*American Samoa, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territory of American Samoaconventional short form:American SamoaAbbreviation:ASDigraph:AQType:unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the USDepartment of Interior, Office of Territorial and International AffairsCapital:Pago PagoAdministrative divisions:none (territory of the US)Independence:none (territory of the US)Constitution:ratified 1966, in effect 1967Legal system:NANational holiday:Territorial Flag Day, 17 April (1900)Political parties and leaders:NASuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Governor:last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - A.P. LUTALI was elected (percent of vote NA)House of Representatives:last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -representatives popularly elected from 17 house districts; seats - (21total, 20 elected, and 1 nonvoting delegate from Swains Island)Senate:last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -senators elected by village chiefs from 12 senate districts; seats - (18total) number of seats by party NAUS House of Representatives:last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); results - EniR. F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegateExecutive branch:popularly elected governor and lieutenant governorLegislative branch:bicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) consists of an upper house or Senate(appointed by county village chiefs) and a lower house or House ofRepresentatives (elected)Judicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice PresidentAlbert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)Head of Government:Governor A. P. LUTALI (since 3 January 1993); Lieutenant Governor Tauese P.SUNIA (since 3 January 1993)
*American Samoa, Government
Member of:ESCAP (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC, SPCDiplomatic representation in US:none (territory of the US)Flag:blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side andextends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flyingtoward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols ofauthority, a staff and a war club
*American Samoa, Economy
Overview:Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoadoes 80-90% of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plantsare the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export.The tuna canneries and the government are by far the two largest employers.Other economic activities include a slowly developing tourist industry.Transfers from the US government add substantially to American Samoa'seconomic well-being.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $128 million (1991)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$2,600 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1990)Unemployment rate:12% (1991)Budget:revenues $97,000,000 (includes $43,000,000 in local revenue and $54,000,000in grant revenue); including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91)Exports:$306 million (f.o.b., 1989)commodities:canned tuna 93%partners:US 99.6%Imports:$360.3 million (c.i.f., 1989)commodities:materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery andparts 6%partners:US 62%, Japan 9%, NZ 7%, Australia 11%, Fiji 4%, other 7%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:42,000 kW capacity; 100 million kWh produced, 2,020 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign fishing vessels), meat canning,handicraftsAgriculture:bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples,papayas, dairy farmingEconomic aid:$21,042,650 in operational funds and $1,227,000 in construction funds forcapital improvement projects from the US Department of Interior (1991)Currency:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
*American Samoa, Communications
Railroads: noneHighways:350 km total; 150 km paved, 200 km unpavedPorts:Pago Pago, Ta'u, Ofu, Auasi, Aanu'u (new construction), FaleosaoAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440 to 3,659 m :1 (international airport at Tafuna)with runways 1,200 to 2,439 m:0note:small airstrips on Fituita and OfuTelecommunications:8,399 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; good telex,telegraph, and facsimile services; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station, 1COMSAT earth station
*American Samoa, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
*Andorra, Geography
Location:Western Europe, between France and SpainMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:450 km2land area:450 km2comparative area:slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 125 km, France 60 km, Spain 65 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and cool, dry summersTerrain:rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleysNatural resources:hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, leadLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:56%forest and woodland:22%other:20%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:deforestation, overgrazingNote:landlocked
*Andorra, People
Population:61,962 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.27% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.99 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:25.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78.22 yearsmale:75.35 yearsfemale:81.34 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.73 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Andorran(s)adjective:AndorranEthnic divisions:Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3%Religions: Roman Catholic (predominant)Languages:Catalan (official), French, CastilianLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NA
*Andorra, Government
