:Central African Republic Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Central African Republic Communications
Highways:22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000unimproved earthInland waterways:800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts;Oubangui is the most important riverCivil air:2 major transport aircraftAirports:66 total, 52 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, withlow-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; broadcast stations -1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Central African Republic Defense Forces
Branches:Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, NationalGendarmerie, Police ForceManpower availability:males 15-49, 677,889; 354,489 fit for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Chad Geography
Total area:1,284,000 km2Land area:1,259,200 km2Comparative area:slightly more than three times the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries:5,968 km; Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedDisputes:Libya claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in the far north;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 NigeriaClimate:tropical in south, desert in northTerrain:broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest,lowlands in southNatural resources:crude oil (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin,fish (Lake Chad)Land use:arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 36%; forest andwoodland 11%; other 51%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; drought and desertificationadversely affecting south; subject to plagues of locustsNote:landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel
:Chad People
Population:5,238,908 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992)Birth rate:42 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:21 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:136 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:39 years male, 41 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:5.3 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Chadian(s); adjective - ChadianEthnic divisions:some 200 distinct ethnic groups, most of whom are Muslims (Arabs, Toubou,Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba) inthe north and center and non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye,Moundang, Moussei, Massa) in the south; some 150,000 nonindigenous, of whom1,000 are FrenchReligions:Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23%Languages:French and Arabic (official); Sara and Sango in south; more than 100different languages and dialects are spokenLiteracy:30% (male 42%, female 18%) age 15 and over can read and write French orArabic (1990 est.)Labor force:NA; agriculture (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, andfishing) 85%Organized labor:about 20% of wage labor force
:Chad Government
Long-form name:Republic of ChadType:republicCapital:N'DjamenaAdministrative divisions:14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine,Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental,Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, TandjileIndependence:11 August 1960 (from France)Constitution:22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1March 1991Legal system:based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:11 AugustExecutive branch:president, Council of State (cabinet)Legislative branch:the National Consultative Council (Conseil National Consultatif) wasdisbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of theRepublic; 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991Judicial branch:Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:Col. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990)Head of Government:Prime Minister Jean ALINGUE Bawoyeu (since 8 March 1991)Political parties and leaders:Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY,chairman; President DEBY has promised political pluralism, a newconstitution, and free elections by September 1993; numerous dissidentgroups; national conference to be held in 1992Suffrage:universal at age NAElections:National Consultative Council:last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990President:last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - President HisseinHABRE was elected without opposition; note - the government of thenPresident HABRE fell on 1 December 1990, and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3December 1990; national conference scheduled for mid-1992 and election tofollow in 1993Communists:no front organizations or underground party; probably a few Communists andsome sympathizersOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
:Chad Government
Diplomatic representation:Ambassador ACHEIKH ibn Oumar; Chancery at 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC20009; telephone (202) 462-4009US:Ambassador Richard W. BOGOSIAN; Embassy at Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena(mailing address is B. P. 413, N'Djamena); telephone [235] (51) 62-18,40-09, or 51-62-11; FAX [235] 51-33-72Flag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar tothe flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has anational coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellowband; design was based on the flag of France
:Chad Economy
