:Vanuatu Economy
Overview:The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides aliving for about 80% of the population. Fishing and tourism are the othermainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country hasno known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to thelocal market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $142 million, per capita $900 (1988 est.); realgrowth rate 6% (1990)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $90.0 million; expenditures $103.0 million, including capitalexpenditures of $45.0 million (1989 est.)Exports:$15.6 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:copra 59%, cocoa 11%, meat 9%, fish 8%, timber 4%partners:Netherlands, Japan, France, New Caledonia, BelgiumImports:$60.4 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:machines and vehicles 25%, food and beverages 23%, basic manufactures 18%,raw materials and fuels 11%, chemicals 6%partners:Australia 36%, Japan 13%, NZ 10%, France 8%, Fiji 8%External debt:$30 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for about 10% of GDPElectricity:17,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canningAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; export crops - copra, cocoa, coffee, and fish;subsistence crops - copra, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, and vegetablesEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$606 millionCurrency:vatu (plural - vatu); 1 vatu (VT) = 100 centimesExchange rates:vatu (VT) per US$1 - 112.55 (March 1992), 111.68 (1991), 116.57 (1990),116.04 (1989), 104.43 (1988), 109.85 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Vanuatu Communications
Railroads:noneHighways:1,027 km total; at least 240 km sealed or all-weather roadsPorts:Port-Vila, Luganville, Palikoulo, SantuMerchant marine:121 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,093,443 GRT/3,168,822 DWT; includes26 cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 11 vehicle carrier, 1livestock carrier, 5 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas,51 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger; note - aflag of convenience registryCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:33 total, 31 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, no TV; 3,000 telephones; satellite groundstations - 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
:Vanuatu Defense Forces
Branches:no military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), paramilitary Vanuatu MobileForce (VMF)Manpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
:Venezuela Geography
Total area:912,050 km2Land area:882,050 km2Comparative area:slightly more than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries:4,993 km total; Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 kmCoastline:2,800 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:15 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo river; maritime boundary disputewith Colombia in the Gulf of VenezuelaClimate:tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlandsTerrain:Andes mountains and Maracaibo lowlands in northwest; central plains(llanos); Guyana highlands in southeastNatural resources:crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower,diamondsLand use:arable land 3%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest andwoodland 39%; other 37%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts; increasingindustrial pollution in Caracas and MaracaiboNote:on major sea and air routes linking North and South America
:Venezuela People
Population:20,675,970 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:27 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:4 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:1 migrant/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:23 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:71 years male, 78 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.3 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Venezuelan(s); adjective - VenezuelanEthnic divisions:mestizo 67%, white 21%, black 10%, Indian 2%Religions:nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%Languages:Spanish (official); Indian dialects spoken by about 200,000 Amerindians inthe remote interiorLiteracy:88% (male 87%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.)Labor force:5,800,000; services 56%, industry 28%, agriculture 16% (1985)Organized labor:32% of labor force
:Venezuela Government
Long-form name:Republic of VenezuelaType:republicCapital:CaracasAdministrative divisions:21 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 territory* (territorios, singular- territorio), 1 federal district** (distrito federal), and 1 federaldependence*** (dependencia federal); Amazonas*, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua,Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, DependenciasFederales***, Distrito Federal**, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda,Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Yaracuy,Zulia; note - the federal dependence consists of 11 federally controlledisland groups with a total of 72 individual islandsIndependence:5 July 1811 (from Spain)Constitution:23 January 1961Legal system:based on Napoleonic code; judicial review of legislative acts in CassationCourt only; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 5 July (1811)Executive branch:president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica) consists of anupper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies(Camara de Diputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Carlos Andres PEREZ (since 2 February 1989)Political parties and leaders:Social Christian Party (COPEI), Hilarion CARDOZO, president, and EduardoFERNANDEZ, secretary general; Democratic Action (AD), Humberto CELLI,president, and Luis ALFARO Ucero, secretary general; Movement TowardSocialism (MAS), Argelia LAYA, president, and Freddy MUNOZ, secretarygeneralSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results -Carlos Andres PEREZ (AD) 54.6%, Eduardo FERNANDEZ (COPEI) 41.7%, other 3.7%Senate:last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (49 total) AD 23, COPEI 22, other 4;note - 3 former presidents (1 from AD, 2 from COPEI) hold lifetime senateseatsChamber of Deputies:last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - AD43.7%, COPEI 31.4%, MAS 10.3%, other 14.6%; seats - (201 total) AD 97, COPEI67, MAS 18, other 19Communists:10,000 members (est.)