Names:conventional long form:Principality of Andorraconventional short form:Andorralocal long form:Principat d'Andorralocal short form:AndorraDigraph:ANType:parliamentary coprincipality under formal sovereignty of president of Franceand Spanish bishop of Seo de Urgel, who are represented locally by officialscalled veguers; to be changed to a parliamentary form of governmentCapital:Andorra la VellaAdministrative divisions:7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra, Canillo, Encamp, LaMassana, Les Escaldes, Ordino, Sant Julia de LoriaIndependence:1278Constitution:Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; adopted 14 March1993; to take effect within 15 daysLegal system:based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislativeacts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 SeptemberPolitical parties and leaders:political parties not yet legally recognized; traditionally no politicalparties but partisans for particular independent candidates for the GeneralCouncil on the basis of competence, personality, and orientation towardSpain or France; various small pressure groups developed in 1972; firstformal political party, Andorran Democratic Association, was formed in 1976and reorganized in 1979 as Andorran Democratic PartySuffrage:18 years of age, universalElections:General Council of the Valleys:last held 12 April 1992 (next to be held April 1996); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (28 total) number of seats by party NAExecutive branch:two co-princes (president of France, bishop of Seo de Urgel in Spain), twodesignated representatives (French veguer, Episcopal veguer), two permanentdelegates (French prefect for the department of Pyrenees-Orientales, Spanishvicar general for the Seo de Urgel diocese), president of government,Executive CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de las Valls)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Andorra at Perpignan (France) for civil cases, theEcclesiastical Court of the bishop of Seo de Urgel (Spain) for civil cases,Tribunal of the Courts (Tribunal des Cortes) for criminal cases
*Andorra, Government
Leaders:Chiefs of State:French Co-Prince Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981), represented byVeguer de Franca Jean Pierre COURTOIS (since NA); Spanish EpiscopalCo-Prince Mgr. Juan MARTI Alanis (since 31 January 1971), represented byVeguer Episcopal Francesc BADIA BataHead of Government:Executive Council President Oscar RIBAS Reig (since 10 Decmber 1989)Member of:INTERPOL, IOCDiplomatic representation in US:Andorra has no mission in the USUS diplomatic representation:Andorra is included within the Barcelona (Spain) Consular District, and theUS Consul General visits Andorra periodicallyFlag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with thenational coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms featuresa quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania that do nothave a national coat of arms in the center
*Andorra, Economy
Overview:The mainstay of Andorra's economy is tourism. An estimated 13 milliontourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by itssummer and winter resorts. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status,also contributes significantly to the economy. Agricultural production islimited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. Theprincipal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing consists mainlyof cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Although it is a member of the ECcustoms union, it is unclear what effect the European Single Market willhave on the advantages Andorra obtains from its duty-free status.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $760 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:NA% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$14,000 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:0%Budget:revenues $119.4 million; expenditures $190 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1990)Exports:$23 million (f.o.b., 1989)commodities:electricity, tobacco products, furniturepartners:France, SpainImports:$888.7 million (f.o.b., 1989)commodities:consumer goods, foodpartners:France, SpainExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:35,000 kW capacity; 140 million kWh produced, 2,570 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, bankingAgriculture:sheep raising; small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, andsome vegetablesEconomic aid:noneCurrency:the French and Spanish currencies are usedExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988); Spanish pesetas (Ptas)per US$1 - 114.59 (January 1993), 102.38 (1992), 103.91 (1991), 101.93(1990), 118.38 (1989), 116.49 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Andorra, Communications
Highways:96 kmTelecommunications:international digital microwave network; international landline circuits toFrance and Spain; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 17,700 telephones
*Andorra, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain
*Angola, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Namibia andZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,246,700 km2land area:1,246,700 km2comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries:total 5,198 km, Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zaire 2,511 km, Zambia 1,110kmCoastline:1,600 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:20 nmInternational disputes:civil war since independence on 11 November 1975; a ceasefire held from 31May 1991 until October 1992, when the insurgent National Union for the TotalIndependence of Angola refused to accept its defeat in internationallymonitored elections; fighting has since resumed across the countrysideClimate:semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (Mayto October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)Terrain:narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateauNatural resources:petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite,uraniumLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:23%forest and woodland: 43%other:32%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on plateau; desertificationNote:Cabinda is separated from rest of country by Zaire
*Angola, People
Population:9,545,235 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.67% (1993 est.)Birth rate:45.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:18.96 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:148.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:45.26 yearsmale:43.26 yearsfemale:47.35 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Angolan(s)adjective:AngolanEthnic divisions:Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico 2%, European 1%, other 22%Religions:indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.)Languages:Portuguese (official), Bantu dialectsLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:42%male:56%female:28%Labor force:2.783 million economically activeby occupation:agriculture 85%, industry 15% (1985 est.)
*Angola, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Angolaconventional short form:Angolalocal long form:Republic de Angolalocal short form:Angolaformer:People's Republic of AngolaDigraph:AOType:transitional government nominally a multiparty democracy with a strongpresidential systemCapital:LuandaAdministrative divisions:18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie,Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila,Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, ZaireIndependence:11 November 1975 (from Portugal)Constitution:11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, and 6 March 1991Legal system:based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified toaccommodate political pluralism and increased use of free marketsNational holiday:Independence Day, 11 November (1975)Political parties and leaders:Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose EDUARDODOS SANTOS, is the ruling party and has been in power since 1975; NationalUnion for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI,remains a legal party despite its returned to armed resistance to thegovernment; five minor parties have small numbers of seats in the NationalAssemblyOther political or pressure groups:Cabindan State Liberation Front (FLEC), NZZIA Tiago, leadernote:FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed struggle for theindependence of Cabinda ProvinceSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:first nationwide, multiparty elections were held in late September 1992 withdisputed results; further elections are being discussedExecutive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Tribunal da Relacrao)Leaders:Chief of State:President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS (since 21 September 1979)Head of Government:Prime Minister Marcolino Jose Carlos MOCO (since 2 December 1992)
*Angola, Government
Member of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, NAM,OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:nonerepresentation:Jose PATRICIO, Permanent Observer to the Organization of American Statesaddress:Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States, 1899 L Street,NW, 5th floor, Washington, DC 20038telephone:(202) 785-1156FAX:(202) 785-1258US diplomatic representation:director:Edmund DE JARNETTEliaison office:Rua Major Kanhangolo, Nes 132/138, Luandamailing address:CP6484, Luanda, Angola (mail international); USLO Luanda, Department ofState, Washington, D.C. 20521-2550 (pouch)telephone:[244] (2) 34-54-81FAX:[244] (2) 39-05-15note:the US maintains a liaison office in Luanda accredited to the JointPolitical Military Commission that oversees implementation of the AngolaPeace Accords; this office does not perform any commercial or consularservices; the US does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Governmentof the Republic of AngolaFlag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellowemblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by amachete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)
*Angola, Economy
Overview:Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80-90% of thepopulation, but accounts for less than 15% of GDP. Oil production is vitalto the economy, contributing about 60% to GDP. Bitter internal fightingcontinues to severely affect the nonoil economy, and food needs to beimported. For the long run, Angola has the advantage of rich naturalresources in addition to oil, notably gold, diamonds, and arable land. Torealize its economic potential Angola not only must secure domestic peacebut also must reform government policies that have led to distortions andimbalances throughout the economy.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.1 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:1.7% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$950 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1,000% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $2.1 billion; expenditures $3.6 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $963 million (1991 est.)Exports:$3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:oil, liquefied petroleum gas, diamonds, coffee, sisal, fish and fishproducts, timber, cottonpartners:US, France, Germany, Netherlands, BrazilImports:$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment), food, vehicles andspare parts, textiles and clothing, medicines; substantial militarydeliveriespartners:Portugal, Brazil, US, France, SpainExternal debt:$8 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for about 60% of GDP, including petroleum outputElectricity:510,000 kW capacity; 800 million kWh produced, 84 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:petroleum; mining diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite,uranium, and gold;, fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco;sugar; textiles; cement; basic metal productsAgriculture:cash crops - coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, sugar cane, manioc, tobacco; foodcrops - cassava, corn, vegetables, plantains, bananas; livestock productionaccounts for 20%, fishing 4%, forestry 2% of total agricultural output;disruptions caused by civil war and marketing deficiencies require foodimportsEconomic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $265 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,105 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion; net official disbursements(1985-89), $750 million
*Angola, Economy
Currency:1 kwanza (Kz) = 100 kweiExchange rates:kwanza (Kz) per US$1 -4,000 (black market rate was 17,000 on 30 April 1993)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Angola, Communications
Railroads:3,189 km total; 2,879 km 1.067-meter gauge, 310 km 0.600-meter gauge;limited trackage in use because of landmines still in place from the civilwar; majority of the Benguela Railroad also closed because of civil warHighways:73,828 km total; 8,577 km bituminous-surface treatment, 29,350 km crushedstone, gravel, or improved earth, remainder unimproved earthInland waterways:1,295 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 179 kmPorts:Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, CabindaMerchant marine:12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 66,348 GRT/102,825 DWT; includes 11cargo, 1 oil tankerAirports:total:302usable:173with permanent-surface runways:32with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:17with runways 1,220-2,439 m:57Telecommunications:limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and troposcatter routes; highfrequency radio used extensively for military links; 40,300 telephones;broadcast stations - 17 AM, 13 FM, 6 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstations
*Angola, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force/Air Defense, People's Defense Organization andTerritorial Troops, Frontier GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,204,155; fit for military service 1,109,292; reachmilitary age (18) annually 94,919 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Anguilla, Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*Anguilla, Geography
Location:in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 270 km east of Puerto RicoMap references:Central America and the CaribbeanArea:total area:91 km2land area:91 km2comparative area:about half the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:61 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; moderated by northeast trade windsTerrain:flat and low-lying island of coral and limestoneNatural resources:negligible; salt, fish, lobsterLand use:arable land:NA%permanent crops:NA%meadows and pastures:NA%forest and woodland:NA%other:NA% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial saltponds)Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:frequent hurricanes, other tropical storms (July to October)
*Anguilla, People
Population:7,006 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.64% (1993 est.)Birth rate:24.26 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.28 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:17.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.89 yearsmale:71.1 yearsfemale:76.7 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.09 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Anguillan(s)adjective:AnguillanEthnic divisions:black AfricanReligions:Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, RomanCatholic 3%, other 12%Languages:English (official)Literacy:age 12 and over can read and write (1984)total population:95%male:95%female: 95%Labor force:2,780 (1984)by occupation:NA
*Anguilla, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:AnguillaDigraph:AVType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:The ValleyAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:1 April 1982Legal system:based on English common lawNational holiday:Anguilla Day, 30 MayPolitical parties and leaders:Anguilla National Alliance (ANA), Emile GUMBS; Anguilla United Party (AUP),Hubert HUGHES; Anguilla Democratic Party (ADP), Victor BANKSSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:House of Assembly:last held 27 February 1989 (next to be held February 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) ANA 3, AUP 2, ADP1, independent 1Executive branch:British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral House of AssemblyJudicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Alan W.SHARE (since August 1992)Head of Government:Chief Minister Emile GUMBS (since NA March 1984, served previously fromFebruary 1977 to May 1980)Member of:CARICOM (observer), CDBDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:two horizontal bands of white (top, almost triple width) and light blue withthree orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design centered in thewhite band; a new flag may have been in use since 30 May 1990
*Anguilla, Economy
Overview:Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily onlobster fishing, offshore banking, tourism, and remittances from emigrants.In recent years the economy has benefited from a boom in tourism.Development plans center around the improvement of the infrastructure,particularly transport and tourist facilities, and also light industry.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $47.4 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:6.5% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$6,800 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.6% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:5% (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $13.8 million; expenditures $15.2 million, including capitalexpenditures of $2.4 million (1992 est.)Exports:$1.4 million (f.o.b., 1987)commodities:lobster and saltpartners:NAImports:$10.3 million (f.o.b., 1987)commodities:NApartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:2,000 kW capacity; 6 million kWh produced, 862 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism, boat building, saltAgriculture:pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry,fishing (including lobster)Economic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $38millionCurrency:1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:NA
*Anguilla, Communications
Highways:60 km surfacedPorts:Road Bay, Blowing PointAirports:total:3usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1 (1,000 m at Wallblake Airport)with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:modern internal telephone system; 890 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM,1 FM, no TV; radio relay microwave link to island of Saint Martin
*Anguilla, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Antarctica, Geography
Location:continent mostly south of the Antarctic CircleMap references:Antarctic RegionArea:total area:14 million km2 (est.)land area:14 million km2 (est.)comparative area:slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the USnote:second-smallest continent (after Australia)Land boundaries:none, but see entry on International disputesCoastline:17,968 kmMaritime claims:none, but see entry on International DisputesInternational disputes:Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary below);sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France(Adelie Land), New Zealand (Ross Dependency), Norway (Queen Maud Land), andUK; the US and most other nations do not recognize the territorial claims ofother nations and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia reservethe right to do so); no formal claims have been made in the sector between90 degrees west and 150 degrees west, where, because of floating ice,Antarctica is unapproachable from the seaClimate:severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from theocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higherelevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; highertemperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly belowfreezingTerrain:about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with averageelevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to 4,897meters high; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land,Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island onMcMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline,and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continentNatural resources:none presently exploited; iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinumand other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small,uncommercial quantitiesLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%)Irrigated land:0 km2
*Antarctica, Geography
Environment:mostly uninhabitable; katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward fromthe high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; acircumpolar ocean current flows clockwise along the coast as do cyclonicstorms that form over the ocean; during summer more solar radiation reachesthe surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in anequivalent period; in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield,which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, haddwindled to the lowest level ever recorded over Antarctica; active volcanismon Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismicactivity rare and weakNote:the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent
*Antarctica, People
Population:no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are seasonally staffed researchstationsSummer (January) population:over 4,115 total; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile256, China NA, Ecuador NA, Finland 11, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12,India 60, Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 264,Norway 23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116,Uruguay NA, US 1,666, former USSR 565 (1989-90)Winter (July) population:over 1,046 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, ChinaNA, France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 1, Japan 38, South Korea 14,NZ 11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, former USSR313 (1989-90)Year-round stations:42 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, Finland 1,France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, SouthAfrica 3, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, former USSR 6 (1990-91)Summer only stations:over 38 total; Argentina 7, Australia 3, Chile 5, Germany 3, India 1,Italy 1, Japan 4, NZ 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2,UK 1, US numerous, former USSR 5 (1989-90); note - the disintegration of theformer USSR has placed the status and future of its Antarctic facilities indoubt; stations may be subject to closings at any time because of ongoingeconomic difficulties
*Antarctica, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:AntarcticaDigraph:AYType:Antarctic Treaty Summary:The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica.Administration is carried out through consultative member meetings—the 17thAntarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was in Venice in November 1992.Currently, there are 41 treaty member nations: 26 consultative and 15acceding. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claimportions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 19nonclaimant nations. The US and some other nations that have made no claimshave reserved the right to do so. The US does not recognize the claims ofothers. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was votedto full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the countrywas an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are—Argentina,Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimantconsultative nations are—Belgium, Brazil (1983), China (1985), Ecuador(1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan,South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), SouthAfrica, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), the US, and Russia.Acceding (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses,are—Austria (1987), Bulgaria (1978), Canada (1988), Colombia (1988), Cuba(1984), Czechoslovakia (1962), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Guatemala(1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania(1971), Switzerland (1990), and Ukraine (1992).Article 1:area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such asweapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may beused for scientific research or any other peaceful purposeArticle 2:freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continueArticle 3:free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN andother international agenciesArticle 4:does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no newclaims shall be asserted while the treaty is in forceArticle 5:prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastesArticle 6:includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00minutes southArticle 7:treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, toany area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advancenotice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel mustbe givenArticle 8:allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own statesArticle 9:frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations
*Antarctica, Government
Article 10:treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica thatare contrary to the treatyArticle 11:disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately,by the ICJArticle 12, 13, 14:deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involvednationsOther agreements:more than 170 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings andratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for the Conservation ofAntarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation ofAntarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic MarineLiving Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988but was subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on EnvironmentalProtection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits ratification; thisagreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment throughfive specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, and flora, environmentalimpact assessments, waste management, and protected areas; it also prohibitsall activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research;four parties have ratified Protocol as of June 1993Legal system:US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, suchas murder, may apply to areas not under jurisdiction of other countries.Some US laws directly apply to Antarctica. For example, the AntarcticConservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil andcriminal penalties for the following activities, unless authorized byregulation of statute: The taking of native mammals or birds; theintroduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into speciallyprotected or scientific areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; andthe importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica. Violation ofthe Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in finesand 1 year in prison. The Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Transportation,and Interior share enforcement responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the USAntarctic Conservation Act of 1978, requires expeditions from the US toAntarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs,Room 5801, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports suchplans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty. For moreinformation contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, NationalScience Foundation, Washington, DC 20550.
*Antarctica, Economy
Overview:No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast andsmall-scale tourism, both based abroad.
*Antarctica, Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage only at most coastal stationsAirports:42 landing facilities at different locations operated by 15 nationalgovernments party to the Treaty; one additional air facility operated bycommercial (nongovernmental) tourist organization; helicopter pads at 28 ofthese locations; runways at 10 locations are gravel, sea ice, glacier ice,or compacted snow surface suitable for wheeled fixed-wing aircraft; no pavedrunways; 16 locations have snow-surface skiways limited to use byski-equipped planes—11 runways/skiways 1,000 to 3,000 m, 3 runways/skiwaysless than 1,000 m, 5 runways/skiways greater than 3,000 m, and 7 ofunspecified or variable length; airports generally subject to severerestrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographicconditions; airports do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval fromgovernments required for landing
*Antarctica, Defense Forces
Note:the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such asthe establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out ofmilitary maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the useof military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any otherpeaceful purposes
*Antigua and Barbuda, Geography
Location:in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 420 km east-southeast of Puerto RicoMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:440 km2land area:440 km2comparative area:slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes RedondaLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:153 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areasNatural resources:negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourismLand use:arable land:18% permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:7%forest and woodland:16%other:59%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); insufficientfreshwater resources; deeply indented coastline provides many naturalharbors
*Antigua and Barbuda, People
Population:64,406 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.51% (1993 est.)Birth rate:17.51 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:5.5 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-6.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:19.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.83 yearsmale:70.81 yearsfemale:74.95 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.67 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)adjective:Antiguan, BarbudanEthnic divisions:black African, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, SyrianReligions:Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman CatholicLanguages:English (official), local dialectsLiteracy:age 15 and over having completed 5 or more years of schooling (1960)total population:89%male: 90%female:88%Labor force:30,000by occupation:commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983)
*Antigua and Barbuda, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Antigua and BarbudaDigraph:ACType:parliamentary democracyCapital:Saint John'sAdministrative divisions:6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint, John, Saint Mary, SaintPaul, Saint Peter, Saint PhilipIndependence:1 November 1981 (from UK)Constitution:1 November 1981Legal system:based on English common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 1 November (1981)Political parties and leaders:Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr., Lester BIRD; UnitedProgressive Party (UPP), Baldwin SPENCEROther political or pressure groups:United Progressive Party (UPP), headed by Baldwin SPENCER, a coalition ofthree opposition political parties - the United National Democratic Party(UNDP); the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM); and theProgressive Labor Movement (PLM); Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU),headed by Noel THOMASSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:House of Representatives:last held 9 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of voteby party NA; seats - (17 total) ALP 15, UPP 1, independent 1Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralSir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS (since 1 November 1981, previously Governorsince 1976)Head of Government:Prime Minister Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr. (since NA 1976); Deputy PrimeMinister Lester BIRD (since NA)Member of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Patrick Albert LEWIS
*Antigua and Barbuda, Government
chancery:Suite 2H, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 362-5211 or 5166, 5122, 5225consulate:MiamiUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, and, inhis absence, the Embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Bryant J. SALTERembassy:Queen Elizabeth Highway, Saint John'smailing address:FPO AA 34054-0001telephone:(809) 462-3505 or 3506FAX:(809) 462-3516Flag:red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag;the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, andwhite with a yellow rising sun in the black band
*Antigua and Barbuda, Economy
Overview:The economy is primarily service oriented, with tourism the most importantdeterminant of economic performance. During the period 1987-90, real GDPexpanded at an annual average rate of about 6%. Tourism makes a directcontribution to GDP of about 13% and also affects growth in other sectors -particularly in construction, communications, and public utilities. AlthoughAntigua and Barbuda is one of the few areas in the Caribbean experiencing alabor shortage in some sectors of the economy, it has been hurt in 1991-92by a downturn in tourism caused by the Persian Gulf war and the USrecession.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $424 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:1.4% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$6,600 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):6.5% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:5% (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $105 million; expenditures $161 million, including capitalexpenditures of $56 million (1992)Exports:$32 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%,machinery and transport equipment 17%partners:OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3%Imports:$317.5 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,chemicals, oilpartners:US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50%External debt:$250 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 3% (1989 est.); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity:52,100 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 1,482 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, householdappliances)Agriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP; expanding output of cotton, fruits, vegetables, andlivestock; other crops - bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane;not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:US commitments, $10 million (1985-88); Western (non-US) countries, ODA andOOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $50 millionCurrency:1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Antigua and Barbuda, Communications
Railroads: 64 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge and 13 km 0.610-meter gauge used almostexclusively for handling sugarcaneHighways:240 kmPorts:Saint John'sMerchant marine:149 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 529,202 GRT/778,506 DWT; includes 96cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 21 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1multifunction large-load carrier, 2 oil tanker, 19 chemical tanker, 2 bulk;note - a flag of convenience registryAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:good automatic telephone system; 6,700 telephones; tropospheric scatterlinks with Saba and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV, 2shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
*Antigua and Barbuda, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda PoliceForce (including the Coast Guard)Manpower availability:NADefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, 1% of GDP (FY90/91)
*Arctic Ocean, Geography
Location:body of water mostly north of the Arctic CircleMap references:Arctic Region, Asia, North America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:14.056 million km2comparative area:slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the US; smallest of the world'sfour oceans (after Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean)note:includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East SiberianSea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, andother tributary water bodiesCoastline:45,389 kmInternational disputes:some maritime disputes (see littoral states); Svalbard is the focus of amaritime boundary dispute between Norway and RussiaClimate:polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annualtemperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold andstable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized bycontinuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain orsnowTerrain:central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averagesabout 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three timesthat size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearlystraight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to DenmarkStrait (between Greenland and Iceland); the ice pack is surrounded by openseas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter andextends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50%continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder acentral basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera,Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge); maximum depth is 4,665 meters in theFram BasinNatural resources:sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil andgas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales)Environment:endangered marine species include walruses and whales; ice islandsoccasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved fromglaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; maximum snowcover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean andlasts about 10 months; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked fromOctober to June; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover fromdisruptions or damageNote:major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the PacificOcean via the Bering Strait); ships subject to superstructure icing fromOctober to May; strategic location between North America and Russia;shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia,floating research stations operated by the US and Russia
*Arctic Ocean, Government
Digraph:XQ
*Arctic Ocean, Economy
Overview:Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources,including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.
*Arctic Ocean, Communications
Ports:Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)Telecommunications:no submarine cablesNote:sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage(North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonalwaterways
*Argentina, Geography
Location:Eastern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Chile andUruguayMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:2,766,890 km2land area:2,736,690 km2comparative area:slightly less than three-tenths the size of the USLand boundaries:total 9,665 km, Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay1,880 km, Uruguay 579 kmCoastline:4,989 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:not specifiedterritorial sea:200 nm; overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nmInternational disputes:short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section ofthe boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered FalklandIslands (Islas Malvinas); claims British-administered South Georgia and theSouth Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in AntarcticaClimate:mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwestTerrain:rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau ofPatagonia in south, rugged Andes along western borderNatural resources:fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese,petroleum, uraniumLand use:arable land:9%permanent crops:4%meadows and pastures:52%forest and woodland:22%other:13%Irrigated land:17,600 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:Tucuman and Mendoza areas in Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos areviolent windstorms that can strike Pampas and northeast; irrigated soildegradation; desertification; air and water pollution in Buenos Aires
*Argentina, Geography
Note:second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic locationrelative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)
*Argentina, People
Population:33,533,256 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.13% (1993 est.)Birth rate:19.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.64 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:30 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.19 yearsmale:67.91 yearsfemale:74.65 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.72 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Argentine(s)adjective:ArgentineEthnic divisions:white 85%, mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15%Religions:nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%,Jewish 2%, other 6%Languages:Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, FrenchLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:95%male:96%female:95%Labor force:10.9 millionby occupation:agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.)
*Argentina, Government
Names:conventional long form:Argentine Republicconventional short form:Argentinalocal long form:Republica Argentinalocal short form:ArgentinaDigraph:ARType:republicCapital:Buenos AiresAdministrative divisions:23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 federal district*, (distrito federal);Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba,Corrientes, Distrito Federal*, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La, Rioja, Mendoza,Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis,Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego (TerritorioNacional de la Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur),Tucumannote:the national territory is in the process of becoming a province; the US doesnot recognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain)Constitution:1 May 1853Legal system:mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsoryICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)Political parties and leaders:Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella politicalorganization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Mario LOSADA, moderatelyleft-of-center party; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Jorge AGUADO,conservative party; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftistparty; Dignity and Independence Political Party (MODIN), Aldo RICO,right-wing party; several provincial partiesOther political or pressure groups:Peronist-dominated labor movement; General Confederation of Labor (CGT;Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Argentine Industrial Union(manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners'association); business organizations; students; the Roman Catholic Church;the Armed ForcesSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Chamber of Deputies:last held in three phases during late 1991 for half of 254 seats; seats (254total) - JP 122, UCR 85, UCD 10, other 37 (1993)President:last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - Carlos SaulMENEM was elected
*Argentina, Government
Senate:last held May 1989, but provincial elections in late 1991 set the stage forindirect elections by provincial senators for one-third of 46 seats in thenational senate in May 1992; seats (46 total) - JP 27, UCR 14, others 5Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamberor Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara deDiputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President (positionvacant)Member of:AG (observer), Australian Group, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19,G-24, AfDB, 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, MERCOSUR, MINURSO, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Carlos ORTIZ DE ROZASchancery:1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 939-6400 through 6403consulates general:Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (PuertoRico)consulates:Baltimore, Chicago, and Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador James CHEEK (since 28 May 1993)embassy:4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Airesmailing address:APO AA 34034telephone:[54] (1) 774-7611 or 8811, 9911FAX:[54] (1) 775-4205Flag:three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue;centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face knownas the Sun of May
*Argentina, Economy
Overview:Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population,an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base.Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, theeconomy in the late 1980s was plagued with huge external debts and recurringbouts of hyperinflation. Elected in 1989, in the depths of recession,President MENEM has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuringprogram that shows signs of putting Argentina on a path of stable,sustainable growth. Argentina's currency has traded at par with the USdollar since April 1991, and inflation has fallen to its lowest level in 20years. Argentines have responded to the relative price stability byrepatriating flight capital and investing in domestic industry. Much remainsto be done in the 1990s in dismantling the old statist barriers to growthand in solidifying the recent economic gains.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $112 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:7% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$3,400 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):17.7% (1992)Unemployment rate:6.9% (1992)Budget:revenues $33.1 billion; expenditures $35.8 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $3.5 billion (1992)Exports:$12.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, woolpartners:US 12%, Brazil, Italy, Japan, NetherlandsImports:$14.0 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants,agricultural productspartners:US 22%, Brazil, Germany, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, NetherlandsExternal debt:$54 billion (June 1992)Industrial production:growth rate 10% (1992 est.); accounts for 26% of GDPElectricity:17,911,000 kW capacity; 51,305 million kWh produced, 1,559 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals andpetrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steelAgriculture:accounts for 8% of GDP (including fishing); produces abundant food for bothdomestic consumption and exports; among world's top five exporters of grainand beef; principal crops - wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beetsIllicit drugs:increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for the US andEurope
*Argentina, Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $718 millionCurrency:1 peso = 100 centavosExchange rates:pesos per US$1 - 0.99000 (January1993), 0.99064 (1992), 0.95355 (1991),0.48759 (1990), 0.04233 (1989), 0.00088 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Argentina, Communications
Railroads:34,172 km total (includes 209 km electrified); includes a mixture of1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter narrowgauge, and 0.750-meter narrow gaugeHighways:208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improvedearth, 20,300 km unimproved earthInland waterways:11,000 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 kmPorts:Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, La Plata, Rosario, Santa FeMerchant marine:60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,695,420 GRT/1,073,904 DWT; includes30 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 1 railcar carrier, 14 oiltanker, 1 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-offAirports:total:1,700usable:1,451with permanet-surface runways:137with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:31with runways 1,220-2,439 m:326Telecommunications:extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones);microwave widely used; broadcast stations - 171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellitenetwork has 40 earth stations
*Argentina, Defense Forces
Branches:Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force,National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only),National Aeronautical Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 8,267,316; fit for military service 6,702,303; reachmilitary age (20) annually 284,641 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP