16Labor force:25,864 (1981)Organized labor:22 labor unions patterned along British lines
:Man, Isle of Government
Long-form name:noneType:British crown dependencyCapital:DouglasAdministrative divisions:none (British crown dependency)Independence:none (British crown dependency)Constitution:1961, Isle of Man Constitution ActLegal system:English law and local statuteNational holiday:Tynwald Day, 5 JulyExecutive branch:British monarch, lieutenant governor, prime minister, Executive Council(cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and alower house or House of KeysJudicial branch:High Court of JusticeLeaders:Chief of State:Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented byLieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990)Head of Government:President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990)Political parties and leaders:there is no party system and members sit as independentsSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:House of Keys:last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA;no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24Member of:noneDiplomatic representation:none (British crown dependency)Flag:red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the threelegs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toespointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is usedria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at theknee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of theflag, a two-sided emblem is used
:Man, Isle of Economy
Overview:Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy.The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companiesand financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expandingemployment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agricultureand fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in theirshares of GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturingabout 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK.GNP:exchange rate conversion - $490 million, per capita $7,573; real growth rateNA% (1988)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:1.5% (1988)Budget:revenues $130.4 million; expenditures $114.4 million, including capitalexpenditures of $18.1 million (FY85 est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meatpartners:UKImports:$NAcommodities:timber, fertilizers, fishpartners:UKExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,930 kWh per capita (1989)Industries:an important offshore financial center; financial services, lightmanufacturing, tourismAgriculture:cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultryEconomic aid:NACurrency:Manx pound (plural - pounds); 1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 penceExchange rates:Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603(1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0. 6102 (1987); the Manx pound is atpar with the British poundFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Man, Isle of Communications
Railroads:36 km electric track, 24 km steam trackHighways:640 km motorable roadsPorts:Douglas, Ramsey, PeelMerchant marine:79 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,436,196 GRT/2,479,432 DWT; includes12 cargo, 7 container, 10 roll-on/roll-off, 30 petroleum tanker, 4 chemicaltanker, 5 liquefied gas, 11 bulk; note - a captive register of the UnitedKingdom, although not all ships on the register are British ownedAirports:1 total; 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV
:Man, Isle of Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Marshall Islands Geography
Total area:181.3 km2Land area:181.3 km2; includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and KwajaleinComparative area:slightly larger than Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:370.4 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claims US territory of Wake IslandClimate:wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon beltTerrain:low coral limestone and sand islandsNatural resources:phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed mineralsLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 60%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 40%Environment:occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30atolls and 1,152 islandsNote:located 3,825 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, abouttwo-thirds of the way between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea; Bikini andEniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World WarII battleground, is now used as a US missile test range
:Marshall Islands People
Population:50,004 (July 1992), growth rate 3.9% (1992)Birth rate:47 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:52 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:61 years male, 64 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:7.0 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Marshallese (singular and plural); adjective - MarshalleseEthnic divisions:almost entirely MicronesianReligions:predominantly Christian, mostly ProtestantLanguages:English universally spoken and is the official language; two majorMarshallese dialects from Malayo-Polynesian family; JapaneseLiteracy:93% (male 100%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980)Labor force:4,800 (1986)Organized labor:none
:Marshall Islands Government
Long-form name:Republic of the Marshall IslandsType:constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact ofFree Association entered into force 21 October 1986Capital:MajuroAdministrative divisions:noneIndependence:21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship; formerly theMarshall Islands District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)Constitution:1 May 1979Legal system:based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,common, and customary lawsNational holiday:Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Nitijela (parliament)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Amata KABUA (since 1979)Political parties and leaders:no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional)leaderSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President AmataKABUA was reelectedParliament:last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results -percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total)Member of:AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTADDiplomatic representation:Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL; Chancery at 2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-5414US:Ambassador William BODDE, Jr.; Embassy at NA address (mailing address is P.O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379); telephone(011) 692-4011; FAX (011) 692-4012Flag:blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange(top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 smallrays on the hoist side above the two stripes
:Marshall Islands Economy
Overview:Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agriculturalproduction is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercialcrops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranchessupply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited tohandicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primarysource of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. Theislands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 1987the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallesebudget of $55 million.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $63 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rateNA% (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NAUnemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $55 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA(1987 est.)Exports:$2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985)commodities:copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicraftspartners:NAImports:$29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985)commodities:foodstuffs, beverages, building materialspartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshorebanking (embryonic)Agriculture:coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, copra; pigs, chickensEconomic aid:under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provideapproximately $40 million in aid annuallyCurrency:US currency is usedExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
:Marshall Islands Communications
Highways:paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-,or laterite-surfaced roads and tracksPorts:MajuroMerchant marine:32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,347,312 GRT/4,630,172 DWT; includes2 cargo, 1 container, 9 petroleum tanker, 18 bulk carrier, 2 combinationore/oil; note - a flag of convenience registryAirports:17 total, 16 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; 8 with runways1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services;islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for governmentpurposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 PacificOcean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications systemon Kwajalein
:Marshall Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Martinique Geography
Total area:1,100 km2Land area:1,060 km2Comparative area:slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:290 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October)Terrain:mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcanoNatural resources:coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable landLand use:arable land 10%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 30%; forest andwoodland 26%; other 26%; includes irrigated 5%Environment:subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in anaverage of one major natural disaster every five yearsNote:located 625 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea
:Martinique People
Population:371,803 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992)Birth rate:19 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:1 migrant/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:75 years male, 81 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.9 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Martiniquais (singular and plural); adjective - MartiniquaisEthnic divisions:African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian,Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%Languages:French, Creole patoisLiteracy:93% (male 92%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982)Labor force:100,000; service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%,agriculture 13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3%Organized labor:11% of labor force
:Martinique Government
Long-form name:Department of MartiniqueType:overseas department of FranceCapital:Fort-de-FranceAdministrative 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 CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)Head of Government:Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President ofthe General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988)Suffrage:universal at age 18Elections:General Council:last held in October 1988 (next to be held by March 1991); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by party NARegional Assembly:last held on 16 March 1986 (next to be held by March 1992); results -UDF/RPR coalition 49.8%, PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 41.3%, other 8.9%; seats -(41 total) PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 21, UDF/RPR coalition 20French Senate:last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1French National Assembly:last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1Communists:1,000 (est.)Other political or pressure groups:Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist RevolutionGroup (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean RevolutionaryAlliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc Pulvar;Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and PeasantsMember of:FZ, WCLDiplomatic representation:as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are representedin the US by France
:Martinique Government
US:Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON; Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac,Fort-de-France (mailing address is B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206);telephone [596] 63-13-03Flag:the flag of France is used
:Martinique Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry.Agriculture accounts for about 12% of GDP and the small industrial sectorfor 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now usedfor the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly toFrance. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must beimported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annualtransfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important thanagricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of thework force is employed in the service sector and in administration. In 1986per capita GDP was relatively high at $6,000. During 1986 the unemploymentrate was 30% and was particularly severe among younger workers.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $6,000; real growth rateNA% (1986)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.9% (1989)Unemployment rate:30% (1986)Budget:revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1989 est.)Exports:$196 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapplespartners:France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987)Imports:$1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothingand other consumer goodspartners:France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,703 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourismAgriculture:including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principalcrops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, and sugarcanefor rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetablesEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$10.1 billionCurrency:French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453(1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year