Overview:The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and naturalresources potential make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries inthe world. Its economy is burdened by the ravages of civil war, conflictwith Libya, drought, and food shortages. In 1986 real GDP returned to its1977 level, with cotton, the major cash crop, accounting for 48% of exports.Over 80% of the work force is employed in subsistence farming and fishing.Industry is based almost entirely on the processing of agriculturalproducts, including cotton, sugarcane, and cattle. Chad is highly dependenton foreign aid, with its economy in trouble and many regions suffering fromshortages. Oil companies are exploring areas north of Lake Chad and in theDoba basin in the south. Since coming to power in December 1990, the Debygovernment has experienced a year of economic chaos.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $1.0 billion, per capita $205; real growth rate0.9% (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):—4.9% (1989)Unemployment rate:NABudget:entirely funded by outside donorsExports:$174 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fishpartners:France, Nigeria, CameroonImports:$264 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleumproducts 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note - excludes military equipmentpartners:US, France, Nigeria, CameroonExternal debt:$530 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDPElectricity:40,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate),soap, cigarettesAgriculture:accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton mostimportant cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice,potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficientin food in years of adequate rainfallEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80millionCurrency:Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF)= 100 centimes
:Chad Economy
Exchange 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
:Chad Communications
Highways:31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainderunimproved earthInland waterways:2,000 km navigableCivil air:3 major transport aircraftAirports:71 total, 55 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 25 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; broadcaststations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative;1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Chad Defense Forces
Branches:Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), National Police,Republican GuardManpower availability:males 15-49, 1,217,728; 632,833 fit for military service; 50,966 reachmilitary age (20) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $39 million, 4.3% of GDP (1988)
:Chile Geography
Total area:756,950 km2Land area:748,800 km2; includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y GomezComparative area:slightly smaller than twice the size of MontanaLand boundaries:6,171 km; Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 kmCoastline:6,435 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:24 nmContinental shelf:200 nmExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Boliviahas wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacamaarea was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca waterrights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory)partially overlaps Argentine claimClimate:temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in southTerrain:low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in eastNatural resources:copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenumLand use:arable land 7%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 16%; forest andwoodland 21%; other 56%; includes irrigated 2%Environment:subject to severe earthquakes, active volcanism, tsunami; Atacama Desert oneof world's driest regions; desertificationNote:strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)
:Chile People
Population:13,528,945 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992)Birth rate:21 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:6 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:71 years male, 77 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.5 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Chilean(s); adjective - ChileanEthnic divisions:European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2%Religions:Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, and small Jewish populationLanguages:SpanishLiteracy:93% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:4,728,000; services 38.3% (includes government 12%); industry and commerce33.8%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%; mining 2.3%; construction6.4% (1990)Organized labor:13% of labor force (1990)
:Chile Government
Long-form name:Republic of ChileType:republicCapital:SantiagoAdministrative divisions:13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanezdel Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, LibertadorGeneral Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena,Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso; note - the US does notrecognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence:18 September 1810 (from Spain)Constitution:11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989Legal system:based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codesinfluenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative actsin the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 18 September (1810)Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of an upper houseor Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Camara deDiputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Patricio AYLWIN Azocar (since 11 March 1990)Political parties and leaders:Concertation of Parties for Democracy now consists mainly of five parties -Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle; Party forDemocracy (PPD), Erich SCHNAKE; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ Marquez;Social Democratic Party (PSP), Roberto MUNOZ Barros; Socialist Party (PS),Ricardo NUNEZ; National Renovation (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; IndependentDemocratic Union (UDI), Julio DITTBORN; Center-Center Union (UCC), FranciscoJuner ERRAZURIZA; Communist Party of Chile (PCCh), Volodia TEITELBOIM;Movement of Revolutionary Left (MIR) is splintered, no single leaderSuffrage:universal and compulsory at age 18Elections:Chamber of Deputies:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) Concertation ofParties for Democracy 72 (PDC 38, PPD 17, PR 5, other 12), RN 29, UDI 11,right-wing independents 8President:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994);results - Patricio AYLWIN (PDC) 55.2%, Hernan BUCHI 29.4%, other 15.4%Senate:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993 or January 1994);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected)Concertation of Parties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD1), RN 6, UDI 2, independents 8
:Chile Government
Communists:The PCCh has legal party status and has less than 60,000 membersOther political or pressure groups:revitalized university student federations at all major universitiesdominated by opposition political groups; labor - United Labor Central (CUT)includes trade unionists from the country's five largest laborconfederations; Roman Catholic ChurchMember of:CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP,UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTV, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Patricio SILVA Echenique; Chancery at 1732 Massachusetts AvenueNW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 785-1746; there are ChileanConsulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia,and San FranciscoUS:Ambassador Curtis KAMMAN; Embassy at Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas,Santiago (mailing address is APO AA 34033); telephone [56] (2) 671-0133; FAX[56] (2) 699-1141Flag:two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue squarethe same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band;the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was basedon the US flag
:Chile Economy
Overview:The government of President Aylwin, which took power in 1990, has opted toretain the orthodox economic policies of Pinochet, although the share ofspending for social welfare has risen slightly. In 1991 growth in GDPrecovered to 5.5% (led by consumer spending) after only 2.1% growth in 1990.The tight monetary policy of 1990 helped cut the rate of inflation from27.3% in 1990 to 18.7% in 1991. Despite a 12% drop in copper prices, thetrade surplus rose in 1991, and international reserves increased.Inflationary pressures are not expected to ease much in 1992, and economicgrowth is likely to approach 7%.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $30.5 billion, per capita $2,300; real growthrate 5.5% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):18.7% (1991)Unemployment rate:6.5% (1991)Budget:revenues $7.6 billion; expenditures $8.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $772 million (1991 est.)Exports:$8.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:copper 50%, other metals and minerals 7%, wood products 6.5%, fish andfishmeal 9%, fruits 5% (1989)partners:EC 36%, US 18%, Japan 14%, Brazil 6% (1989)Imports:$7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum, wheat, capital goods, spare parts, raw materialspartners:EC 20%, US 20%, Japan 11%, Brazil 10% (1989)External debt:$16.2 billion (October 1991)Industrial production:growth rate 5.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 36% of GDPElectricity:5,502,800 kW capacity; 21,470 million kWh produced, 1,616 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, woodand wood products, transport equipment, cement, textilesAgriculture:accounts for about 9% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); majorexporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat, corn,grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products -beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1989 fish catch of 6.1million metric tons; net agricultural importerEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $386 millionCurrency:Chilean peso (plural - pesos); 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 368.66 (January 1992), 349.37 (1991), 305.06(1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988), 219.54 (1987)
:Chile Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Chile Communications
Railroads:7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; electrification, 1,865 km 1.676-metergauge, 80 km 1.000-meter gaugeHighways:79,025 km total; 9,913 km paved, 33,140 km gravel, 35,972 km improved andunimproved earth (1984)Inland waterways:725 kmPipelines:crude oil 755 km; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 kmPorts:Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio,Talcahuano, AricaMerchant marine:33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 468,873 GRT/780,932 DWT; includes 11cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 1chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 3 combination ore/oil, 9 bulk; note - inaddition, 2 naval tanker and 2 military transport are sometimes usedcommerciallyCivil air:29 major transport aircraftAirports:390 total, 349 usable; 48 with permanent-surface runways; none with runwaysover 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 58 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:modern telephone system based on extensive microwave relay facilities;768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3domestic
:Chile Defense Forces
Branches:Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, andMarines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police),Investigative PoliceManpower availability:males 15-49, 3,600,654; 2,685,924 fit for military service; 118,480 reachmilitary age (19) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.)
:China Geography
Total area:9,596,960 km2Land area:9,326,410 km2Comparative area:slightly larger than the USLand boundaries:22,143.34 km; Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong Kong 30km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal 1,236 km,Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km,Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 kmCoastline:14,500 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow SeaTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolvedisputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with Tajikistanunder dispute: a short section of the boundary with North Korea isindefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands withMalaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritimeboundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islandsoccupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claimsJapanese-administered Senkaku-shoto, as does Taiwan, (Senkaku Islands/DiaoyuTai)Climate:extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in northTerrain:mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hillsin eastNatural resources:coal, iron ore, crude oil, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese,molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, world'slargest hydropower potentialLand use:arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 31%; forest andwoodland 14%; other 45%; includes irrigated 5%Environment:frequent typhoons (about five times per year along southern and easterncoasts), damaging floods, tsunamis, earthquakes; deforestation; soilerosion; industrial pollution; water pollution; air pollution;desertificationNote:world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada)
:China People
Population:1,169,619,601 (July 1992), growth rate 1.6% (1992)Birth rate:22 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:7 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:32 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:69 years male, 72 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.3 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Chinese (singular and plural); adjective - ChineseEthnic divisions:Han Chinese 93.3%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol,Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 6.7%Religions:officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic; most importantelements of religion are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; Muslim 2-3%,Christian 1% (est.)Languages:Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect);also Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan(Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages (seeethnic divisions)Literacy:73% (male 84%, female 62%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:567,400,000; agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%,construction and mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 est.)Organized labor:All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) follows the leadership of theChinese Communist Party; membership over 80 million or about 65% of theurban work force (1985)
:China Government
Long-form name:People's Republic of China; abbreviated PRCType:Communist Party - led stateCapital:BeijingAdministrative divisions:23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu,singular and plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural);Anhui, Beijing Shi**, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan,Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning,Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi,Sichuan, Tianjin Shi**, Xinjiang*, Xizang*, Yunnan, Zhejiang; note - Chinaconsiders Taiwan its 23rd provinceIndependence:unification under the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty 221 BC, Qing (Ch'ing) Dynastyreplaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912, People's Republic established1 October 1949Constitution:most recent promulgated 4 December 1982Legal system:a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentarycivil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil,administrative, criminal, and commercial lawNational holiday:National Day, 1 October (1949)Executive branch:president, vice president, premier, five vice premiers, State CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral National People's Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui)Judicial branch:Supreme People's CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President YANG Shangkun (since 8 April 1988); Vice President WANG Zhen(since 8 April 1988)Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto):DENG Xiaoping (since mid-1977)Head of Government:Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since 9April 1988); Vice Premier YAO Yilin (since 2 July 1979); Vice Premier TIANJiyun (since 20 June 1983); Vice Premier WU Xueqian (since 12 April 1988);Vice Premier ZOU Jiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since8 April 1991)Political parties and leaders:- Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of theCentral Committee (since 24 June 1989); also, eight registered small partiescontrolled by CCPSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:National People's Congress:last held March 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results - CCP is the onlyparty but there are also independents; seats - (2,976 total) CCP andindependents 2,976 (indirectly elected at county or xian level)President:last held 8 April 1988 (next to be held March 1993); results - YANG Shangkunwas nominally elected by the Seventh National People's Congress
:China Government
Communists:49,000,000 party members (1990 est.)Other political or pressure groups:such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions, usuallywithin the party and government organization, that vary by issueMember of:AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UN Security Council, UNTSO, UN TrusteeshipCouncil, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador ZHU Qizhen; Chancery at 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington,DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2500 through 2502; there are ChineseConsulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and SanFranciscoUS:Ambassador J. Stapleton ROY; Embassy at Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing (mailingaddress is 100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002); telephone[86] (1) 532-3831; FAX [86] (1) 532-3178; there are US Consulates General inChengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and ShenyangFlag:red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellowfive-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of theflag) in the upper hoist-side corner
:China Economy
Overview:Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move theeconomy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a moreproductive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within theframework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities haveswitched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place ofthe old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials andplant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scaleenterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreigneconomic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifyingresult has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture inthe early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastalareas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment andmodern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic andexport goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On thedarker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system theworst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and ofcapitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus hasperiodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals andthereby lessening the credibility of the reform process. In 1991 output rosesubstantially, particularly in the favored coastal areas. Popularresistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadreshave weakened China's population control program, which is essential to thenation's long-term economic viability.GNP:$NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate 6% (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.1% (1991)Unemployment rate:4.0% in urban areas (1991)Budget:deficit $9.5 billion (1990)Exports:$71.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum,mineralspartners:Hong Kong, Japan, US, USSR, Singapore (1990)Imports:$63.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel,textile yarn, fertilizerpartners:Hong Kong, Japan, US, Germany, Taiwan (1990)External debt:$51 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 14.0% (1991); accounts for 45% of GNPElectricity:138,000,000 kW capacity (1990); 670,000 million kWh produced (1991), 582 kWhper capita (1991)Industries:iron, steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum, cement,chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing
:China Economy
Agriculture:accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice,potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial cropsinclude cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestockproducts; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 8 million metrictons in 1986Illicit drugs:transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden TriangleEconomic aid:donor - to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments,including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODAand OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billionCurrency:yuan (plural - yuan); 1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiaoExchange rates:yuan (Y) per US$1 - 5.4481 (January 1992), 5.3234 (1991), 4.7832 (1990),3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988), 3.7221 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:China Communications
Railroads:total about 54,000 km common carrier lines; 53,400 km 1.435-meter standardgauge; 600 km 1.000-meter gauge; of these 11,200 km are double trackstandard-gauge lines; 6,900 km electrified (1990); 10,000 km dedicatedindustrial lines (gauges range from 0.762 to 1.067 meters)Highways:about 1,029,000 km (1990) all types roads; 170,000 km (est.) paved roads,648,000 km (est.) gravel/improved earth roads, 211,000 km (est.) unimprovedearth roads and tracksInland waterways:138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 9,700 km (1990); petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 kmPorts:Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang,Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, ShantouMerchant marine:1,454 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 13,887,312 GRT/20,916,127 DWT;includes 25 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 18 passenger-cargo, 6cargo/training, 801 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 77 container, 19roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction/barge carrier, 177 petroleum tanker,10 chemical tanker, 254 bulk, 3 liquefied gas, 1 vehicle carrier, 9combination bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - China beneficially owns anadditional 194 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 7,077,089DWT that operate under Panamanian, British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian,Vanuatu, Cyprus, and Saint Vincent registryCivil air:284 major transport aircraft (1988 est.)Airports:330 total, 330 usable; 260 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 10with runways over 3,500 m; 90 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 200 with runways1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:domestic and international services are increasingly available for privateuse; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal cities,industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones (December1989); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 repeaters) TV;more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earthstations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT,and 55 domestic
:China Defense Forces
Branches:People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air Force,People's Armed PoliceManpower availability:males 15-49, 339,554,712; 188,995,620 fit for military service; 11,691,967reach military age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $12-15 billion, NA of GNP (1991 est.)
:Christmas Island Geography
Total area:135 km2Land area:135 km2Comparative area:about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:138.9 kmMaritime claims:Contiguous zone:12 nmExclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade windsTerrain:steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateauNatural resources:phosphateLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 100%Environment:almost completely surrounded by a reefNote:located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean
:Christmas Island People
Population:929 (July 1992), growth rate NA% (1992)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:NA deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NA migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:NA years male, NA years female (1992)Total fertility rate:NA children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Christmas Islander(s); adjective - Christmas IslandEthnic divisions:Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%; no indigenous populationReligions:Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Churchof England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%,Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981)Languages:EnglishLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NA; all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of ChristmasIsland, Ltd.Organized labor:NA
:Christmas Island Government
Long-form name:Territory of Christmas IslandType:territory of AustraliaCapital:The SettlementAdministrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Independence:none (territory of Australia)Constitution:Christmas Island Act of 1958Legal system:under the authority of the governor general of AustraliaNational holiday:NAExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, AdvisoryCouncil (cabinet)Legislative branch:noneJudicial branch:noneLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Administrator W. A. MCKENZIE (since NA)Member of:noneDiplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)Flag:the flag of Australia is used
:Christmas Island Economy
Overview:Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but inDecember 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longereconomically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and alsoto build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening dateduring the first half of 1992.GDP:NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA%Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:phosphatepartners:Australia, NZImports:$NAcommodities:NApartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:11,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 13,170 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:phosphate extraction (near depletion)Agriculture:NAEconomic aid:noneCurrency:Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991),1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
:Christmas Island Communications
Ports:Flying Fish CoveAirports:1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:4,000 radios (1982)
:Christmas Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
:Clipperton Island Geography
Total area:7 km2Land area:7 km2Comparative area:about 12 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:11.1 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claimed by MexicoClimate:tropicalTerrain:coral atollNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other (coral) 100%Environment:reef about 8 km in circumferenceNote:located 1,120 km southwest of Mexico in the North Pacific Ocean; also calledIle de la Passion
:Clipperton Island People
Population: uninhabited
:Clipperton Island Government
Long-form name:noneType:French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by HighCommissioner of the Republic Jean MONTPEZATCapital:none; administered by France from French Polynesia
:Clipperton Island Economy
Overview:The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station.
:Clipperton Island Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
:Clipperton Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Cocos Islands Geography
Total area:14 km2Land area:14 km2; main islands are West Island and Home IslandComparative area:about 24 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:2.6 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive fishing zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:3 nmDisputes:noneClimate:pleasant, modified by the southeasttrade wind for about nine months of theyear; moderate rain fallTerrain:flat, low-lying coral atollsNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest andwoodland 0%; other 100%Environment:two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetationNote:located 1,070 km southwest of Sumatra (Indonesia) in the Indian Ocean abouthalfway between Australia and Sri Lanka
:Cocos Islands People
Population:597 (July 1992), growth rate - 0.5% (1992)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:NA deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NA migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:NA years male, NA years female (1992)Total fertility rate:NA children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Cocos Islander(s); adjective - Cocos IslanderEthnic divisions:mostly Europeans on West Island and Cocos Malays on Home IslandReligions:almost all Sunni MuslimsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:NA% (male NA%, female NA%)Labor force:NAOrganized labor:none
:Cocos Islands Government
Long-form name:Territory of Cocos (Keeling) IslandsType:territory of AustraliaCapital:West IslandAdministrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Independence:none (territory of Australia)Constitution:Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955Legal system:based upon the laws of Australia and local lawsNational holiday:NAExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, chairman ofthe Islands CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral Islands CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA); Chairman of the Islands Council HajiWahin bin BYNIE (since NA)Suffrage:NAElections:NAMember of:noneDiplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)Flag:the flag of Australia is used
:Cocos Islands Economy
Overview:Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra andfresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishingcontribute to the food supply, but additional food and most othernecessities must be imported from Australia.GDP:$NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA%Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:coprapartners:AustraliaImports:$NAcommodities:foodstuffspartners:AustraliaExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:copra productsAgriculture:gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconutsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3360 (January 1992), 1.2836 (1991),1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
:Cocos Islands Communications
Ports:none; lagoon anchorage onlyAirports:1 airfield with permanent-surface runway, 1,220-2,439 m; airport on WestIsland is a link in service between Australia and South AfricaTelecommunications:250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile communicationsvia satellite with Australia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
:Cocos Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
:Colombia Geography
Total area:1,138,910 km2Land area:1,038,700 km2; includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, andSerranilla BankComparative area:slightly less than three times the size of MontanaLand boundaries:7,408 km; Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900,Venezuela 2,050 kmCoastline:3,208 km; Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 kmMaritime claims:Continental shelf:not specifiedExclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres yProvidencia and Quita Sueno BankClimate:tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlandsTerrain:flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes mountains, easternlowland plainsNatural resources:crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeraldsLand use:arable land 4%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 29%; forest andwoodland 49%; other 16%; includes irrigated NEGL%Environment:highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; deforestation; soil damage fromoveruse of pesticides; periodic droughtsNote:only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean andCaribbean Sea
:Colombia People
Population:34,296,941 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992)Birth rate:24 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:5 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:31 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:69 years male, 74 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:2.6 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Colombian(s); adjective - ColombianEthnic divisions:mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian1%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%Languages:SpanishLiteracy:87% (male 88%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)Labor force:12,000,000 (1990); services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)Organized labor:984,000 members (1989), about 8.2% of labor force; the Communist-backedUnitary Workers Central or CUT is the largest labor organization, with about725,000 members (including all affiliate unions)
:Colombia Government
Long-form name:Republic of ColombiaType:republic; executive branch dominates government structureCapital:BogotaAdministrative divisions:23 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 5 commissariats*(comisarias, singular - comisaria), and 4 intendancies** (intendencias,singular - intendencia); Amazonas*, Antioquia, Arauca**, Atlantico, Bolivar,Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare**, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba,Cundinamarca, Guainia*, Guaviare*, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta,Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo**, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres yProvidencia**, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes*, Vichada*;note - there may be a new special district (distrito especial) named Bogota;the Constitution of 5 July 1991 states that the commissariats andintendancies are to become full departments and a capital district (distritocapital) of Santa Fe de Bogota is to be established by 1997Independence:20 July 1810 (from Spain)Constitution:5 July 1991Legal system:based on Spanish law; judicial review of legislative acts in the SupremeCourt; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsNational holiday:Independence Day, 20 July (1810)Executive branch:president, presidential designate, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of a nationally elected upper chamberor Senate (Senado) and a nationally elected lower chamber or House ofRepresentatives (Camara de Representantes)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990)Political parties and leaders:Liberal Party (PL), Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo, president; Social ConservativeParty (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN),Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is headed by 19thof April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of smallleftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union(UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces ofColombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMEROSuffrage:universal at age 18Elections:President:last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIATrujillo (Liberal) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement)24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative) 12%Senate:last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal 58, Conservative 22, AD/M-199, MSN 5, UP 1, others 7
:Colombia Government
House of Representatives:last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal 87, Conservative 31, AD/M-1913, MSN 10, UP 3, other 17Communists:18,000 members (est.), including Communist Party Youth Organization (JUCO)Other political or pressure groups:three insurgent groups are active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forcesof Colombia (FARC), led by Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; NationalLiberation Army (ELN), led by Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recentlydemobilized People's Liberation Army (EPL) led by Francisco CARABALLOMember of:AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Jaime GARCIA Parra; Chancery at 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington,DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-8338; there are Colombian Consulates Generalin Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and SanJuan (Puerto Rico), and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles,and TampaUS:Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY; Embassy at Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota (mailingaddress is P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038); telephone [57] (1)285-1300 or 1688; FAX [571] 288-5687; there is a US Consulate inBarranquillaFlag:three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similarto the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat ofarms superimposed in the center
:Colombia Economy
Overview:Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth ratesremain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies havekept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapiddevelopment of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries over the pastfour years has helped to offset the decline in coffee prices - Colombia'smajor export. The collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in thesummer of 1989, a troublesome rural insurgency, and drug-related violencehave dampened growth, but significant economic reforms are likely tofacilitate a resurgent economy in the medium term. These reforms center onfiscal restraint, trade liberalization, and privatization of state utilitiesand commercial banks.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $45 billion, per capita $1,300; real growth rate3.7% (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):26.8% (1991)Unemployment rate:10.5% (1991)Budget:revenues $4.39 billion; current expenditures $3.93 billion, capitalexpenditures $1.03 billion (1989 est.)Exports:$7.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum (19%), coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowerspartners:US 40%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3%Imports:$6.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:industrial equipment, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, paperproductspartners:US 36%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3%External debt:$17.0 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 1% (1991 est.); accounts for 21% of GDPElectricity:9,624,000 kW capacity; 38,856 million kWh produced, 1,150 kWh per capita(1991)Industries:textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals,metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver,saltAgriculture:growth rate 3% (1991 est.) accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirdsand livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit awide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoabeans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becomingmore importantIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis, coca, and opium; about 37,500 hectares of cocaunder cultivation; major supplier of cocaine to the US and otherinternational drug markets
:Colombia Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3 billion,Communist countries (1970-89), $399 millionCurrency:Colombian peso (plural - pesos); 1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 711.88 (January 1992), 633.08 (1991),550.00 (1990), 435.00 (1989), 336.00 (1988), 242.61 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
:Colombia Communications
Railroads:3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km1. 435-meter gaugeHighways:75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfacesInland waterways:14,300 km, navigable by river boatsPipelines:crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; naturalgas liquids 125 kmPorts:Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta,TumacoMerchant marine:31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 289,794 GRT/443,369 DWT; includes 9cargo, 1 chemical tanker, 3 petroleum tanker, 8 bulk, 10 container; note -in addition, 2 naval tankers are sometimes used commerciallyCivil air:83 major transport aircraftAirports:1,167 total, 1,023 usable; 70 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runwaysover 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 191 with runways 1,220-2,439 mTelecommunications:nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast stations -413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stationsand 11 domestic satellite earth stations
:Colombia Defense Forces
Branches:Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines), AirForce (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia), National Police (Policia Nacional)Manpower availability:males 15-49, 9,214,691; 6,240,601 fit for military service; 353,691 reachmilitary age (18) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $624 million, 1.4% of GDP (1991)
:Comoros Geography
Total area:2,170 km2Land area:2,170 km2Comparative area:slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:noneCoastline:340 kmMaritime claims:Exclusive economic zone:200 nmTerritorial sea:12 nmDisputes:claims French-administered MayotteClimate:tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)Terrain:volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hillsNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land 35%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest andwoodland 16%; other 34%Environment:soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; cyclones possible during rainyseasonNote:important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
:Comoros People
Population:493,853 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992)Birth rate:47 births/1,000 population (1992)Death rate:12 deaths/1,000 population (1992)Net migration rate:0 migrants/1,000 population (1992)Infant mortality rate:84 deaths/1,000 live births (1992)Life expectancy at birth:55 years male, 59 years female (1992)Total fertility rate:6.9 children born/woman (1992)Nationality:noun - Comoran(s); adjective - ComoranEthnic divisions:Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, SakalavaReligions:Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14%Languages:official languages are Arabic and French but majority of population speakComoran, a blend of Swahili and ArabicLiteracy:48% (male 56%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980)Labor force:140,000 (1982); agriculture 80%, government 3%; 51% of population of workingage (1985)Organized labor:NA
:Comoros Government
Long-form name:Federal Islamic Republic of the ComorosType:independent republicCapital:MoroniAdministrative divisions:three islands; Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mwali, formerly Grand Comore, Anjouan,and Moheli respectively; note - there are also four municipalities namedDomoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and MutsamuduIndependence:31 December 1975 (from France)Constitution:1 October 1978, amended October 1982 and January 1985Legal system:French and Muslim law in a new consolidated codeNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1975)Executive branch:president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); coordinator of NationalUnity Government (de facto prime minister) - Mohamed Taki ABDULKARIM (1January 1992)Suffrage:universal at age 18Elections:Federal Assembly:last held 22 March 1987 (next to be held March 1992); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (42 total) Udzima 42President:last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said MohamedDJOHAR (Udzima) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF,ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation:Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMIN; Chancery (temporary) at the Comoran PermanentMission to the UN, 336 East 45th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017;telephone (212) 972-8010US:Ambassador Kenneth N. PELTIER; Embassy at address NA, Moroni (mailingaddress B. P. 1318, Moroni); telephone 73-22-03, 73-29-22Flag:green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the crescentpoints to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are four whitefive-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; thecrescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the fourstars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja,Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a territorial collectivity of France, butclaimed by the Comoros)
:Comoros Economy
Overview:One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islandsthat have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasingpopulation, and few natural resources. The low educational level of thelabor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, highunemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technicalassistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is theleading sector of the economy. It contributes about 34% to GDP, employs 80%of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is notself-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at anannual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts forabout 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, andbalance-of-payments difficulties. Preliminary estimates for 1991 show amoderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism,and government investment outlays.GDP:exchange rate conversion - $260 million, per capita $540; real growth rate2.7% (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.0% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:over 16% (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $88 million; expenditures $92 million, including capitalexpenditures of $13 million (1990 est.)Exports:$16 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylangpartners:US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988)Imports:$41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goodspartners:Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988)External debt:$196 million (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 3.4% (1988 est.); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity:16,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials,soft drinksAgriculture:accounts for 34% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence agricultureand fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export - vanilla, cloves,perfume essences, and copra; principal food crops - coconuts, bananas,cassava; world's leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang (for perfumes)and second-largest producer of vanilla; large net food importer