:Burma Communications
Railroads:3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 kmnarrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double trackHighways:27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel,6,100 km unimproved earthInland waterways:12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vesselsPipelines:crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 kmPorts:Rangoon, Moulmein, BasseinMerchant marine:71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,036,018 GRT/1,514,121 DWT; includes3 passenger-cargo, 19 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 3 vehicle carrier, 3container, 2 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 27 bulk, 1combination bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-offCivil air:17 major transport aircraft (including 3 helicopters)Airports:85 total, 82 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service; internationalservice is good; 53,000 telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage islimited to the most populous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV(1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Burma Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:eligible 15-49, 21,447,878; of the 10,745,530 males 15-49, 5,759,840 are fitfor military service; of the 10,702,348 females 15-49, 5,721,868 are fit formilitary service; 424,474 males and 410,579 females reach military age (18)annually; both sexes are liable for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.28 billion, FY(91-92)
:Burundi Geography
Total area:27,830 km2Land area:25,650 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:974 km; Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplandsTerrain:mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plainsNatural resources:nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yetexploited), vanadiumLand use:arable land 43%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 35%; forest andwoodland 2%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestationNote:landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed
:Burundi People
Population:6,022,341 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992)Birth rate:46 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:14 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:106 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:51 years male, 55 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Burundian(s); adjective - BurundiEthnic divisions:Africans - Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%; otherAfricans include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians;non-Africans include about 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 South AsiansReligions:Christian about 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs32%, Muslim 1%Languages:Kirundi and French (official); Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in theBujumbura area)Literacy:50% (male 61%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:1,900,000 (1983 est.); agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry andcommerce 1.5%, services 1.5%; 52% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:sole group is the Union of Burundi Workers (UTB); by charter, membership isextended to all Burundi workers (informally); active membership figures NA
:Burundi Government
Long-form name:Republic of BurundiType:republicCapital:BujumburaAdministrative divisions:15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi,Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, RuyigiIndependence:1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)Constitution:20 November 1981; suspended following the coup of 3 September 1987; aconstitutional committee was charged with drafting a new constitutioncreated in February 1991; a referendum on the new constitution scheduled forMarch 1992Legal system:based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 1 July (1962)Executive branch:president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unityand Progress (UPRONA), prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved followingthe coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unityand Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for NationalSalvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition toconstitutional governmentJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State:Major Pierre BUYOYA, President (since 9 September 1987)Head of Government:Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988)Political parties and leaders:only party - National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), Nicolas MAYUGI,secretary general; note - although Burundi is still officially a one-partystate, at least four political parties were formed in 1991 in anticipationof proposed constitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front(FRODEBU), Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party ofBurundi (PSB), Movement for Peace and Democracy (MPD) - the Party for theLiberation of the Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early1980s, is an ethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule;the government has long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnicpolitics and fomenting violence against the state. PALIPEHUTU's exclusivistcharter makes it an unlikely candidate for legalization under the newconstitution that will require party membership open to all ethnic groupsSuffrage:universal adult at age NAElections:National Assembly:dissolved after the coup of 3 September 1987; note - The National UnityCharter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adoptedby a national referendum on 5 February 1991
:Burundi Government
Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Julien KAVAKURE; Chancery at Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW,Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2574US:Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRY; B. P. 1720, Avenue des Etats-Unis,Bujumbura; telephone [257] (222) 454; FAX [257] (222) 926Flag:divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and greenpanels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at thecenter bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in atriangular design (one star above, two stars below)
:Burundi Economy
Overview:A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economicdevelopment, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basicindustries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accountsfor an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability topay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of theclimate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reformagenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundiis trying to diversify its export agriculture capability and attract foreigninvestment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatizedvia public auction in September 1991.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.13 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate3.4% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.1% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $158 million; expenditures $204 million, including capitalexpenditures of $131 million (1989 est.)Exports:$74.7 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:coffee 88%, tea, hides, and skinspartners:EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2%Imports:$234.6 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goodspartners:EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3%External debt:$1.0 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:real growth rate 5.1% (1986); accounts for about 10% of GDPElectricity:55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports;public works construction; food processingAgriculture:accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming;marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton,tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock- meat, milk, hides, and skinsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175millionCurrency:Burundi franc (plural - francs); 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 193.72 (January 1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26(1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988), 123. 56 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Burundi Communications
Highways:5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improvedor unimproved earthInland waterways:Lake TanganyikaPorts:Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania andZaireCivil air:no major transport aircraftAirports:6 total, 6 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 to 2,439 mTelecommunications:sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity radio relaylinks; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 IndianOcean INTELSAT earth station
:Burundi Defense Forces
Branches:Army (includes naval and air units); paramilitary GendarmerieManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,306,611; 681,050 fit for military service; 59,676 reachmilitary age (16) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989)
:Cambodia Geography
Total area:181,040 km2Land area:176,520 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than OklahomaLand boundaries:2,572 km; Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 kmCoastline:443 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmContinental shelf:200 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are indispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not definedClimate:tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December toMarch); little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and northNatural resources:timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropowerpotentialLand use:arable land 16%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest andwoodland 76%; other 4%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle SapNote:buffer between Thailand and Vietnam
:Cambodia People
Population:7,295,706 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992)Birth rate:37 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:121 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:48 years male, 51 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:4.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Cambodian(s); adjective - CambodianEthnic divisions:Khmer 90%, Chinese 5%, other 5%Religions:Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5%Languages:Khmer (official), FrenchLiteracy:35% (male 48%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:2.5-3.0 million; agriculture 80% (1988 est.)Organized labor:Kampuchea Federation of Trade Unions (FSC); under government control
:Cambodia Government
Long-form name:noneType:currently administered by the Supreme National Council (SNC), a body set upunder United Nations' auspices, in preparation for an internationallysupervised election in 1993 and including representatives from each of thecountry's four political factionsCapital:Phnom PenhAdministrative divisions:19 provinces (khet, singular and plural) and 2 autonomous cities* BanteayMeanchey, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Saom City*,Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri,Phnom Phen City*, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri,Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, TakevIndependence:8 November 1949 (from France)Constitution:a new constitution will be drafted after the national election in 1993National holiday:NGC - Independence Day, 17 April (1975); SOC - Liberation Day, 7 January(1979)Executive branch:a twelve-member Supreme National Council (SNC), chaired by Prince NORODOMSIHANOUK, composed of representatives from each of the four politicalfactions; faction names and delegation leaders are: State of Cambodia (SOC)- HUN SEN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK or Khmer Rouge) - KHIEU SAMPHAN; KhmerPeople's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) - SON SANN; National United Frontfor an Independent, Peaceful, Neutral, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)- Prince NORODOM RANARIDDHLegislative branch:pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's NationalAssembly is the only functioning national legislative bodyJudicial branch:pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's SupremePeople's Court is the only functioning national judicial bodyLeaders:Chief of State:SNC - Chairman Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, under United Nations's supervisionHead of Government:NGC - vacant, formerly held by SON SANN (since July 1982); will bedetermined following the national election in 1993; SOC - Chairman of theCouncil of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEUSAMPHAN; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) (namechanged and HENG SAMRIN replaced in October 1991) under CHEA SIM; KhmerPeople's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN; National UnitedFront for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia(FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANNARIDHSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:UN-supervised election for a 120-member constituent assembly based onproportional representation within each province will be held nine monthsafter UN-organized voter registration is complete; the election is notanticipated before April 1993; the assembly will draft and approve aconstitution and then transform itself into a legislature that will create anew Cambodian Government
:Cambodia Government
Member of:AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL,ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:the Supreme National Council (SNC) represents Cambodia in internationalorganizations - it filled UN seat in September 1991US:Charles TWINNING is the US representative to CambodiaFlag:SNC - blue background with white map of Cambodia in middle; SOC - two equalhorizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-toweredtemple representing Angkor Wat in the center
:Cambodia Economy
Overview:Cambodia is a desperately poor country whose economic development has beenstymied by deadly political infighting. The economy is based on agricultureand related industries. Over the past decade Cambodia has been slowlyrecovering from its near destruction by war and political upheaval. The foodsituation remains precarious; during the 1980s famine was averted onlythrough international relief. In 1986 the production level of rice, thestaple food crop, was able to meet only 80% of domestic needs. The biggestsuccess of the nation's recovery program has been in new rubber plantingsand in fishing. Industry, other than rice processing, is almost nonexistent.Foreign trade has been primarily with the former USSR and Vietnam, and bothtrade and foreign aid are being adversely affected by the breakup of theUSSR. Statistical data on the economy continue to be sparse and unreliable.Foreign aid from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has virtually stopped.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $930 million, per capita $130; real growth rateNA (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):53% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $178 million expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of$NA (1991)Exports:$32 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:natural rubber, rice, pepper, woodpartners:Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, IndiaImports:$147 million (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinerypartners:Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, IndiaExternal debt:$600 million (1989)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:140,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem miningAgriculture:mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice,rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products,sugar, flourEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-UScountries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8billionCurrency:riel (plural - riels); 1 riel (CR) = 100 senExchange rates:riels (CR) per US$1 - 714 (May 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560 (1990),159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Cambodia Communications
Railroads:612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government ownedHighways:13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, orimproved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepairInland waterways:3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable tocraft drawing 1.8 metersPorts:Kampong Saom, Phnom PenhAirports:16 total, 8 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:service barely adequate for government requirements and virtuallynonexistent for general public; international service limited to Vietnam andother adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
:Cambodia Defense Forces
Branches:SOC - Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF); Communist resistance forces -National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge); non-Communistresistance forces - Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI), which issometimes anglicized as National Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC), andKhmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF) - under the Parispeace agreement of October 1991, all four factions are to observe acease-fire and prepare for UN-supervised cantonment, disarmament, and 70%demobilization before the election, with the fate of the remaining 30% to bedetermined by the newly elected government - the United Nations TransitionalAuthority in Cambodia (UNTAC) will verify the cease-fire and disarm thecombatantsManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,877,339; 1,032,102 fit for military service; 61,807 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Cameroon Geography
Total area:475,440 km2Land area:469,440 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries:4,591 km; Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523 km,Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 kmCoastline:402 kmMaritime claims:Territorial sea:50 nmDisputes:demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which hasled to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratificationby Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission created withNigeria to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries - has not yetconvenedClimate:varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in northTerrain:diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center,mountains in west, plains in northNatural resources:crude oil, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potentialLand use:arable land 13%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest andwoodland 54%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases; deforestation;overgrazing; desertificationNote:sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa
:Cameroon People
Population:12,658,439 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992)Birth rate:44 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:11 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:81 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:55 years male, 60 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.4 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Cameroonian(s); adjective - CameroonianEthnic divisions:over 200 tribes of widely differing background; Cameroon Highlanders 31%,Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, EasternNigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16%Languages:English and French (official), 24 major African language groupsLiteracy:54% (male 66%, female 43%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:NA; agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2%(1983); 50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985)Organized labor:under 45% of wage labor force
:Cameroon Government
Long-form name:Republic of CameroonType:unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition partieslegalized 1990)Capital:YaoundeAdministrative divisions:10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-OuestIndependence:1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration; formerlyFrench Cameroon)Constitution:20 May 1972Legal system:based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 20 May (1972)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)Head of Government:interim Prime Minister Sadou HAYATOU (since 25 April 1991)Political parties and leaders:Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC), Paul BIYA, president, isgovernment-controlled and was formerly the only party; numerous smallparties formed since opposition parties were legalized in 1990Suffrage:universal at age 20Elections:National Assembly:next to be held 1 March 1992President:last held 24 April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results - PresidentPaul BIYA reelected without oppositionOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77,GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Paul PONDI; Chancery at 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington,DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-8790 through 8794US:Ambassador Frances D. COOK; Embassy at Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde (mailingaddress is B. P. 817, Yaounde); telephone [237] 234014; FAX [237] 230753;there is a US Consulate General in Douala
:Cameroon Government
Flag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with ayellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popularpan-African colors of Ethiopia
:Cameroon Economy
Overview:Because of its offshore oil resources, Cameroon has one of the highestincomes per capita in tropical Africa. Still, it faces many of the seriousproblems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as politicalinstability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climatefor business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led rapideconomic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee,cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, andinefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-92, with supportfrom the IMF and World Bank, the government has begun to introduce reformsdesigned to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture,and recapitalize the nation's banks. Nationwide strikes organized byopposition parties in 1991, however, undermined these efforts.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion, per capita $1,040; real growthrate 0.7% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.6% (FY88)Unemployment rate:25% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA million (FY89)Exports:$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:petroleum products 56%, coffee, cocoa, timber, manufacturespartners:EC (particularly France) about 50%, US 10%Imports:$2.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machines and electrical equipment, transport equipment, chemical products,consumer goodspartners:France 41%, Germany 9%, US 4%External debt:$4.9 billion (December 1989 est.)Industrial production:growth rate - 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDPElectricity:755,000 kW capacity; 2,940 million kWh produced, 270 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:crude oil products, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles,sawmillsAgriculture:the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority ofthe population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degreeof self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops includecoffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock,root starchesEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $440 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.5 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125million
:Cameroon Economy
Currency: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:1 July - 30 June
:Cameroon Communications
Railroads:1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gaugeHighways:about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km paved, 32,318 km gravel andimproved earth, and 30,000 km of unimproved earthInland waterways:2,090 km; of decreasing importancePorts:DoualaMerchant marine:2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWTCivil air:5 major transport aircraftAirports:56 total, 50 usable; 10 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 21 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and radio relay; 26,000telephones; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1 TV; 2 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth stations
:Cameroon Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including naval infantry), Air Force; National Gendarmerie,Presidential GuardsManpower availability:males 15-49, 2,753,059; 1,385,706 fit for military service; 120,011 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $219 million, 1.7% of GDP (1990 est.)
:Canada Geography
Total area:9,976,140 km2Land area:9,220,970 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than USLand boundaries:8,893 km with US (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)Coastline:243,791 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationExclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:maritime boundary disputes with the USClimate:varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in northTerrain:mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeastNatural resources:nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber,wildlife, coal, crude oil, natural gasLand use:arable land 5%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest andwoodland 35%; other 57%; includes NEGL% irrigatedEnvironment:80% of population concentrated within 160 km of US border; continuouspermafrost in north a serious obstacle to developmentNote:second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location betweenRussia and US via north polar route
:Canada People
Population:27,351,509 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992)Birth rate:14 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:6 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:74 years male, 81 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Canadian(s); adjective - CanadianEthnic divisions:British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenousIndian and Eskimo 1.5%Religions:Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10%Languages:English and French (both official)Literacy:99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.)Labor force:13,380,000; services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction3%, other 4% (1988)Organized labor:30.6% of labor force; 39.6% of nonagricultural paid workers
:Canada Government
Long-form name:noneType:confederation with parliamentary democracyCapital:OttawaAdministrative divisions:10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, NewBrunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario,Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*Independence:1 July 1867 (from UK)Constitution:amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982;charter of rights and unwritten customsLegal system:based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system basedon French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:Canada Day, 1 July (1867)Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate(Senat) and a lower house or House of Commons (Chambre des Communes)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralRaymond John HNATSHYN (since 29 January 1990)Head of Government:Prime Minister (Martin) Brian MULRONEY (since 4 September 1984); DeputyPrime Minister Donald Frank MAZANKOWSKI (since June 1986)Political parties and leaders:Progressive Conservative Party, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal Party, JeanCHRETIEN; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLINSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:House of Commons:last held 21 November 1988 (next to be held by November 1993); results -Progressive Conservative Party 43.0%, Liberal Party 32%, New DemocraticParty 20%, other 5%; seats - (295 total) Progressive Conservative Party 159,Liberal Party 80, New Democratic Party 44, independents 12Communists:3,000Member of:ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB,COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, FAO, G-7, G-8, 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, NSG,OAS, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG,UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
:Canada Government
Diplomatic representation:Ambassador Derek BURNEY; Chancery at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington,DC 20001; telephone (202) 682-1740; there are Canadian Consulates General inAtlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and SeattleUS:Ambassador Peter TEELEY; Embassy at 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa(mailing address is P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430); telephone(613) 238-5335 or (613) 238-4470; FAX (613) 238-5720; there are USConsulates General in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, andVancouverFlag:three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), andred with a red maple leaf centered in the white band
:Canada Economy
Overview:As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resemblesthe US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern ofproduction. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing,mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely ruraleconomy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canadaregistered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations,averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force,and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. However,the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speakingareas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation;foreign investors are becoming edgy.GDP:purchasing power equivalent - $521.5 billion, per capita $19,400; realgrowth rate -1.1% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.2% (November 1991, annual rate)Unemployment rate:10.3% (November 1991)Budget:revenues $111.8 billion; expenditures $138.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY90 est.)Exports:$124.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas,aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipmentpartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, ChinaImports:$118 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:crude petroleum, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumergoods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and partspartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South KoreaExternal debt:$247 billion (1987)Industrial production:growth rate -3.8% (August 1991); accounts for 34% of GDPElectricity:106,464,000 kW capacity; 479,600 million kWh produced, 17,872 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products,transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and naturalgasAgriculture:accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers andexporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agriculturalimports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercialfisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% isexportedIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use ofhydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities ofhigh-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroinand cocaine entering the US market
:Canada Economy
Economic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billionCurrency:Canadian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.1565 (January 1992), 1.1457 (1991),1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988), 1.3260 (1987)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Canada Communications
Railroads:93,544 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems -Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passengerservice - VIA (government operated)Highways:884,272 km total; 712,936 km surfaced (250,023 km paved), 171,336 km earthInland waterways:3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence SeawayPipelines:crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 kmPorts:Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's(Newfoundland), Toronto, VancouverMerchant marine:70 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 500,904 GRT/727,118 DWT; includes 1passenger, 3 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 10 cargo, 2 railcarcarrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 28 petroleumtanker, 5 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 8 bulk; note - does notinclude ships used exclusively in the Great LakesCivil air:636 major transport aircraft; Air Canada is the major carrierAirports:1,416 total, 1,168 usable; 455 with permanent-surface runways; 4 withrunways over 3,659 m; 30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 338 with runways1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones;broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxialsubmarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems
:Canada Defense Forces
Branches:Canadian Armed Forces (including Mobile Command, Maritime Command, AirCommand, Communications Command, Canadian Forces Europe, Training Commands),Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)Manpower availability:males 15-49, 7,366,675; 6,387,459 fit for military service; 190,752 reachmilitary age (17) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $11.4 billion, 1.7% of GDP (FY91); $10.5 billion,NA% of GDP (FY 92)
:Cape Verde Geography
Total area:4,030 km2Land area:4,030 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:noneCoastline:965 kmMaritime claims:(measured from claimed archipelagic baselines)Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erraticTerrain:steep, rugged, rocky, volcanicNatural resources:salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fishLand use:arable land 9%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest andwoodland NEGL%; other 85%; includes irrigated 1%Environment:subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility;volcanically and seismically active; deforestation; overgrazingNote:strategic location 500 km from African coast near major north-south searoutes; important communications station; important sea and air refuelingsite
:Cape Verde People
Population:398,276 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992)Birth rate:48 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:10 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:- 8 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:60 years male, 64 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Cape Verdean(s); adjective - Cape VerdeanEthnic divisions:Creole (mulatto) about 71%, African 28%, European 1%Religions:Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefsLanguages:Portuguese and Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African wordsLiteracy:66% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.)Labor force:102,000 (1985 est.); agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%,industry 14% (1981); 51% of population of working age (1985)Organized labor:Trade Unions of Cape Verde Unity Center (UNTC-CS)
:Cape Verde Government
Long-form name:Republic of Cape VerdeType:republicCapital:PraiaAdministrative divisions:14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio,Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz,Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, TarrafalIndependence:5 July 1975 (from Portugal)Constitution:7 September 1980; amended 12 February 1981, December 1988, and 28 September1990 (legalized opposition parties)National holiday:Independence Day, 5 July (1975)Executive branch:president, prime minister, deputy minister, secretaries of state, Council ofMinisters (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular)Judicial branch:Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia)Leaders:Chief of State:President Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (since 22 March 1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA (since 13 January 1991)Political parties and leaders:Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder andchairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro VeronaRodrigues PIRES, chairmanSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:People's National Assembly:last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note - thismultiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rulePresident:last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results -Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (MPD) received 72.6% of voteMember of:ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVA; Chancery at 3415 MassachusettsAvenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 965-6820; there is a CapeVerdean Consulate General in BostonUS:Ambassador Francis T. (Terry) McNAMARA; Embassy at Rua Hoji Ya Henda Yenna81, Praia (mailing address is C. P. 201, Praia); telephone [238] 61-43-63 or61-42-53; FAX [238] 61-13-55
:Cape Verde Government
Flag:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical redband on the hoist side; in the upper portion of the red band is a blackfive-pointed star framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell; usesthe popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag ofGuinea-Bissau, which is longer and has an unadorned black star centered inthe red band
:Cape Verde Economy
Overview:Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, a17-year drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service oriented, withcommerce, transport, and public services accounting for 65% of GDP duringthe period 1985-88. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in ruralareas, agriculture's share of GDP is only 16%; the fishing sector accountsfor 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostlylobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. In 1988 fishing represented only3.5% of GDP. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed byremittances from emigrants and foreign aid. Economic reforms launched by thenew democratic government in February 1991 are aimed at developing theprivate sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $310 million, per capita $800; real growth rate4% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):10% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1988)Budget:revenues $98.3 million; expenditures $138.4 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1988 est.)Exports:$10.9 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:fish, bananas, saltpartners:Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.)Imports:$107.8 million (c.i.f., 1989)commodities:petroleum, foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial productspartners:Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%, Netherlands, US(1990 est.)External debt:$150 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity:15,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, constructionmaterials, food and beverage productionAgriculture:accounts for 16% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; bananas are the onlyexport crop; other crops - corn, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee; growthpotential of agricultural sector limited by poor soils and limited rainfall;annual food imports required; fish catch provides for both domesticconsumption and small exportsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-89), $88 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $537 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $36millionCurrency:Cape Verdean escudo (plural - escudos); 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100centavos
:Cape Verde Economy
Exchange rates:Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 71.28 (March 1992), 71.41 (1991),64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988), 72.5 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Cape Verde Communications
Ports:Mindelo, PraiaMerchant marine:7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWTCivil air:3 major transport aircraftAirports:6 total, 6 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:interisland radio relay system, high-frequency radio to Senegal andGuinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 1 TV;2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Cape Verde Defense Forces
Branches:People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) - Army and Navy are separatecomponents of FARP; Security ServiceManpower availability:males 15-49, 72,916; 43,010 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Cayman Islands Geography
Total area:260 km2Land area:260 km2Comparative area:slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:160 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relativelydry winters (November to April)Terrain:low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefsNatural resources:fish, climate and beaches that foster tourismLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 8%; forest andwoodland 23%; other 69%Environment:within the Caribbean hurricane beltNote:important location between Cuba and Central America
:Cayman Islands People
Population:29,139 (July 1992), growth rate 4.4% (1992)Birth rate:16 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:33 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:75 years male, 79 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:1.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Caymanian(s); adjective - CaymanianEthnic divisions:40% mixed, 20% white, 20% black, 20% expatriates of various ethnic groupsReligions:United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, RomanCatholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominationsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school(1970)Labor force:8,061; service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, financeand investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)Organized labor:Global Seaman's Union; Cayman All Trade Union
:Cayman Islands Government
Long-form name:noneType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:George TownAdministrative divisions:8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, WestEnd, WesternIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:1959, revised 1972Legal system:British common law and local statutesNational holiday:Constitution Day (first Monday in July)Executive branch:British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative AssemblyJudicial branch:Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor MichaelGORE (since May 1992)Head of Government:Governor and President of the Executive Council Alan James SCOTT (since NA1987)Political parties and leaders:no formal political partiesSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Legislative Assembly:last held November 1988 (next to be held November 1992); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)Member of:CARICOM (observer), CDB, IOCDiplomatic representation:as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US arerepresented by the UKUS:noneFlag:blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theCaymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of theflag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield withthree stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottombearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEASHE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
:Cayman Islands Economy
Overview:The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of exportearnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimedat the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America.About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported.The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $384 million, per capita $14,500 (1989); realgrowth rate 8% (1990)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $83.6 million; expenditures $98.9 million, including capitalexpenditures of $13.6 million (1990)Exports:$1.5 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.)commodities:turtle products, manufactured consumer goodspartners:mostly USImports:$136 million (c.i.f., 1987 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, manufactured goodspartners:US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, JapanExternal debt:$15 million (1986)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:74,000 kW capacity; 256 million kWh produced, 9,313 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials,furniture makingAgriculture:minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farmingEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35 millionCurrency:Caymanian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 1.20 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
:Cayman Islands Communications
Highways:160 km of main roadsPorts:George Town, Cayman BracMerchant marine:32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 364,174 GRT/560,241 DWT; includes 1passenger-cargo, 7 cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 6 petroleum tanker, 1chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 5 bulk, 2combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registryCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:3 total; 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and accessinternational services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV
:Cayman Islands Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)Note:defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Central African Republic Geography
Total area:622,980 km2Land area:622,980 km2Comparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:5,203 km; Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km,Zaire 1,577 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summersTerrain:vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast andsouthwestNatural resources:diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oilLand use:arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest andwoodland 64%; other 28%Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; poaching hasdiminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertificationNote:landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa
:Central African Republic People
Population:3,029,080 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992)Birth rate:43 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:18 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:135 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:46 years male, 49 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Central African(s); adjective - Central AfricanEthnic divisions:about 80 ethnic groups, the majority of which have related ethnic andlinguistic characteristics; Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%,Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%; 6,500 Europeans, of whom 3,600 are FrenchReligions:indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%,other 11%; animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the ChristianmajorityLanguages:French (official); Sangho (lingua franca and national language); Arabic,Hunsa, SwahiliLiteracy:27% (male 33%, female 15%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:775,413 (1986 est.); agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%,government 3%; about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of workingage (1985)Organized labor:1% of labor force
:Central African Republic Government
Long-form name:Central African Republic (no short-form name); abbreviated CARType:republic, one-party presidential regime since 1986Capital:BanguiAdministrative divisions:14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures*(prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto,Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere,Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, VakagaIndependence:13 August 1960 (from France; formerly Central African Empire)Constitution:21 November 1986Legal system:based on French lawNational holiday:National Day (proclamation of the republic), 1 December (1958)Executive branch:president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) advised by the Economicand Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sittogether this is known as the Congress (Congres)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State::President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981)Head of Government::Prime Minister Edouard FRANCK (since 15 March 1991)Political parties and leaders:Centrafrican Democratic Rally Party (RDC), Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA; note -as part of political reforms leading to a democratic system announced inApril 1991, 18 opposition parties have been legalizedSuffrage:universal at age 21Elections:National Assembly:last held 31 July 1987 (next to be held by end of 1992); results - RDC isthe only party; seats - (52 total) RDC 52President:last held 21 November 1986 (next to be held by end of 1992); results -President KOLINGBA was reelected without oppositionCommunists:small number of Communist sympathizersMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Jean-Pierre SOHAHONG-KOMBET; Chancery at 1618 22nd Street NW,Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-7800 or 7801US:Ambassador Daniel H. SIMPSON; Embassy at Avenue du President David Dacko,Bangui (mailing address is B. P. 924, Bangui); telephone 61-02-00, 61-25-78,or 61-43-33; FAX [190] (236) 61-44-94
:Central African Republic Government
Flag:four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with avertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on thehoist side of the blue band
:Central African Republic Economy
Overview:Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the CAReconomy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agriculturalproducts accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industryfor 30%. The country's 1991 budget deficit was US $70 million and in 1992 isexpected to be about the same. Important constraints to economic developmentinclude the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, and aweak human resource base. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance,particularly from France, plays a major role in providing capital for newinvestment.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, per capita $440; real growth rate -3.0% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-3.0% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:30% in Bangui (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $121 million; expenditures $193 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA million (1991 est.)Exports:$151.3 million (1990 est.)commodities:diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobaccopartners:France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, USImports:$214.5 million (1990 est.)commodities:food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motorvehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial productspartners:France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria, YugoslaviaExternal debt:$700 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:0.8% (1988); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity:40,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly ofbicycles and motorcyclesAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except forgrain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops -manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananasEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $38millionCurrency: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)