Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Mongolia Geography
Total area:1,565,000 km2Land area:1,565,000 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries:8,114 km; China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)Terrain:vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; GobiDesert in southeastNatural resources:oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc,wolfram, fluorspar, goldLand use:arable land 1%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 79%; forest andwoodland 10%; other 10%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:harsh and ruggedNote:landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia
:Mongolia People
Population:2,305,516 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:34 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:47 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:63 years male, 68 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Mongolian(s); adjective - MongolianEthnic divisions:Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2%Religions:predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim (about 4%); previously limitedreligious activity because of Communist regimeLanguages:Khalkha Mongol used by over 90% of population; minor languages includeTurkic, Russian, and ChineseLiteracy:90% (male NA%, female NA%) (1989 est.)Labor force:NA, but primarily herding/agricultural; over half the adult population is inthe labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilledlaborOrganized labor:425,000 members of the Central Council of Mongolian Trade Unions (CCMTU)controlled by the government (1984); independent labor organizations nowbeing formed
:Mongolia Government
Long-form name:MongoliaType:in transition from Communist state to republicCapital:UlaanbaatarAdministrative divisions:18 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud,singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*,Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd,Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, UvsIndependence:13 March 1921 (from China; formerly Outer Mongolia)Constitution:12 February 1992Legal system:blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutionalprovision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Mongolian People's Revolution (NAADAM) 11-13 July; observed 13 JulyExecutive branch:premier, deputy premiers, Cabinet, president, vice presidentLegislative branch:State Great HuralJudicial branch:High Court; serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts, butto date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courtsLeaders:Chief of State:President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); Vice PresidentRadnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJ (since 7 September 1990)Head of Government:Premier Dashiyn BYAMBASUREN (since 11 September 1990)Political parties and leaders:ruling party:Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON,general secretaryopposition:Social Democratic Party (SDP), BATBAYAR; Mongolian Democratic Association,Ts. ELBEGDORJ, chief coordinator; Mongolian Party of National Progress,GANBOLDother:Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP), BATUUL; Free Labor Party, C. DUL; note -opposition parties were legalized in May 1990; additional parties exist: TheGreen Party, The Buddhist Party, The Republican Party, Mongolian People'sParty, and Mongolian Revival Party; these were formed but may not beofficially registered because of low rates of membershipSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 3 September 1990 (next to be held NA July 1994); results -Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT elected by the People's Great HuralState Great Hural:first time held June 1992; note - according to the new present Constitution,the two parliamentary bodies are to be combined into a single popularlyelected house consisting of 76 members; results - NA
:Mongolia Government
People's Small Hural:last held on 29 July 1990 (next to be held June 1992); results - MPRP 62.3%,MDP 24.5%, SDP 7. 5%, PNP 5.7%; seats - (50 total) MPRP 33, other 17; note -People's Small Hural will not exist after State Great Hural is assembledCommunists:MPRP membership 90,000 (1990 est.)Member of:AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-77, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, IOC, ISO,ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAGIV; Chancery, (202) 983-1962US:Ambassador Joseph E. LAKE; Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas E. DOWLING;Embassy at Ulaanbaatar, c/o American Embassy Beijing; PSC 461, Box 300, FPOAP 06521-0002; telephone (800) 29095 and 29639Flag:a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted
:Mongolia Economy
Overview:Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses ofunproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activitytraditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock -Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. Inrecent years extensive mineral resources have been developed with Sovietsupport. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin,tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timberand fishing are also important sectors. In 1991-92 Mongolian leadership isstruggling with severe economic dislocations, mainly attributable to theeconomic crumbling of the USSR, by far Mongolia's leading trade anddevelopment partner. Moscow almost certainly cut aid in 1991, and thedissolution of the USSR at yearend 1991 makes prospects for aid quite bleakfor 1992. Industry in 1991-92 has been hit hard by energy shortages, mainlydue to disruptions in coal production and shortfalls in petroleum imports.The government is moving away from the Soviet-style centrally plannedeconomy through privatization and price reform.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, per capita $900; real growth rate-3% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):100% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:15% (1991 est.)Budget:deficit of $67 million (1991)Exports:$279 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, othernonferrous metalspartners:USSR 75%, China 10%, Japan 4%Imports:$360 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods,chemicals, building materials, sugar, teapartners:USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5%External debt:$16.8 billion (yearend 1990); 98.6% with USSRIndustrial production:growth rate -12% (1991 est.)Electricity:1,238,000 kW capacity; 3,700 million kWh produced, 1,692 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food andbeverage, mining (particularly coal)Agriculture:accounts for about 20% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of thepopulation; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, butalso cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forage
:Mongolia Economy
Economic aid:about $300 million in trade credits and $34 million in grant aid from USSRand other CEMA countries, plus $7.4 million from UNDP (1990); in 1991, $170million in grants and technical assistance from Western donor countries,including $30 million from World Bank and $30 million from the IMF; over$200 million from donor countries projected in 1992Currency:tughrik (plural - tughriks); 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongosExchange rates:tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 7.1 (1991), 5.63 (1990), 3.00 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Mongolia Communications
Railroads:1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1988)Highways:46,700 km total; 1,000 km hard surface; 45,700 km other surfaces (1988)Inland waterways:397 km of principal routes (1988)Civil air:25 major transport aircraftAirports:81 total, 31 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 5 withrunways over 3,659 m; fewer than 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 withrunways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:63,000 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18provincial repeaters); repeat of Russian TV; 120,000 TVs; 220,000 radios; atleast 1 earth station
:Mongolia Defense Forces
Branches:Mongolian People's Army (includes Border Guards), Air ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 551,548; 359,904 fit for military service; 25,275 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million of GDP (1992 budget)
:Montserrat Geography
Total area:100 km2Land area:100 km2Comparative area:about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:40 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variationTerrain:volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowlandNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land 20%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest andwoodland 40%; other 30%Environment:subject to severe hurricanes from June to NovemberNote:located 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea
:Montserrat People
Population:12,617 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4 (1992)Birth rate:17 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:10 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-3 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 78 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.2 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Montserratian(s); adjective - MontserratianEthnic divisions:mostly black with a few EuropeansReligions:Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist,other Christian denominationsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over having ever attended school(1970)Labor force:5,100; community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%,trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture,forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.)Organized labor:30% of labor force, three trade unions with 1,500 members (1984 est.)
:Montserrat Government
Long-form name:noneType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:PlymouthAdministrative divisions:3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint PeterIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:1 January 1960Legal system:English common law and statute lawNational holiday:Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)Executive branch:monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet), chief ministerLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor DavidTAYLOR (since NA 1990)Head of Government:Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since October 1991)Political parties and leaders:National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's LiberationMovement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), BertrandOSBORNE; Independent (IND), Ruby BRAMBLESuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Legislative Council:last held on 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1Member of:CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, OECS, WCLDiplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theMontserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coatof arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around ablack cross
:Montserrat Economy
Overview:The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism andconstruction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounted for 20% ofGDP in 1986. Agriculture accounted for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%. Theeconomy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable tofluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic partssold to the US.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $54.2 million, per capita $4,500 (1988); realgrowth rate 10% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):6.8% (1990)Unemployment rate:3.0% (1987)Budget:revenues $12.1 million; expenditures $14.3 million, including capitalexpenditures of $3.2 million (1988)Exports:$2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.)commodities:electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattlepartners:NAImports:$30 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods,fuels, lubricants, and related materialspartners:NAExternal debt:$2.05 million (1987)Industrial production:growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:5,271 kW capacity; 12 million kWh produced, 960 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliancesAgriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions,peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock productsEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90millionCurrency:East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Montserrat Communications
Highways:280 km total; about 200 km paved, 80 km gravel and earthPorts:PlymouthAirports:1 with permanent-surface runways 1,036 mTelecommunications:3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV
:Montserrat Defense Forces
Branches:Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Morocco Geography
Total area:446,550 km2Land area:446,300 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries:2,002 km; Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 kmCoastline:1,835 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UNis attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has beencurrently in effect since September 1991 Spain controls five places ofsovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - thecoastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as theislands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and IslasChafarinasClimate:Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interiorTerrain:mostly mountains with rich coastal plainsNatural resources:phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, saltLand use:arable land 18%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 28%; forest andwoodland 12%; other 41%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes;desertificationNote:strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar
:Morocco People
Population:26,708,587 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992)Birth rate:29 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:56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:63 years male, 67 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.7 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Moroccan(s); adjective - MoroccanEthnic divisions:Arab-Berber 99.1%, non-Moroccan 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%Religions:Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%Languages:Arabic (official); several Berber dialects; French is often the language ofbusiness, government, and diplomacyLiteracy:50% (male 61%, female 38%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:7,400,000; agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985)Organized labor:about 5% of the labor force, mainly in the Union of Moroccan Workers (UMT)and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT)
:Morocco Government
Long-form name:Kingdom of MoroccoType:constitutional monarchyCapital:RabatAdministrative divisions:37 provinces and 5 municipalities* (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Agadir, AlHoceima, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen,El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Fes*, Figuig,Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache,Marrakech, Marrakech*, Meknes, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda,Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate,Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, TiznitIndependence:2 March 1956 (from France)Constitution:10 March 1972Legal system:based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicialreview of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme CourtNational holiday:National Day (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne), 3March (1961)Executive branch:monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961)Head of Government:Prime Minister Dr. Azzedine LARAKI (since 30 September 1986)Political parties and leaders:Morocco has 15 political parties; the major ones are Istiqlal, M'HamedBOUCETTA; Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP); Popular Movement (MP),Secretariat General; National Assembly of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN;National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; Party forProgress and Socialism (PPS); Constitutional Union (UC), Maati BOUABIDSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:Chamber of Representatives:last held on 14 September 1984 (were scheduled for September 1990, butpostponed until NA 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(306 total, 206 elected) CU 83, RNI 61, MP 47, Istiqlal 41, USFP 36, PND 24,other 14Communists:about 2,000Member of:ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO,G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IIB, ILO,IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS (observer), NAM,OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
:Morocco Government
Diplomatic representation:Ambassador Mohamed BELKHAYAT; Chancery at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington,DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-7979; there is a Moroccan Consulate General inNew YorkUS:Ambassador Frederick VREELAND; Embassy at 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat(mailing address is P. O. Box 120, Rabat, or PSC 74, APO AE 09718; telephone[212] (7) 76-22-65; FAX [212] (7) 76-56-61; there is a US Consulate Generalin CasablancaFlag:red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon'sseal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam
:Morocco Economy
Overview:The economy had recovered moderately in 1990 because of: the resolution of atrade dispute with India over phosphoric acid sales, a rebound in textilesales to the EC, lower prices for food imports, a sharp increase in workerremittances, increased Arab donor aid, and generous debt reschedulingagreements. Economic performance in 1991 was mixed. A record harvest helpedreal GDP advance by 4.2%, although nonagricultural output grew by less than1%. Inflation accelerated slightly as easier financial policies triggeredrapid credit and monetary growth. Despite recovery of domestic demand,import volume growth slowed while export volume was adversely affected byphosphate marketing difficulties. In January 1992, Morocco reached a new12-month standby arrangement for $129 million with the IMF. In February1992, the Paris Club rescheduled $1.4 billion of Morocco's commercial debt.This is thought to be Morocco's last rescheduling. By 1993 the Moroccanauthorities hope to be in a position to meet all debt service obligationswithout additional rescheduling. Servicing this large debt, highunemployment, and Morocco's vulnerability to external economic forces remainsevere long-term problems.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $27.3 billion, per capita $1,060; real growthrate 4.2% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.1% (1991 )Unemployment rate:16% (1991)Budget:revenues $7.5 billion; expenditures $7.7 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $1.9 billion (1992)Exports:$4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%,phosphates 17%partners:EC 58%, India 7%, Japan 5%, USSR 3%, US 2%Imports:$6.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel andlubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9%partners:EC 53%, US 11%, Canada 4%, Iraq 3%, USSR 3%, Japan 2%External debt:$20 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 4% (1989 est.); accounts for an estimated 20% of GDPElectricity:2,270,000 kW capacity; 8,170 million kWh produced, 310 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods,textiles, construction, tourismAgriculture:50% of employment and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food;cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrusfruit, wine, vegetables, olives; fishing catch of 491,000 metric tons in1987
:Morocco Economy
Illicit drugs:illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domesticand international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed toWestern Europe; occasional transit point for cocaine from South Americadestined for Western Europe.Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5billion; $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standbyagreement worth $13 million; World Bank, $450 million (1991)Currency:Moroccan dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.889 (March 1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242(1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Morocco Communications
Railroads:1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 kmelectrified)Highways:59,198 km total; 27,740 km paved, 31,458 km gravel, crushed stone, improvedearth, and unimproved earthPipelines:crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 kmPorts:Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi,Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and MelillaMerchant marine:51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 315,249 GRT/487,479 DWT; includes 10cargo, 2 container, 12 refrigerated cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 3 petroleumtanker, 11 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 3 short-sea passengerCivil air:28 major transport aircraftAirports:75 total, 67 usable; 26 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good system composed of wire lines, cables, and radio relay links; principalcenters are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech,Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 20 AM,7 FM, 26 TV and 26 additional rebroadcast sites; 5 submarine cables;satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; radiorelay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwaveto Algeria; microwave network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia,Algeria, and Morocco
:Morocco Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, RoyalGendarmerie, Auxiliary ForcesManpower availability:males 15-49, 6,604,712; 4,196,449 fit for military service; 293,204 reachmilitary age (18) annually; limited conscriptionDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 4.2% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Mozambique Geography
Total area:801,590 km2Land area:784,090 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries:4,571 km total; Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km,Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 kmCoastline:2,470 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical to subtropicalTerrain:mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest,mountains in westNatural resources:coal, titaniumLand use:arable land 4%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 56%; forest andwoodland 20%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:severe drought and floods occur in south; desertification
:Mozambique People
Population:15,469,150 (July 1992), growth rate 4.1% (1992); note - 1.5 millionMozambican refugees; 900,000 in Malawi (1991 est.)Birth rate:46 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:17 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:12 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:46 years male, 49 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Mozambican(s); adjective - MozambicanEthnic divisions:majority from indigenous tribal groups; Europeans about 10,000,Euro-Africans 35,000, Indians 15,000Religions:indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10%Languages:Portuguese (official); many indigenous dialectsLiteracy:33% (male 45%, female 21%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:NA, but 90% engaged in agricultureOrganized labor:225,000 workers belong to a single union, the Mozambique Workers'Organization (OTM)
:Mozambique Government
Long-form name:Republic of MozambiqueType:republicCapital:MaputoAdministrative divisions:10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza,Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, ZambeziaIndependence:25 June 1975 (from Portugal)Constitution:30 November 1990Legal system:based on Portuguese civil law system and customary lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 25 June (1975)Executive branch:president, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)Judicial branch:People's Courts at all levelsLeaders:Chief of State:President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986)Head of Government:Prime Minister Mario da Graca MACHUNGO (since 17 July 1986)Political parties and leaders:Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) - formerly a Marxistorganization with close ties to the USSR - was the only legal party before30 November 1990 when the new Constitution went into effect establishing amultiparty system; note - the government plans multiparty elections as earlyas 1993; 14 parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party of Mozambique(PALMO), the Mozambique National Union (UNAMO), and the Mozambique NationalMovement (MONAMO) have already emergedSuffrage:universal adult at age 18Elections:draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and AssemblyelectionsCommunists:about 200,000 FRELIMO members; note - FRELIMO no longer considers itself aCommunist partyMember of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Hipolito PATRICIO; Chancery at Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW,Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 293-7146US:Ambassador Townsend B. FRIEDMAN, Jr.; Embassy at Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193Maputo (mailing address is P. O. Box 783, Maputo); telephone [258] (1)49-27-97, 49-01-67, 49-03-50; FAX [258] (1) 49-01-14
:Mozambique Government
Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a redisosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged inwhite; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing acrossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book
:Mozambique Economy
Overview:One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit theeconomic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, andtransportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, andinvestment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because ofinternal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growingforeign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economicreform policy, has resulted in successive years of economic growth since1985. Agricultural output, nevertheless, is at about only 75% of its 1981level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20-40% ofcapacity. The economy depends heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat.The continuation of civil strife through 1991 has dimmed chances of foreigninvestment, and growth was a mere 1%. Living standards, already abysmallylow, dropped by 3-4% in both 1990 and 1991.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, per capita $120; real growth rate1.0% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):40.5% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:50% (1989 est.)Budget:revenues $369 million; expenditures $860 million, including capitalexpenditures of $432 million (1989 est.)Exports:$117 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:shrimp 48%, cashews 21%, sugar 10%, copra 3%, citrus 3%partners:US, Western Europe, GDR, JapanImports:$870 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.), including aidcommodities:food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleumpartners:US, Western Europe, USSRExternal debt:$4.9 billion (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 5% (1989 est.)Electricity:2,270,000 kW capacity; 1,745 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products,textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobaccoAgriculture:accounts for 80% of the labor force, 50% of GDP, and about 90% of exports;cash crops - cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops -cassava, corn, rice, tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890millionCurrency:metical (plural - meticais); 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavosExchange rates:meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 2,358 (1 May 1992), 1,811.18 (1991), 929.00 (1990),800.00 (1989), 528.60 (1988), 289.44 (1987)
:Mozambique Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mozambique Communications
Railroads:3,288 km total; 3,140 km 1.067-meter gauge; 148 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge;Malawi-Nacala, Malawi-Beira, and Zimbabwe-Maputo lines are subject toclosure because of insurgencyHighways:26,498 km total; 4,593 km paved; 829 km gravel, crushed stone, stabilizedsoil; 21,076 km unimproved earthInland waterways:about 3,750 km of navigable routesPipelines:crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 kmPorts:Maputo, Beira, NacalaMerchant marine:5 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 7,806 GRT/12,873 DWTCivil air:7 major transport aircraftAirports:195 total, 137 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runwaysover 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay; broadcaststations - 29 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and3 domestic Indian Ocean INTELSAT
:Mozambique Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards, MilitiaManpower availability:males 15-49, 3,490,554; 2,004,913 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $107 million, 6-7% of GDP (1989)
:Namibia Geography
Total area:824,290 km2Land area:823,290 km2Comparative area:slightly more than half the size of AlaskaLand boundaries:3,935 km total; Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 966 km,Zambia 233 kmCoastline:1,489 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; disputed island withBotswana in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabweis in disagreement; claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay and 12 offshore islandsadministered by South Africa; Namibia and South Africa have agreed tojointly administer the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to becovered by joint administration arrangements have not been established atthis time, and Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty overthe entire area; recent dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Sidudu Islandin the Linyanti RiverClimate:desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erraticTerrain:mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in eastNatural resources:diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt,vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal,and iron oreLand use:arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 64%; forest andwoodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:inhospitable with very limited natural water resources; desertificationNote:Walvis Bay area is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia
:Namibia People
Population:1,574,927 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992)Birth rate:45 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:9 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:66 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:58 years male, 63 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Namibian(s); adjective - NamibianEthnic divisions:black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4%; about 50% of the population belong to theOvambo tribe and 9% from the Kavangos tribeReligions:predominantly ChristianLanguages:English is official language; Afrikaans is common language of most ofpopulation and about 60% of white population, German 32%, English 7%;several indigenous languagesLiteracy:38% (male 45%, female 31%) age 15 and over can read and write (1960)Labor force:500,000; agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government7%, mining 6% (1981 est.)Organized labor:20 trade unions representing about 90,000 workers
:Namibia Government
Long-form name:Republic of NamibiaType:republicCapital:WindhoekAdministrative divisions:the former administrative structure of 26 districts has been abolished and14 temporary regions are still being determined; note - the 26 districtswere Bethanien, Boesmanland, Caprivi Oos, Damaraland, Gobabis, Grootfontein,Hereroland Oos, Hereroland Wes, Kaokoland, Karasburg, Karibib, Kavango,Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Maltahohe, Mariental, Namaland, Okahandja, Omaruru,Otjiwarongo, Outjo, Owambo, Rehoboth, Swakopmund, Tsumeb, WindhoekIndependence:21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)Constitution:ratified 9 February 1990Legal system:based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitutionNational holiday:Independence Day, 21 March (1990)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral; House of Review (upper house, to be established with elections inlate 1992 by planned new regional authorities); National Assembly (lowerhouse elected by universal suffrage)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990)Political parties and leaders:South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; DemocraticTurnhalle Alliance (DTA), Dirk MUDGE; United Democratic Front (UDF), JustusGAROEB; Action Christian National (ACN), Kosie PRETORIUS; National PatrioticFront (NPF), Moses KATJIUONGUA; Federal Convention of Namibia (FCN), HansDIERGAARDT; Namibia National Front (NNF), Vekuii RUKOROSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 16 February 1990 (next to be held March 1995); results - SamNUJOMA was elected president by the Constituent Assembly (now the NationalAssembly)National Assembly:last held on 7-11 November 1989 (next to be held by November 1994); results- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 41, DTA 21, UDF 4,ACN 3, NNF 1, FCN 1, NPF 1Other political or pressure groups:NAMember of:ACP, AfDB, CECA (associate), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ILO,IMF, ITU, NAM, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, WCL, WFTU, WHODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH; Chancery at 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW,Washington, DC 20009 (mailing address is PO Box 34738, Washington, DC20043); telephone (202) 986-0540
:Namibia Government
US:Ambassador Genta Hawkins HOLMES; Embassy at Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St.,Windhoek (mailing address is P. O. Box 9890, Windhoek 9000, Namibia);telephone [264] (61) 221-601, 222-675, 222-680; FAX [264] (61) 229-792Flag:a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section,and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; thetriangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrowwhite-edge borders
:Namibia Economy
Overview:The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract andprocess minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibiais the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world'sfifth-largest producer of uranium. Alluvial diamond deposits are among therichest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-qualitydiamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver,and tungsten, and it has substantial resources of coal. More than half thepopulation depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for itslivelihood.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate5.1% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):17% (1991 - Windhoek)Unemployment rate:over 25% (1991)Budget:revenues $864 million; expenditures $1,112 million, including capitalexpenditures of $144 million (FY 92)Exports:$1,021 million (f.o.b., 1989)commodities:uranium, diamonds, zinc, copper, cattle, processed fish, karakul skinspartners:Switzerland, South Africa, FRG, JapanImports:$894 million (f.o.b., 1989)commodities:foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipmentpartners:South Africa, FRG, US, SwitzerlandExternal debt:about $250 million; under a 1971 International Court of Justice (ICJ)ruling, Namibia may not be liable for debt incurred during its colonialperiodIndustrial production:growth rate - 6% (1990 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP, including miningElectricity:490,000 kW capacity; 1,290 million kWh produced, 850 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc,diamond, uranium)Agriculture:mostly subsistence farming; livestock raising major source of cash income;crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch potential of over 1 millionmetric tons not being fulfilled, 1988 catch reaching only 384,000 metrictons; not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87),$47.2 millionCurrency:South African rand (plural - rand); 1 South African rand (R) = 100 centsExchange rates:South African rand (R) per US$1 - 2.8809 (March 1992), 2.7653 (1991), 2.5863(1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988), 2.0350 (1987), 2.2685 (1986)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Namibia Communications
Railroads:2,341 km 1.067-meter gauge, single trackHighways:54,500 km; 4,079 km paved, 2,540 km gravel, 47,881 km earth roads and tracksPorts:Luderitz; primary maritime outlet is Walvis Bay (South Africa)Civil air:NA major transport aircraftAirports:137 total, 112 usable; 21 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runwaysover 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 63 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good urban, fair rural services; radio relay connects major towns, wiresextend to other population centers; 62,800 telephones; broadcast stations -4 AM, 40 FM, 3 TV
:Namibia Defense Forces
Branches:National Defense Force (Army), PoliceManpower availability:males 15-49, 320,277; 189,997 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 3.4% of GDP (FY 92)
:Nauru Geography
Total area:21 km2Land area:21 km2Comparative area:about one-tenth the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:30 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)Terrain:sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphateplateau in centerNatural resources:phosphatesLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 100%Environment:only 53 km south of EquatorNote:located 500 km north-northeast of Papua New Guinea, Nauru is one of thethree great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others areBanaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia
:Nauru People
Population:9,460 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992)Birth rate:18 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:41 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:64 years male, 69 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.1 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Nauruan(s); adjective - NauruanEthnic divisions:Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%Religions:Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)Languages:Nauruan, a distinct Pacific Island language (official); English widelyunderstood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposesLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NAOrganized labor:NA
:Nauru Government
Long-form name:Republic of NauruType:republicCapital:no capital city as such; government offices in Yaren DistrictAdministrative divisions:14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu,Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, YarenIndependence:31 January 1968 (from UN trusteeship under Australia, New Zealand, and UK);formerly Pleasant IslandConstitution:29 January 1968Legal system:own Acts of Parliament and British common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 31 January (1968)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral ParliamentJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989)Political parties and leaders:noneSuffrage:universal and compulsory at age 20Elections:President:last held 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results - BernardDOWIYOGO elected by ParliamentParliament:last held on 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results -percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18Member of:C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTERPOL, ITU, SPC, SPF, UPUDiplomatic representation:Ambassador-designate Theodore Conrad MOSES resident in Melbourne(Australia); there is a Nauruan Consulate in Agana (Guam)US:the US Ambassador to Australia is accredited to NauruFlag:blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a largewhite 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicatesthe country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) andthe 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru
:Nauru Economy
Overview:Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which areexpected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruansone of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World - $10,000 annually.Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, includingfresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and thereplacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems.Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to helpcushion the transition.GNP:exchange rate conversion - over $90 million, per capita $10,000; real growthrate NA% (1989)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:0%Budget:revenues $69.7 million; expenditures $51.5 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY86 est.)Exports:$93 million (f.o.b., 1984)commodities:phosphatespartners:Australia, NZImports:$73 million (c.i.f., 1984)commodities:food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinerypartners:Australia, UK, NZ, JapanExternal debt:$33.3 millionIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:14,000 kW capacity; 50 million kWh produced, 5,430 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:phosphate mining, financial services, coconutsAgriculture:negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food and waterEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 millionCurrency:Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2834 (1991),1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
:Nauru Communications
Railroads:3.9 km; used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processingfacilities on the southwest coastHighways:about 27 km total; 21 km paved, 6 km improved earthPorts:NauruMerchant marine:1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,426 GRT/5,750 DWTCivil air:3 major transport aircraft, one on orderAirports:1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:adequate local and international radio communications provided viaAustralian facilities; 1,600 telephones; 4,000 radios; broadcast stations -1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Nauru Defense Forces
Branches:no regular armed forces; Directorate of the Nauru Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:$NA - no formal defense structure
:Navassa Island Geography
Total area:5.2 km2Land area:5.2 km2Comparative area:about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:8 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth)Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claimed by HaitiClimate:marine, tropicalTerrain:raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by verticalwhite cliffs (9 to 15 meters high)Natural resources:guanoLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 90%Environment:mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; densestands of fig-like trees, scattered cactusNote:strategic location between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea;160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo, Cuba
:Navassa Island People
Population: uninhabited; transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island
:Navassa Island Government
Long-form name:none (territory of the US)Type:unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast GuardCapital:none; administered from Washington, DC
:Navassa Island Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Navassa Island Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
:Navassa Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Nepal Geography
Total area:140,800 km2Land area:136,800 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than ArkansasLand boundaries:2,926 km total; China 1,236 km, India 1,690 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summersand mild winters in southTerrain:Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region,rugged Himalayas in northNatural resources:quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty; smalldeposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron oreLand use:arable land 17%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest andwoodland 33%; other 37%; includes irrigated 2%Environment:contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks; deforestation; soil erosion;water pollutionNote:landlocked; strategic location between China and India
:Nepal People
Population:20,086,455 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:38 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:14 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:90 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:51 years male, 51 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Nepalese (singular and plural); adjective - NepaleseEthnic divisions:Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus,Sherpas, as well as many smaller groupsReligions:only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction betweenmany Hindu (about 90% of population) and Buddhist groups (about 5% ofpopulation); Muslims 3%, other 2% (1981)Languages:Nepali (official); 20 languages divided into numerous dialectsLiteracy:26% (male 38%, female 13%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:8,500,000 (1991 est.); agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2%; severelack of skilled laborOrganized labor:Teachers' Union and many other nonofficially recognized unions
:Nepal Government
Long-form name:Kingdom of NepalType:parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991Capital:KathmanduAdministrative divisions:14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri,Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti,Sagarmatha, SetiIndependence:1768, unified by Prithyi Narayan ShahConstitution:9 November 1990Legal system:based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945)Executive branch:monarch, prime minister, Council of MinistersLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or National Council and alower house or House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat)Leaders:Chief of State:King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, sonof the King (born 21 June 1971)Head of Government:Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 29 May 1991)Political parties and leaders:ruling party:Nepali Congress Party (NCP), Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Ganesh Man SINGH,Krishna Prasad BHATTARAIcenter:the NDP has two factions: National Democratic Party/Chand (NDP/Chand),Lokinra Bahadur CHAND, and National Democratic Party/Thapa (NDP/Thapa),Surya Bahadur THAPA - the two factions announced a merger in late 1991;Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, G. N. Naryan SINGHCommunist:Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Man MohanADIKHARY; United People's Front (UPF), N. K. PRASAI, Lila Mani POKHAREL;Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, leader NA; Rohit Party, N. M. BIJUKCHHE;Democratic Party, leader NASuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:House of Representatives:last held on 12 May 1991 (next to be held May 1996); results - NCP 38%,CPN/UML 28%, NDP/Chand 6%, UPF 5%, NDP/Thapa 5%, Terai Rights SadbhavanaParty 4%, Rohit 2%, CPN (Democratic) 1%, independents 4%, other 7%; seats -(205 total) NCP 110, CPN/UML 69, UPF 9, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 6,NDP/Chand 3, Rohit 2, CPN (Democratic) 2, NDP/Thapa 1, independents 3; note- the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gives Nepal a multiparty democracysystem for the first time in 32 years
:Nepal Government
Communists:Communist Party of Nepal (CPN)Other political or pressure groups:numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small,radical Nepalese antimonarchist groupsMember of:AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNIFIL, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Yog Prasad UPADHYAYA; Chancery at 2131 Leroy Place NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 667-4550; there is a NepaleseConsulate General in New YorkUS:Ambassador Julia Chang BLOCH; Embassy at Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu; telephone[977] (1) 411179 or 412718, 411604, 411613, 413890; FAX [977] (1) 419963Flag:red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping righttriangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and thelarger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun
:Nepal Economy
Overview:Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world.Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over90% of the population and accounting for 60% of GDP. Industrial activity islimited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute,sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets hasexpanded recently and accounted for 87% of foreign exchange earnings inFY89. Apart from agricultural land and forests, the only other exploitablenatural resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural productionin the late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual populationgrowth of 2.6%. Forty percent or more of the population is undernourishedpartly because of poor distribution. Since May 1991, the government has beenencouraging privatization and foreign investment. It has introduced policiesto eliminate many business licenses and registration requirements in orderto simplify domestic and foreign investment procedures. Economic prospectsfor the 1990s remain poor because the economy starts from such a low base.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, per capita $165; real growth rate3.5% (FY91)Inflation rate (consumer prices):15.0% (December 1991)Unemployment rate:5%; underemployment estimated at 25-40% (1987)Budget:revenues $294.0 million; expenditures $624.0 million, including capitalexpenditures of $396 (FY92 est.)Exports:$180 million (f.o.b., FY91) but does not include unrecorded border tradewith Indiacommodities:clothing, carpets, leather goods, grainpartners:US, India, Germany, UKImports:$545 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.)commodities:petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10%partners:India, Singapore, Japan, GermanyExternal debt:$2.5 billion (April 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6% (FY91 est.); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity:280,000 kW capacity; 540 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet,cement, and brick production; tourismAgriculture:accounts for 60% of GDP and 90% of work force; farm products - rice, corn,wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient infood, particularly in drought yearsIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug marketsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2,230 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286million
:Nepal Economy
Currency:Nepalese rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisaExchange rates:Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 42.7 (January 1992), 37.255 (1991), 29.370(1990), 27.189 (1989), 23.289 (1988), 21.819 (1987)Fiscal year:16 July - 15 July
:Nepal Communications
Railroads:52 km (1990), all 0.762-meter narrow gauge; all in Terai close to Indianborder; 10 km from Raxaul to Birganj is government ownedHighways:7,080 km total (1990); 2,898 km paved, 1,660 km gravel or crushed stone;also 2,522 km of seasonally motorable tracksCivil air:5 major and 11 minor transport aircraftAirports:37 total, 37 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication and broadcastservice; international radio communication service is poor; 50,000telephones (1990); broadcast stations - 88 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT earth station
:Nepal Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 4,798,984; 2,488,749 fit for military service; 225,873 reachmilitary age (17) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 2% of GDP (FY92)
:Netherlands Geography
Total area:37,330 km2Land area:33,920 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of New JerseyLand boundaries:1,027 km total; Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 kmCoastline:451 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:not specificTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:temperate; marine; cool summers and mild wintersTerrain:mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeastNatural resources:natural gas, crude oil, fertile soilLand use:arable land 26%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 32%; forest andwoodland 9%; other 32%; includes irrigated 16%Environment:27% of the land area is below sea level and protected from the North Sea bydikesNote:located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse,Schelde)