:Venezuela Government
Other political or pressure groups:FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; Venezuelan Confederation ofWorkers, the Democratic Action - dominated labor organizationMember of:AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Simon Alberto CONSALVI Bottaro; Chancery at 1099 30th Street NW,Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2214; there are VenezuelanConsulates General in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, NewOrleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US:Ambassador Michael Martin SKOL; Embassy at Avenida Francisco de Miranda andAvenida Principal de la Floresta, Caracas (mailing address is P. O. Box62291, Caracas 1060-A, or APO AA 34037); telephone [58] (2) 285-2222; FAX[58] (2) 285-0336; there is a US Consulate in MaracaiboFlag:three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat ofarms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of seven whitefive-pointed stars centered in the blue band
:Venezuela Economy
Overview:Petroleum is the cornerstone of the economy and accounted for 23% of GDP,80% of central government revenues, and 80% of export earnings in 1991.President PEREZ introduced an economic readjustment program when he assumedoffice in February 1989. Lower tariffs and price supports, a free marketexchange rate, and market-linked interest rates threw the economy intoconfusion, causing an 8% decline in GDP in 1989. However, the economyrecovered part way in 1990, and grew by 9.2% in 1991, led by the petroleumsector.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $52.3 billion, per capita $2,590; real growthrate 9.2% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):30.7% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:9.3% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $13.2 billion; expenditures $13.1 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1991)Exports:$15.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:petroleum 80%, bauxite and aluminum, iron ore, agricultural products, basicmanufacturespartners:US 50.7%, Europe 13.7%, Japan 4.0% (1989)Imports:$10.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, chemicals, manufactures, machinery and transport equipmentpartners:US 44%, FRG 8.0%, Japan 4%, Italy 7%, Canada 2% (1989)External debt:$30.9 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 5.4% (1991 est.); accounts for one-fourth of GDP, includingpetroleumElectricity:20,128,000 kW capacity; 55,753 million kWh produced, 2,762 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:petroleum, iron-ore mining, construction materials, food processing,textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assemblyAgriculture:accounts for 6% of GDP and 16% of labor force; products - corn, sorghum,sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee, beef, pork, milk, eggs, fish;not self-sufficient in food other than meatIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis and coca leaf for the international drug tradeon a small scale; however, large quantities of cocaine transit the countryfrom ColombiaEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-86), $488 million; Communist countries(1970-89), $10 millionCurrency:bolivar (plural - bolivares); 1 bolivar (Bs) = 100 centimosExchange rates:bolivares (Bs) per US$1 - 65.39 (March 1992), 56.82 (1991), 46.90 (1990),34.68 (1989), 14.50 (fixed rate 1987-88)
:Venezuela Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Venezuela Communications
Railroads:542 km total; 363 km 1.435-meter standard gauge all single track, governmentowned; 179 km 1.435-meter gauge, privately ownedHighways:77,785 km total; 22,780 km paved, 24,720 km gravel, 14,450 km earth roads,and 15,835 km unimproved earthInland waterways:7,100 km; Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vesselsPipelines:crude oil 6,370 km; petroleum products 480 km; natural gas 4,010 kmPorts:Amuay Bay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Puerto OrdazMerchant marine:57 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 790,108 GRT/1,257,637 DWT; includes 1short-sea passenger, 1 passenger cargo, 22 cargo, 1 container, 2roll-on/roll-off, 17 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 8bulk, 1 vehicle carrier, 1 combination bulkCivil air:56 major transport aircraftAirports:308 total, 287 usable; 135 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 88 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:modern and expanding; 1,440,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 181 AM, noFM, 59 TV, 26 shortwave; 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite groundstations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic
:Venezuela Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces (Army), Naval Forces (including Navy, Marines, Coast Guard),Air Forces, Armed Forces of Cooperation (National Guard)Manpower availability:males 15-49, 5,365,880; 3,884,558 fit for military service; 210,737 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.95 billion, 4% of GDP (1991)
:Vietnam Geography
Total area:329,560 km2Land area:325,360Comparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:3,818 km total; Cambodia 982 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 1,555 kmCoastline:3,444 km; excludes islandsMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmContinental shelf:edge of continental margin or 200 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:maritime boundary with Cambodia not defined; involved in a complex disputeover the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, andpossibly Brunei; unresolved maritime boundary with Thailand; maritimeboundary dispute with China in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupiedby China but claimed by Vietnam and TaiwanClimate:tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May tomid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)Terrain:low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous infar north and northwestNatural resources:phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil deposits,forestsLand use:arable land 22%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest andwoodland 40%; other 35%; includes irrigated 5%Environment:occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding
:Vietnam People
Population:68,964,018 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (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:47 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:63 years male, 67 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Vietnamese (singular and plural); adjective - VietnameseEthnic divisions:predominantly Vietnamese 85-90%; Chinese 3%; ethnic minorities includeMuong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham; other mountain tribesReligions:Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic,ProtestantLanguages:Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English, Khmer, tribal languages(Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)Literacy:88% (male 92%, female 84%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:32.7 million; agricultural 65%, industrial and service 35% (1990 est.)Organized labor:reportedly over 90% of wage and salary earners are members of the VietnamFederation of Trade Unions (VFTU)
:Vietnam Government
Long-form name:Socialist Republic of Vietnam; abbreviated SRVType:Communist stateCapital:HanoiAdministrative divisions:50 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), 3 municipalities* (thanh pho,singular and plural); An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Thai, Ben Tre, BinhDinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac Las, Dong Nai, Dong Tay, Gia Lai,Ha Bac, Ha Giang, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hai Hung, Hai Phong*, Ho ChiMinh*, Hoa Binh, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, LangSon, Lao Cai, Long An, Minh Hai, Nam Ha, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, PhuYen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam-Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, SocTrang, Son La, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien, TienGiang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phu, Yen Bai; note -diacritical marks are not includedIndependence:2 September 1945 (from France)Constitution:18 December 1980; new Constitution to be approved Spring 1992Legal system:based on Communist legal theory and French civil law systemNational holiday:Independence Day, 2 September (1945)Executive branch:president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi)Judicial branch:Supreme People's CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Vo Chi CONG (since 18 June 1987)Head of Government:Prime Minister Vo Van KIET (since 9 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister PhanVan KHAI (since 10 August 1991)Political parties and leaders:only party - Vietnam Communist Party (VCP), DO MUOISuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:National Assembly:last held 19 April 1987 (next to be held 19 July 1992); results - VCP is theonly party; seats - (496 total) VCP or VCP-approved 496; note - number ofseats under new government 395Communists:nearly 2 millionMember of:ACCT, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IIB,IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:noneFlag:red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center
:Vietnam Economy
Overview:This is a formerly centrally planned, developing economy with extensivegovernment ownership and control of productive facilities. The economy isprimarily agricultural; the sector employs about 70% of the labor force andaccounts for half of GNP. Rice is the staple crop; substantial amounts ofmaize, sorghum, cassava, and sweet potatoes are also grown. The governmentpermits sale of surplus grain on the open market. Most of the mineralresources are located in the north, including coal, which is an importantexport item. Oil was discovered off the southern coast in 1986 withproduction reaching 70,000 barrels per day in 1991 and expected to increasein the years ahead. Following the end of the war in 1975, heavy-handedgovernment measures undermined efforts at an efficient merger of theagricultural resources of the south and the industrial resources of thenorth. The economy remains heavily dependent on foreign aid and has receivedassistance from UN agencies, France, Australia, Sweden, and Communistcountries. Inflation, although down from recent triple-digit levels, isstill a major weakness and is showing signs of accelerating upwards again.Per capita output is among the world's lowest. Since late 1986 thegovernment has sponsored a broad reform program that seeks to turn moreeconomic activity over to the private sector.GNP:exchange rate conversion - $15 billion, per capita $220; real growth rate2.5% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):80% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:30% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $551 million; expenditures $830 million, including capitalexpenditures of $58 million (1990)Exports:$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:agricultural and handicraft products, coal, minerals, crude petroleum, ores,seafoodpartners:Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Eastern Europe, USSRImports:$1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:petroleum products, steel products, railroad equipment, chemicals,medicines, raw cotton, fertilizer, grainpartners:Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Eastern Europe, USSRExternal debt:$16.8 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -3.6% (1989); accounts for 30% of GNPElectricity:3,300,000 kW capacity; 9,200 million kWh produced, 140 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food processing, textiles, machine building, mining, cement, chemicalfertilizer, glass, tires, oil, fishingAgriculture:accounts for half of GNP; paddy rice, corn, potatoes make up 50% of farmoutput; commercial crops (rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas) and animalproducts other 50%; since 1989 self-sufficient in food staple rice; fishcatch of 943,100 metric tons (1989 est.)
:Vietnam Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-74), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $61 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $12.0billionCurrency:new dong (plural - new dong); 1 new dong (D) = 100 xuExchange rates:new dong (D) per US$1 - 11,100 (May 1992), 8,100 (July 1991), 7,280(December 1990), 3,996 (March 1990), 2,047 (1988), 225 (1987); note -1985-89 figures are end of yearFiscal year:calendar year
:Vietnam Communications
Railroads:3,059 km total; 2,454 1.000-meter gauge, 151 km 1.435-meter (standard)gauge, 230 km dual gauge (three rails), and 224 km not restored to serviceafter war damageHighways:about 85,000 km total; 9,400 km paved, 48,700 km gravel or improved earth,26,900 km unimproved earthInland waterways:about 17,702 km navigable; more than 5,149 km navigable at all times byvessels up to 1.8 meter draftPipelines:petroleum products 150 kmPorts:Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh CityMerchant marine:89 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 400,430 GRT/643,877 DWT; includes 73cargo 4 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 8 petroleum tanker, 3 bulk;note - Vietnam owns 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 134,719 DWTunder the registries of Panama and MaltaCivil air:controlled by militaryAirports:100 total, 100 usable; 50 with permanent-surface runways; 10 with runways2,440-3,659 m; 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:25 telephones per 10,000 persons (1991); broadcast stations - 16 AM, 1 FM, 2TV; 2,300,000 TV sets; 6,000,000 radio receivers; 3 satellite earth stations
:Vietnam Defense Forces
Branches:Ground, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 16,839,400; 10,739,128 fit for military service; 787,026 reachmilitary age (17) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP
:Virgin Islands Geography
Total area:352 km2Land area:349 km2Comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:188 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth)Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:subtropical, tempered by easterly tradewinds, relatively low humidity,little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to NovemberTerrain:mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level landNatural resources:sun, sand, sea, surfLand use:arable land 15%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 26%; forest andwoodland 6%; other 47%Environment:rarely affected by hurricanes; subject to frequent severe droughts, floods,earthquakes; lack of natural freshwater resourcesNote:important location 1,770 km southeast of Miami and 65 km east of PuertoRico, along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal;Saint Thomas has one of the best natural, deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
:Virgin Islands People
Population:98,942 (July 1992), growth rate -1.0% (1992)Birth rate:21 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-26 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 77 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.7 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Virgin Islander(s); adjective - Virgin Islander; US citizensEthnic divisions:West Indian (45% born in the Virgin Islands and 29% born elsewhere in theWest Indies) 74%, US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 5%, other 8%; black 80%,white 15%, other 5%; Hispanic origin 14%Religions:Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%Languages:English (official), but Spanish and Creole are widely spokenLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:45,500 (1988)Organized labor:90% of the government labor force
:Virgin Islands Government
Long-form name:Virgin Islands of the United StatesType:organized, unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Office ofTerritorial and International Affairs, US Department of the InteriorCapital:Charlotte AmalieAdministrative divisions:none (territory of the US)Independence:none (territory of the US)Constitution:Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954Legal system:based on USNational holiday:Transfer Day (from Denmark to US), 31 March (1917)Executive branch:US president, popularly elected governor and lieutenant governorLegislative branch:unicameral SenateJudicial branch:US District Court handles civil matters over $50,000, felonies (persons 15years of age and over), and federal cases; Territorial Court handles civilmatters up to $50,000 small claims, juvenile, domestic, misdemeanors, andtraffic casesLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Governor Alexander A.FARRELLY (since 5 January 1987); Lieutenant Governor Derek M. HODGE (since 5January 1987)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Party, Marilyn STAPLETON; Independent Citizens' Movement (ICM),Virdin C. BROWN; Republican Party, Charlotte-Poole DAVISSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Governor:last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results -Governor Alexander FARRELLY (Democratic Party) 56.5% defeated Juan LUIS(independent) 38.5%Senate:last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) number of seats by party NAUS House of Representatives:last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - RonDE LUGO reelected as nonvoting delegate seats - (1 total); seat by party NA;note - the Virgin Islands elects one nonvoting representative to the USHouse of RepresentativesMember of:ECLAC (associate), IOC, applied for associate membership in OECS in February1990Diplomatic representation:none (territory of the US)Flag:white with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blueinitials V and I; the coat of arms shows an eagle holding an olive branch inone talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield ofvertical red and white stripes below a blue panel
:Virgin Islands Economy
Overview:Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% ofGDP and 70% of employment. The manufacturing sector consists of textile,electronics, pharmaceutical, and watch assembly plants. The agriculturalsector is small, most food being imported. International business andfinancial services are a small but growing component of the economy. Theworld's largest petroleum refinery is at Saint Croix.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $1.2 billion, per capita $11,000; real growthrate NA% (1987)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:2.0% (1990)Budget:revenues $364.4 million; expenditures $364.4 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY90)Exports:$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:refined petroleum productspartners:US, Puerto RicoImports:$3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materialspartners:US, Puerto RicoExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate 12%Electricity:358,000 kW capacity; 532 million kWh produced, 5,360 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction,pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronicsAgriculture:truck gardens, food crops (small scale), fruit, sorghum, Senepol cattleEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $42millionCurrency:US currency is usedExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
:Virgin Islands Communications
Highways:856 km totalPorts:Saint Croix - Christiansted, Frederiksted; Saint Thomas - Long Bay, CrownBay, Red Hook; Saint John - Cruz BayAirports:2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m;international airports on Saint Thomas and Saint CroixTelecommunications:44,280 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 8 FM, 4 TV; modern systemusing fiber-optic cable, submarine cable, microwave radio, and satellitefacilities; 98,000 radios; 63,000 TV (1988)
:Virgin Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Wake Island Geography
Total area:6.5 km2Land area:6.5 km2Comparative area:about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:19.3 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmContinental shelf:200 m (depth)Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claimed by the Republic of the Marshall IslandsClimate:tropicalTerrain:atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano; centrallagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim; average elevation lessthan four metersNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 100%Environment:subject to occasional typhoonsNote:strategic location 3,700 km west of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean,about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands;emergency landing location for transpacific flights
:Wake Island People
Population:no indigenous inhabitants; 381 temporary population (US Air Force personnel,civilian weather service personnel, and US and Thai contractors) (January1992); note - population peaked about 1970 with over 1,600 persons duringthe Vietnam conflict
:Wake Island Government
Long-form name:noneType:unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Air Force (underan agreement with the US Department of Interior) since 24 June 1972Capital:none; administered from Washington, DCFlag:the US flag is used
:Wake Island Economy
Overview:Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personneland contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods mustbe imported.Electricity:supplied by US military
:Wake Island Communications
Ports:none; because of the reefs, there are only two offshore anchorages for largeshipsAirports:1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 mTelecommunications:underwater cables to Guam and through Midway to Honolulu; 1 Autovon circuitoff the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); Armed Forces Radio/TelevisionService (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satellite;broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TVNote:formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used only by US militaryand some commercial cargo planes
:Wake Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Wallis and Futuna Geography
Total area:274 km2Land area:274 km2; includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), IleAlofi, and 20 isletsComparative area:slightly larger than Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:129 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May toOctober)Terrain:volcanic origin; low hillsNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land 5%; permanent crops 20%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 75%Environment:both island groups have fringing reefsNote:located 4,600 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean abouttwo-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
:Wallis and Futuna People
Population:17,095 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992)Birth rate:27 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:8 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:29 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Life expectancy at birth:70 years male, 71 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders; adjective -Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna IslanderEthnic divisions:almost entirely PolynesianReligions:largely Roman CatholicLanguages:French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)Literacy:50% (male 50%, female 51%) at all ages can read and write (1969)Labor force:NAOrganized labor:NA
:Wallis and Futuna Government
Long-form name:Territory of the Wallis and Futuna IslandsType:overseas territory of FranceCapital:Mata Utu (on Ile Uvea)Administrative divisions:none (overseas territory of France)Independence:none (overseas territory of France)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:FrenchNational holiday:Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Executive branch:French president, chief administrator; note - there are three traditionalkings with limited powersLegislative branch:unicameral Territorial Assembly (Assemblee Territoriale)Judicial branch:none; justice generally administered under French law by the chiefadministrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law andthere is a magistrate in Mata UtuLeaders:Chief of State:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)Head of Government:Chief Administrator Robert POMMIES (since 26 September 1990)Political parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union Populaire Locale (UPL); Union Pour laDemocratie Francaise (UDF); Lua kae tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement desRadicaux de Gauche (MRG)Suffrage:universal adult at age 18Elections:Territorial Assembly:last held 15 March 1987 (next to be held NA March 1992); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (20 total) RPR 7, UPL 5, UDF 4, UNF 4French Senate:last held NA September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1992); results- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPR 1French National Assembly:last held 12 June 1988 (next to be held by NA September 1992); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MRG 1Member of:FZ, SPCDiplomatic representation:as an overseas territory of France, local interests are represented in theUS by FranceFlag:the flag of France is used
:Wallis and Futuna Economy
Overview:The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts andvegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of thepopulation is employed in government. Revenues come from French Governmentsubsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, importtaxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia. Wallis andFutuna imports food, fuel, clothing, machinery, and transport equipment, butits exports are negligible, consisting of copra and handicrafts.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $25 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rateNA% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $2.7 million; expenditures $2.7 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1983)Exports:negligiblecommodities:copra, handicraftspartners:NAImports:$13.3 million (c.i.f., 1984)commodities:foodstuffs, manufactured goods, transportation equipment, fuelpartners:France, Australia, New ZealandExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:1,200 kW capacity; 1 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumberAgriculture:dominated by coconut production, with subsistence crops of yams, taro,bananas, and herds of pigs and goatsEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$118 millionCurrency:Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (plural - francs); 1 CFP franc (CFPF)= 100 centimesExchange rates:Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 102.53 (March1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.0 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30 (1988), 109.27(1987); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French francFiscal year:NA
:Wallis and Futuna Communications
Highways:100 km on Ile Uvea, 16 km sealed; 20 km earth surface on Ile FutunaInland waterways:nonePorts:Mata-Utu, LeavaAirports:2 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:225 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
:Wallis and Futuna Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:West Bank Header
Note:The war between Israel and the Arab states in June 1967 ended with Israel incontrol of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Sinai, and the GolanHeights. As stated in the 1978 Camp David Accords and reaffirmed byPresident Bush's post-Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of theWest Bank and the Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and apeace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among theconcerned parties. Camp David further specifies that these negotiations willresolve the respective boundaries. Pending the completion of this process,it is US policy that the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Striphas yet to be determined. In the view of the US, the term West Bankdescribes all of the area west of the Jordan River under Jordanianadministration before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. However, with respect tonegotiations envisaged in the framework agreement, it is US policy that adistinction must be made between Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bankbecause of the city's special status and circumstances. Therefore, anegotiated solution for the final status of Jerusalem could be different incharacter from that of the rest of the West Bank.
:West Bank Geography
Total area:5,860 km2Land area:5,640 km2; includes West Bank, East Jerusalem, Latrun Salient, Jerusalem NoMan's Land, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt.ScopusComparative area:slightly larger than DelawareLand boundaries:404 km total; Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:Israeli occupied with status to be determinedClimate:temperate, temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hotsummers, cool to mild wintersTerrain:mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in eastNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land 27%, permanent crops 0%, meadows and pastures 32%, forest andwoodland 1%, other 40%Environment:highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifersNote:landlocked; there are 175 Jewish settlements in the West Bank and 14Israeli-built Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem
:West Bank People
Population:1,362,464 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992); in addition, there are95,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and 132,000 in East Jerusalem (1992est.)Birth rate:35 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:2 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:37 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:68 years male, 71 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:NAEthnic divisions:Palestinian Arab and other 88%, Jewish 12%Religions:Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 80%, Jewish 12%, Christian and other 8%Languages:Arabic, Israeli settlers speak Hebrew, English widely understoodLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NA; excluding Israeli Jewish settlers - small industry, commerce, andbusiness 29.8%, construction 24.2%, agriculture 22.4%, service and other23.6% (1984)Organized labor:NA
:West Bank Government
Long-form name:noneNote:The West Bank is currently governed by Israeli military authorities andIsraeli civil administration. It is US policy that the final status of theWest Bank will be determined by negotiations among the concerned parties.These negotiations will determine how the area is to governed.
:West Bank Economy
Overview:Economic progress in the West Bank has been hampered by Israeli militaryadministration and the effects of the Palestinian uprising (intifadah).Industries using advanced technology or requiring sizable investment havebeen discouraged by a lack of local capital and restrictive Israelipolicies. Capital investment consists largely of residential housing, notproductive assets that would enable local firms to compete with Israeliindustry. A major share of GNP is derived from remittances of workersemployed in Israel and Persian Gulf states, but such transfers from the Gulfdropped dramatically after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. In the wakeof the Persian Gulf crisis, many Palestinians have returned to the WestBank, increasing unemployment, and export revenues have plunged because ofthe loss of markets in Jordan and the Gulf states. Israeli measures tocurtail the intifadah also have pushed unemployment up and lowered livingstandards. The area's economic outlook remains bleak.GNP:exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $1,200; real growth rate-10% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):11% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:15% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues $31.0 million; expenditures $36.1 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY88)Exports:$150 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.)commodities:NApartners:Jordan, IsraelImports:$410 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.)commodities:NApartners:Jordan, IsraelExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate 1% (1989); accounts for about 4% of GNPElectricity:power supplied by IsraelIndustries:generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap,olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis haveestablished some small-scale modern industries in the settlements andindustrial centersAgriculture:accounts for about 15% of GNP; olives, citrus and other fruits, vegetables,beef, and dairy productsEconomic aid:NACurrency:new Israeli shekel (plural - shekels) and Jordanian dinar (plural - dinars);1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot and 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) =1,000 fils
:West Bank Economy
Exchange rates:new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 2.4019 (March 1992), 2.2791 (1991),2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989), 1.5989 (1988), 1.5946 (1987); Jordanian dinars(JD) per US$1 - 0.6760 (January 1992), 0.6810 (1991), 0.6636 (1990), 0.5704(1989), 0.3709 (1988), 0.3387 (1987)Fiscal year:previously 1 April - 31 March; FY91 was 1 April - 31 December, and since 1January 1992 the fiscal year has conformed to the calendar year
:West Bank Communications
Highways:small road network, Israelis developing east-west axial highways to servicenew settlementsAirports:2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over2,439 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:open-wire telephone system currently being upgraded; broadcast stations - noAM, no FM, no TV
:West Bank Defense Forces
Branches:NAManpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Western Sahara Geography
Total area:266,000 km2Land area:266,000 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than ColoradoLand boundaries:2,046 km total; Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 kmCoastline:1,110 kmMaritime claims:contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issueDisputes:claimed and administered by Morocco, but sovereignty is unresolved and theUN is attempting to hold a referendum on the issue; the UN-administeredcease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991Climate:hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore currents produce fog and heavydewTerrain:mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces risingto small mountains in south and northeastNatural resources:phosphates, iron oreLand use:arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 81%Environment:hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring;widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restrictingvisibility; sparse water and arable land
:Western Sahara People
Population:201,467 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:48 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:20 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-2 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:159 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:43 years male, 45 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:7.1 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s); adjective - Sahrawian, SahraouianEthnic divisions:Arab and BerberReligions:MuslimLanguages:Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan ArabicLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:12,000; 50% animal husbandry and subsistence farmingOrganized labor:NA
:Western Sahara Government
Long-form name:noneType:legal status of territory and question of sovereignty unresolved; territorycontested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberationof the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formallyproclaimed a government in exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic(SADR); territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976,with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure fromPolisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979;Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has sinceasserted administrative control; the Polisario's government in exile wasseated as an OAU member in 1984; guerrilla activities continuedsporadically, until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6 September1991Capital:noneAdministrative divisions:none (under de facto control of Morocco)Leaders:noneMember of:noneDiplomatic representation:none
:Western Sahara Economy
Overview:Western Sahara, a territory poor in natural resources and having littlerainfall, has a per capita GDP of roughly $300. Pastoral nomadism, fishing,and phosphate mining are the principal sources of income for the population.Most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade andother economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government.GDP:$60 million, per capita $300; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$8 million (f.o.b., 1982 est.)commodities:phosphates 62%partners:Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners areincluded in overall Moroccan accountsImports:$30 million (c.i.f., 1982 est.)commodities:fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffspartners:Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners areincluded in overall Moroccan accountsExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:60,000 kW capacity; 79 million kWh produced, 425 kWh per capita (1989)Industries:phosphate, fishing, handicraftsAgriculture:limited largely to subsistence agriculture; some barley is grown innondrought years; fruit and vegetables are grown in the few oases; foodimports are essential; camels, sheep, and goats are kept by the nomadicnatives; cash economy exists largely for the garrison forcesEconomic aid:NACurrency:Moroccan dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.889 (March 1992), 8.071 (1991), 8.242(1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987)Fiscal year:NA
:Western Sahara Communications
Highways:6,200 km total; 1,450 km surfaced, 4,750 km improved and unimproved earthroads and tracksPorts:El Aaiun, Ad DakhlaAirports:13 total, 13 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:sparse and limited system; tied into Morocco's system by microwave,tropospheric scatter, and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations linked toRabat, Morocco; 2,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 2 TV
:Western Sahara Defense Forces
Branches:NAManpower availability:NADefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Western Samoa Geography
Total area:2,860 km2Land area:2,850 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:noneCoastline:403 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)Terrain:narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interiorNatural resources:hardwood forests, fishLand use:arable land 19%; permanent crops 24%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest andwoodland 47%; other 10%Environment:subject to occasional typhoons; active volcanismNote:located 4,300 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean abouthalfway between Hawaii and New Zealand
:Western Samoa People
Population:194,992 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992)Birth rate:34 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:-4 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:40 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:65 years male, 70 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Western Samoan(s); adjective - Western SamoanEthnic divisions:Samoan; Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) about 7%,Europeans 0.4%Religions:Christian 99.7% (about half of population associated with the LondonMissionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman Catholic, Methodist,Latter Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)Languages:Samoan (Polynesian), EnglishLiteracy:97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over can read and write (1971)Labor force:38,000; 22,000 employed in agriculture (1987 est.)Organized labor:Public Service Association (PSA)
:Western Samoa Government
Long-form name:Independent State of Western SamoaType:constitutional monarchy under native chiefCapital:ApiaAdministrative divisions:11 districts; A`ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa`asaleleaga, Gaga`emauga,Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa`itea, Tuamasaga, Va`a-o-Fonoti, VaisiganoIndependence:1 January 1962 (from UN trusteeship administered by New Zealand)Constitution:1 January 1962Legal system:based on English common law and local customs; judicial review oflegislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 1 JuneExecutive branch:chief, Executive Council, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono)Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:Chief Susuga Malietoa TANUMAFILI II (Co-Chief of State from 1 January 1962until becoming sole Chief of State on 5 April 1963)Head of Government:Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana (since 7 April 1988)Political parties and leaders:Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), TOFILAU Eti, chairman; Samoan NationalDevelopment Party (SNDP), VA'AI Kolone, chairmanSuffrage:universal adult over age 21, but only matai (head of family) are able to runfor the Legislative AssemblyElections:Legislative Assembly:last held NA February 1991 (next to be held by NA February 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) HRPP 30, SNDP 14,independents 3Member of:ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IOC, ITU,LORCS, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Fili (Felix) Tuaopepe WENDT; Chancery (temporary) at suite 510,1155 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 833-1743US:the ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Western Samoa (mailingaddress is P.O. Box 3430, Apia); telephone (685) 21-631; FAX (685) 22-030Flag:red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing fivewhite five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation
:Western Samoa Economy
Overview:Agriculture employs more than half of the labor force, contributes 50% toGDP, and furnishes 90% of exports. The bulk of export earnings comes fromthe sale of coconut oil and copra. The economy depends on emigrantremittances and foreign aid to support a level of imports several timesexport earnings. Tourism has become the most important growth industry, andconstruction of the first international hotel is under way.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $115 million, per capita $690 (1989); real growthrate -4.5% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):15% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%; shortage of skilled laborBudget:revenues $95.3 million; expenditures $95.4 million, including capitalexpenditures of $41 million (FY92)Exports:$9 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:coconut oil and cream 54%, taro 12%, copra 9%, cocoa 3%partners:NZ 28%, American Samoa 23%, Germany 22%, US 6% (1990)Imports:$75 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:intermediate goods 58%, food 17%, capital goods 12%partners:New Zealand 41%, Australia 18%, Japan 13%, UK 6%, US 6%External debt:$83 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDPElectricity:29,000 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 240 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:timber, tourism, food processing, fishingAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; coconuts, fruit (including bananas, taro, yams)Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $18 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $306 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $4 millionCurrency:tala (plural - tala); 1 tala (WS$) = 100 seneExchange rates:tala (WS$) per US$1 - 2,4284 (March 1992), 2,3975 (1991), 2.3095 (1990),2.2686 (1989), 2.0790 (1988), 2.1204 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Western Samoa Communications
Highways:2,042 km total; 375 km sealed; remainder mostly gravel, crushed stone, orearthPorts:ApiaMerchant marine:1 roll-on/roll-off ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,838 GRT/5,536 DWTCivil air:3 major transport aircraftAirports:3 total, 3 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:7,500 telephones; 70,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1Pacific Ocean INTELSAT ground station
:Western Samoa Defense Forces
Branches:Department of Police and PrisonsManpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:World Geography
Total area:510,072,000 km2Land area:148,940,000 km2 (29.2%)Comparative area:land area about 16 times the size of the USLand boundaries:442,000 kmCoastline:356,000 kmMaritime claims:range from 3 to 200 nm; 1 claim is rectangular; 112 states claim a 12 nmlimit; note - boundary situations with neighboring states prevent manycountries from extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm;41 nations and other areas are landlocked and include Afghanistan, Andorra,Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina,Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia,Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino,Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan,Vatican City, West Bank, Zambia, ZimbabweContiguous zone:39 states claim contiguous zone, 33 of which have 24 nm limitsContinental shelf:approximately 78 states have specific continental shelf claims, the limit of42 claims is based on depth (200 m) plus exploitability, 21 claims definethe continental shelf as 200 nm or to the edge of the continental marginExclusive fishing zone:23 claims with limits ranging from 12 nm to 200 nmExclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):83 states claim an EEZ, with most limits being 200 nmTerritorial sea:claims range from 3 to 200 nm, 112 states claim a 12 nm limit; note - 41nations and miscellaneous areas are landlocked and comprise Afghanistan,Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina,Burundi, Byelarus, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macebia,ZimbabweDisputes:major international land boundary or territorial diputes - Bahrain-Qatar,Chad-Libya, China-India, China-Russia, Ecuador-Peru, El Salvador-Honduras,Israel-Jordan, Israel-Syria, Japan-Russia, North Korea-South Korea, SaudiArabia-Yemen, South China SeaClimate:two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather narrow temperatezones from a wide equatorial band of tropical to subtropical climatesTerrain:highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression isthe Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is theMarianas Trench at 10,924 metersNatural resources:the rapid using up of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion offorest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, andthe deterioration in air and water quality (especially in Eastern Europe andthe former USSR) pose serious long-term problems that governments andpeoples are only beginning to addressLand use:arable land 10%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 24%; forest andwoodland 31%; other 34%; includes irrigated 1.6%
:World Geography
Environment:large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters(earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions), overpopulation,industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances),loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss ofwildlife resources, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion