:Belgium Government
Long-form name:Kingdom of BelgiumType:constitutional monarchyCapital:BrusselsAdministrative divisions:9 provinces (French - provinces, singular - province; Flemish - provincien,singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg,Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-VlaanderenIndependence:4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands)Constitution:7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in theprocess of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing theBelgian stateLegal system:civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicialreview of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831)Executive branch:monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish -Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives(Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre desRepresentants)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour deCassation)Leaders:Chief of State:King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege(brother of the King; born 6 June 1934)Head of Government:Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992)Political parties and leaders:Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman van ROMPUY, president; Walloon SocialChristian (PSC) , Gerard DEPREZ, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), FrankVANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), NA; Flemish Liberal (PVV),Guy VERHOF STADT, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE,president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president;Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis vanGEYT, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, JeanPierre VAN ROSSEM; National Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently(AGALEV), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO), NA; other minor partiesSuffrage:universal and compulsory at age 18Elections:Chamber of Representatives:last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (212 total) number of seats by party NASenate:last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (106 total) number of seats by party NA
:Belgium Government
Other political or pressure groups:Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries;numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers,middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; variousorganizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia;various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against NuclearWeapons and Pax ChristiMember of:ACCT, AfDB, AG, AsDB, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC,ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM,ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation:Ambassador Juan CASSIERS; Chancery at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington,DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6900; there are Belgian Consulates General inAtlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS:Ambassador Bruce S. GELB; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels(mailing address is APO AE 09724); telephone [32] (2) 513-3830; FAX [32] (2)511-2725; there is a US Consulate General in AntwerpFlag:three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; thedesign was based on the flag of France
:Belgium Economy
Overview:This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its centralgeographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversifiedindustrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in thepopulous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouragingreinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resourcesBelgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closelydependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other ECcountries. During the period 1988-90, Belgium's economic performance wasmarked by 4% average growth, moderate inflation, and a substantial externalsurplus. Growth fell to 1.4% in 1991.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $171.8 billion, per capita $17,300; realgrowth rate 1.4% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.2% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:9.4% est. (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of NA (1989)Exports:$118 billion (f.o.b., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Unioncommodities:iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleumproductspartners:EC 74%, US 5%, former Communist countries 2% (1989)Imports:$120 billion (c.i.f., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Unioncommodities:fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffspartners:EC 73%, US 4%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communistcountries 3% (1989)External debt:$28.8 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 1.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDPElectricity:17,400,000 kW capacity; 67,100 million kWh produced, 6,767 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals,basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coalAgriculture:accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal,pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain,and tobacco; net importer of farm productsEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billionCurrency:Belgian franc (plural - francs); 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418(1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Belgium Communications
Railroads:Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,667 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 1,978 km electrified; 191 km1.000-meter gauge, government owned and operatedHighways:103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 kmnational highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000km unpaved rural roadsInland waterways:2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)Pipelines:petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 kmPorts:Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, ZeebruggeMerchant marine:23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,979 GRT/88,738 DWT; includes 10cargo, 4 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk, 2refrigerated cargoCivil air:47 major transport aircraftAirports:42 total, 42 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automateddomestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensivecable network; limited radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcaststations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earthstations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobilephone system
:Belgium Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National GendarmerieManpower availability:males 15-49, 2,550,088; 2,133,483 fit for military service; 66,249 reachmilitary age (19) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $4.2 billion, 2.7% of GDP (1991)
:Belize Geography
Total area:22,960 km2Land area:22,800 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than MassachusettsLand boundaries:516 km total; Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 kmCoastline:386 kmMaritime claims:Territorial sea:12 nm in the north and 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of theSarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial sea is 3 miles;according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of thislimitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitiveagreement on territorial differences with the Republic of Guatemala''Disputes:claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations to resolve the dispute havebegunClimate:tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February)Terrain:flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in southNatural resources:arable land potential, timber, fishLand use:arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest andwoodland 44%; other 52%, includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding(especially in south); deforestationNote:national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because ofhurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the NorthPacific Ocean
:Belize People
Population:229,143 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992)Birth rate:31 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:4 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:67 years male, 73 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:3.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Belizean(s); adjective - BelizeanEthnic divisions:Creole 39.7%, Mestizo 33.1%, Maya 9.5%, Garifuna 7.6%, East Indian 2.1%,other 8.0%Religions:Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other2%), none 2%, unknown 3%, other 3% (1980)Languages:English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib)Literacy:91% (male 91%, female 91%) age 15 and over having ever attended school(1970)Labor force:51,500; agriculture 30.0%, services 16.0%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%,manufacturing 10.3%; shortage of skilled labor and all types of technicalpersonnel (1985)Organized labor:12% of labor force; 7 unions currently active
:Belize Government
Long-form name:noneType:parliamentary democracyCapital:BelmopanAdministrative divisions:6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, ToledoIndependence:21 September 1981 (from UK; formerly British Honduras)Constitution:21 September 1981Legal system:English lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 21 SeptemberExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lowerhouse or House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralDame Elmira Minita GORDON (since 21 September 1981)Head of Government:Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989)Political parties and leaders:People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA;United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW;Belize Popular Party (BPP), Louis SYLVESTRESuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:National Assembly:last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - inJanuary 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat countPUP 16, UDP 12Other political or pressure groups:Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) headed by formerPUP minister; United Workers FrontMember of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador James V. HYDE; Chancery at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9636US:Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA; Embassy at Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street,Belize City (mailing address is P. O. Box 286, Belize City); telephone [501](2) 77161; FAX [501] (2) 30802Flag:on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland
:Belize Government
blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto RA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade)
:Belize Economy
Overview:The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, andmerchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance.Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of exportearnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hardcurrency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting inefforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversificationprogram.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $373 million, per capita $1,635; real growth rate10% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.5% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:12% (1988)Budget:revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capitalexpenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$134 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood productspartners:US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987)Imports:$194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels,chemicals, pharmaceuticalspartners:US 56%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1991)External debt:$142 million (December 1991)Industrial production:growth rate 9.7% (1989); accounts for 16% of GDPElectricity:34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages,tourismAgriculture:accounts for 30% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial cropsinclude sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumberand cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foodsIllicit drugs:an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 toabout 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaineEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 millionCurrency:Belizean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Belize Communications
Highways:2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and310 km unimproved earthInland waterways:825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigablePorts:Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol,Punta Gorda, Big CreekMerchant marine:2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,127 GRT/5,885 DWTCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:44 total, 34 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:8,650 telephones; above-average system based on radio relay; broadcaststations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
:Belize Defense Forces
Branches:British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, AirForce, and Volunteer Guard)Manpower availability:males 15-49, 55,333; 33,040 fit for military service; 2,509 reach militaryage (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $4.8 million, 1.8% of GDP (FY91)
:Benin Geography
Total area:112,620 km2Land area:110,620 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:1,989 km total; Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 kmCoastline:121 kmMaritime claims:Territorial sea:200 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in northTerrain:mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountainsNatural resources:small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timberLand use:arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest andwoodland 35%; other 45%, includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation;desertificationNote:recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; nonatural harbors
:Benin People
Population:4,997,599 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992)Birth rate:49 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:15 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:49 years male, 53 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.9 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Beninese (singular and plural); adjective - BenineseEthnic divisions:African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba,Bariba); Europeans 5,500Religions:indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%Languages:French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; at leastsix major tribal languages in northLiteracy:23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:1,900,000 (1987); agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services38%, industry less than 2%; 49% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:about 75% of wage earners
:Benin Government
Long-form name:Republic of BeninType:republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multipartysystem completed 4 April 1991Capital:Porto-NovoAdministrative divisions:6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, ZouIndependence:1 August 1960 (from France; formerly Dahomey)Constitution:2 December 1990Legal system:based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 1 August (1990)Executive branch:president, cabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991)Political parties and leaders:Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), TimotheeADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-RogerAHOYO; and the Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE;Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and theDemocratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the SocialDemocratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress(UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; NationalRally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movementfor Democracy and Development (MNDD), Bertin BORNA; Movement for Solidarity,Union, and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; and Union for Democracy andNational Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy andNational Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of LiberalDemocrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of theAlliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU, and Bloc for SocialDemocracy (BSD), Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy andProgress (ADP), Akindes ADEKPEDJOU, and Democratic Union for Social Renewal(UDRS), Bio Gado Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress(UNDP), Robert TAGNON; numerous other small partiesSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:National Assembly:last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats- (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7,MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1President:last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, MathieuKEREKOU 32%Communists:Communist Party of Dahomey (PCD) remains active
:Benin Government
Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656US:Ambassador Harriet W. ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou(mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone [229] 30-06-50,30-05-13, 30-17-92; FAX [229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74Flag:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical greenband on the hoist side
:Benin Economy
Overview:Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because oflimited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agricultureaccounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, andgenerates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sectorcontributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Lowprices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin'smajor exports of agricultural products and crude oil.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $410; real growth rate3% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.0% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capitalexpenditures of $104 million (1990 est.)Exports:$263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoapartners:FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4%Imports:$428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods,capital goods, light consumer goodspartners:France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4%External debt:$1.0 billion (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate —0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDPElectricity:30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production,petroleumAgriculture:small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated byfood crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and rice; cash crops includecotton, palm oil, and peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept upwith consumptionEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101millionCurrency:Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF)= 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54(1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Benin Communications
Railroads:578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single trackHighways:5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earthInland waterways:navigable along small sections, important only locallyPorts:CotonouCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:6 total, 5 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay; broadcaststations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Benin Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National GendarmerieManpower availability:eligible 15-49, 2,165,515; of the 1,031,738 males 15-49, 528,366 are fit formilitary service; of the 1,133,777 females 15-49, 572,603 are fit formilitary service; about 55,697 males and 53,786 females reach military age(18) annually; both sexes are liable for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.)
:Bermuda Geography
Total area:50 km2Land area:50 km2Comparative area:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:103 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmClimate:subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winterTerrain:low hills separated by fertile depressionsNatural resources:limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourismLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 20%; other 80%Environment:ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360small coral islandsNote:1,050 km east of North Carolina; some reclaimed land leased by US Government
:Bermuda People
Population:60,213 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992)Birth rate:15 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:73 years male, 77 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Bermudian(s); adjective - BermudianEthnic divisions:black 61%, white and other 39%Religions:Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%,Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28%Languages:EnglishLiteracy:98% (male 98%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970)Labor force:32,000; clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2%(1984)Organized labor:8,573 members (1985); largest union is Bermuda Industrial Union
:Bermuda Government
Long-form name:noneType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:HamiltonAdministrative divisions:9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget,Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton,WarwickIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:8 June 1968Legal system:English lawNational holiday:Bermuda Day, 22 MayExecutive branch:British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier,Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor LordDavid WADDINGTONHead of Government:Premier John William David SWAN (since January 1982)Political parties and leaders:United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP),Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELLSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:House of Assembly:last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other1Other political or pressure groups:Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell SIMMONSMember of:CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, IOCDiplomatic representation:as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US arerepresented by the UKUS:Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES; Consulate General at Crown Hill, 16Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton (mailing address is P. O. Box HM325,Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002); telephone (809) 295-1342; FAX(809) 295-1592Flag:red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theBermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding ascrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
:Bermuda Economy
Overview:Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, havingsuccessfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilitiesand financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of itsbusiness from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agricultureis severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs areimported.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion, per capita $22,400; real growthrate 2.0% (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.8% (June 1989, annual rate)Unemployment rate:2.0% (1988)Budget:revenues $361.6 million; expenditures $396.1 million, including capitalexpenditures of $74.1 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$30 million (f.o.b., FY88)commodities:semitropical produce, light manufacturespartners:US 25%, Italy 25%, UK 14%, Canada 5%, other 31%Imports:$420 million (c.i.f., FY88)commodities:fuel, foodstuffs, machinerypartners:US 58%, Netherlands Antilles 9%, UK 8%, Canada 6%, Japan 5%, other 14%External debt:NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,625 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals,ship repairingAgriculture:accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported;produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy productsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 millionCurrency:Bermudian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Bermuda Communications
Highways:210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads)Ports:Freeport, Hamilton, Saint GeorgeMerchant marine:73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,511,972 GRT/6,093,321 DWT; includes4 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 23 petroleumtanker, 12 liquefied gas, 18 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registryCivil air:16 major transport aircraftAirports:1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 mTelecommunications:modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcaststations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATearth stations
:Bermuda Defense Forces
Branches:Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve ConstabularyNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Bhutan Geography
Total area:47,000 km2Land area:47,000 km2Comparative area:slightly more than half the size of IndianaLand boundaries:1,075 km; China 470 km, India 605 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in centralvalleys; severe winters and cool summers in HimalayasTerrain:mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savannaNatural resources:timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potentialLand use:arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest andwoodland 70%; other 23%Environment:violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the countryname which translates as Land of the Thunder DragonNote:landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several keyHimalayan mountain passes
:Bhutan People
Population:1,660,167 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992)Birth rate:40 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:17 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:126 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:50 years male, 49 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective - BhutaneseEthnic divisions:Bhote 60%, ethnic Nepalese 25%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%Religions:Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%Languages:Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects - most widely spoken dialect isDzongkha (official); Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialectsLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NA; agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%; massive lack ofskilled laborOrganized labor:not permitted
:Bhutan Government
Long-form name:Kingdom of BhutanType:monarchy; special treaty relationship with IndiaCapital:ThimphuAdministrative divisions:18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang,Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi,Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi PhodrangIndependence:8 August 1949 (from India)Constitution:no written constitution or bill of rightsLegal system:based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December(1907)Executive branch:monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council(Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers(Lhengye Shungtsog)Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu)Judicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)Political parties and leaders:no legal partiesSuffrage:each family has one vote in village-level electionsElections:no national electionsCommunists:no overt Communist presenceOther political or pressure groups:Buddhist clergy, Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizationsleading militant antigovernment campaignMember of:AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, ITU, NAM,SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation:no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintainedbetween the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India); the Bhutanesemission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the USFlag:divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle isorange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is alarge black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side
:Bhutan Economy
Overview:The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture andforestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population andaccount for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and makethe building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. Theeconomy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade andmonetary links. Low wages in industry lead most Bhutanese to stay inagriculture. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely onIndian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction fortourists are its most important natural resources.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $320 million, per capita $200; real growth rate3.1% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):12% (FY90)Unemployment rate:NABudget:revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capitalexpenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$74 million (f.o.b., FY91)commodities:cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruitpartners:India 93%Imports:$106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.)commodities:fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabricspartners:India 67%External debt:$80 million (FY91 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA; accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity:353,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 1,280 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calciumcarbideAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry;self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice,corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy, and eggsEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 millionCurrency:ngultrum (plural - ngultrum); 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indiancurrency is also legal tenderExchange rates:ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 25.927 (January 1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504(1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987); note - the Bhutanesengultrum is at par with the Indian rupeeFiscal year:1 July - 30 June
:Bhutan Communications
Highways:1,304 km total; 418 km surfaced, 515 km improved, 371 km unimproved earthCivil air:1 jet, 2 propAirports:2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:inadequate; 1,990 telephones (1988); 22,000 radios (1990 est.); 85 TVs(1985); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990)
:Bhutan Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, MilitiaManpower availability:males 15-49, 406,360; 217,348 fit for military service; 17,316 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Bolivia Geography
Total area:1,098,580 km2Land area:1,084,390 km2Comparative area:slightly less than three times the size of MontanaLand boundaries:6,743 km; Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km,Peru 900 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacamaarea was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca waterrightsClimate:varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiaridTerrain:rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowlandplains of the Amazon basinNatural resources:tin, natural gas, crude oil, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore,lead, gold, timberLand use:arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest andwoodland 52%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion;overgrazing; soil erosion; desertificationNote:landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake,with Peru
:Bolivia People
Population:7,323,048 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992)Birth rate:33 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:9 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:—1 migrant/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:82 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:59 years male, 64 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Bolivian(s); adjective - BolivianEthnic divisions:Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%; active Protestant minority, especially EvangelicalMethodistLanguages:Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara (all official)Literacy:78% (male 85%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:1,700,000; agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%,mining 4%, other 10% (1983)Organized labor:150,000-200,000, concentrated in mining, industry, construction, andtransportation; mostly organized under Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) laborfederation
:Bolivia Government
Long-form name:Republic of BoliviaType:republicCapital:La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)Administrative divisions:9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca,Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, TarijaIndependence:6 August 1825 (from Spain)Constitution:2 February 1967Legal system:based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 August (1825)Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamberor Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamberof Deputies (Camara de Diputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIOSanjines (since 6 August 1989)Political parties and leaders:Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; NationalistDemocratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist RevolutionaryMovement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), MaxFERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUEAviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free BoliviaMovement (MBL), led by Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition ofleftist parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P)led by Walter DELGADILLO, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by HumbertoRAMIREZ; Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE ReichSuffrage:universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single)Elections:Chamber of Deputies:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of voteby party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unifiedslate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidentialelection results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA9, PDC 3Chamber of Senators:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of voteby party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unifiedslate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidentialelection results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1
:Bolivia Government
President:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - Gonzalo SANCHEZde Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR)19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ Zamora(MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support PAZ Zamorawon the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6August 1989Member of:AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL,PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Jorge CRESPO; Chancery at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4410 through 4412; there areBolivian Consulates General in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and SanFranciscoUS:Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS; Embassy at Banco Popular del Peru Building,corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz (mailing address is P. O. Box 425,La Paz, or APO AA 34032); telephone [591] (2) 350251 or 350120; FAX [591](2) 359875Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coatof arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which hasa large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band
:Bolivia Economy
Overview:The Bolivian economy steadily deteriorated between 1980 and 1985 as La Pazfinanced growing budget deficits by expanding the money supply, andinflation spiraled - peaking at 11,700%. An austere orthodox economicprogram adopted by then President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeededin reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually since 1987, eventuallyrestarting economic growth. Since August 1989, President Paz Zamora hasretained the economic policies of the previous government, keeping inflationdown and continuing moderate growth. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to beone of the poorest countries in Latin America, with widespread poverty andunemployment, and it remains vulnerable to price fluctuations for itslimited exports - agricultural products, minerals, and natural gas.Moreover, for many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force,the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, per capita $630; real growth rate4% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):15% (1991)Unemployment rate:7% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $900 million; expenditures $825 million, including capitalexpenditures of $300 million (1991 est.)Exports:$970 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:metals 45%, natural gas 25%, other 30% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton,timber)partners:US 15%, ArgentinaImports:$760 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goodspartners:US 22%External debt:$3.3 billion (December 1991)Industrial production:growth rate 6% (1991); accounts for almost 30% of GDPElectricity:849,000 kW capacity; 1,798 million kWh produced, 251 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts,clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces significant revenuesAgriculture:accounts for about 20% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principalcommodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber;self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication programunable to prevent production from rising to 78,400 metric tons in 1991 from74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit;intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia andBrazil to the US and other international drug markets
:Bolivia Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $340 millionCurrency:boliviano (plural - bolivianos); 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavosExchange rates:bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.7534 (January 1992), 3.5806 (1991), 3.1727(1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Bolivia Communications
Railroads:3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single trackHighways:38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved andunimproved earthInland waterways:10,000 km of commercially navigable waterwaysPipelines:crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 kmPorts:none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Iloin PeruMerchant marine:2 cargo and 1 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,951 GRT/26,320DWTCivil air:56 major transport aircraftAirports:1,105 total, 943 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runwaysover 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 146 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Bolivia Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,727,101; 1,122,224 fit for military service; 72,977 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est).
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Geography
Total area:51,233 km2Land area:51,233 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries:1,369 km; Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia andMontenegro 527 kmCoastline:20 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:NA nmContinental shelf:20-meter depthExclusive economic zone:12 nmExclusive fishing zone:12 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:Serbia and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina; Muslim majoritybeing forced from many areasClimate:hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, coolsummers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coastTerrain:mountains and valleysNatural resources:coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium,lead, zincLand use:20% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 25% meadows and pastures; 36% forestand woodland; 16% other; includes 1% irrigatedEnvironment:air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposingof urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakesNote:Controls large percentage of important land routes from Western Europe toAegean Sea and Turkish Straits
:Bosnia and Herzegovina People
Population:4,364,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.5% (1991)Birth rate:14.5 births/1,000 population (1991)Death rate:6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1991)Net migration rate:NA migrants/1,000 population (1991)Infant mortality rate:15.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1991)Life expectancy at birth:68 years male, 73 years female (1980-82)Total fertility rate:NA children born/woman (1991)Nationality:noun - Muslim, Serb, Croat (s); adjective - Muslim, Serbian, CroatianEthnic divisions:Muslim 44%, Serb 33%, Croat 17%Religions:Slavic Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%Languages:Serbo-Croatian 99%Literacy:85.5% (male 94.5%, female 76.7%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981est.)Labor force:1,026,254; 2% agriculture, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.)Organized labor:NA
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Government
Long-form name:noneType:emerging democracyCapital:SarajevoAdministrative divisions:NAIndependence:December 1918; April 1992 from YugoslaviaConstitution:NALegal system:based on civil law systemNational holiday:NAExecutive branch:president, prime minister, deputy prime ministerLegislative branch:NAJudicial branch:NALeaders:Chief of State:President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since December 1990), Vice President NAHead of Government:Prime Minister Jore PELIVAN (since January 1991), Deputy Prime MinisterMuhamed CENGIC and Rusmir MAHMUTCEHAJIC (since January 1991)Political parties and leaders:Party of Democratic Action, Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Croatian Democratic Union,Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party, Radovah KARADZIC; Muslim BosnianOrganization, Muhamed Zulfikar PASIC; Socialist Democratic Party, NijazDURAKOVICSuffrage:at age 16 if employed; universal at age 18Elections:NAOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:CSCEDiplomatic representation:NAFlag:NA
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy
Overview:Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest component inthe old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all inprivate hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republictraditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatlyoverstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planningand management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries inthe republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share ofYugoslavia's defense plants. As of April 1992, the newly independentrepublic was being torn apart by bitter interethnic warfare that has causedproduction to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human miseryto multiply. The survival of the republic as a political and economic unitis in doubt. Both Serbia and Croatia have imposed various economic blockadesand may permanently take over large areas populated by fellow ethnic groups.These areas contain most of the industry. If a much smaller core Muslimstate survives, it will share many Third World problems of poverty,technological backwardness, and dependence on historically soft foreignmarkets for its primary products. In these circumstances, other Muslimcountries might offer assistance.GDP:$14 billion; real growth rate —37% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):80% per month (1991)Unemployment rate:28% (February 1992 est.)Budget:revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA million (19__)Exports:$2,054 million (1990)commodities:manufactured goods (31%), machinery and transport equipment (20.8%), rawmaterials (18%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (17.3%), chemicals(9.4%), fuel and lubricants (1.4%), food and live animals (1.2%)partners:principally the other former Yugoslav republicsImports:$1,891 million (1990)commodities:fuels and lubricants (32%), machinery and transport equipment (23.3%), othermanufactures (21.3%), chemicals (10%), raw materials (6.7%), food and liveanimals (5.5%), beverages and tobacco (1.9%)partners:principally the other former Yugoslav republicsExternal debt:NAIndustrial production:sharply down because of interethnic and interrepublic warfare (1991-92)Electricity:14,400 million kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, 3,303 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, andbauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products,wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank andaircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy
Agriculture:accounted for 8.6% of national income in 1989; regularly produces less than50% of food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards,vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavyprecipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in themountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very productiveIllicit drugs:NAEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million;Communist countries (1971-86), $NA millionCurrency:none; note - Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, Yugoslav dinar usedin all other areasExchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications
Railroads:NA km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified)Highways:21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earthInland waterways:NA km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil 174 km, petroleum products NA km, natural gas NA kmPorts:maritime - none; inland - Bosanski BrodMerchant marine:NA ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling NA GRT/NA DWT; includes NA cargo, NAcontainer, NA liquefied gas, NA petroleum tankerCivil air:NA major transport aircraftAirports:2 main, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:Bosnia's telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization andexpansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services inother former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9AM, 2 FM, 6 (0 repeaters) TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarinecoaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none
:Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Forces
Branches:Territorial Defense ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; 39,000 reach military age (18)annuallyDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
:Botswana Geography
Total area:600,370 km2Land area:585, 370 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:4,013 km; Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:semiarid; warm winters and hot summersTerrain:predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwestNatural resources:diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda, ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver,natural gasLand use:urable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 75%; forest andwoodland 2%; other 21%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:rains in early 1988 broke six years of drought that had severely affectedthe important cattle industry; overgazing; desertificationNote:landlocked
:Botswana People
Population:1,292,210 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:35 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:8 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:42 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:59 years male, 65 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun and ajective - Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)Ethnic divisions:Batswana 95%; Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi about 4%; white about 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%Languages:English (official), SetswanaLiteracy:23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:400,000; 198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattleraising and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed invarious mines in South Africa (1990)Organized labor:19 trade unions
:Botswana Government
Long-form name:Republic of BotswanaType:parliamentary republicCapital:GaboroneAdministrative divisions:10 districts: Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng,Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; note - in addition, there maynow be 4 town councils named Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste Selebi-PikweIndependence:30 September 1966 (from UK; formerly Bechuanaland)Constitution:March 1965, effective 30 September 1966Legal system:based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited tomatters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 30 September (1966)Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefsand a lower house or National AssemblyJudicial branch:High Court, Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Quett K. J. MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Peter S.MMUSI (since 3 January 1983)Political parties and leaders:Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Quett MASIRE; Botswana National Front(BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; BotswanaIndependence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHOSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:National Assembly:last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3President:last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - PresidentQuett K. J. MASIRE was reelected by the National AssemblyCommunists:no known Communist organization; Kenneth KOMA of BNF has long history ofCommunist contactsMember of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE; Chancery at Suite 7M, 3400International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-4990 or4991US:Ambassador Davie PASSAGE; Embassy at Gaborone (mailing address is P. O. Box90, Gaborone); telephone [267] 353-982; FAX [267] 356-947Flag:light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center