*Kyrgyzstan, Economy
Currency:introduced national currency, the som (10 May 1993)Exchange rates:rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuationsFiscal year:calendar year
*Kyrgyzstan, Communications
Railroads:370 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:30,300 km total; 22,600 km paved or graveled, 7,700 km earth(1990)Pipelines:natural gas 200 kmPorts:none; landlockedAirports:total:52useable:27with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:4with runways 1,220-2,439 m:13Telecommunications:poorly developed; 56 telephones per 1000 persons (December 1990);connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave and with othercountries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch;satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only); newintelsat earth station provide TV receive-only capability for Turkishbroadcasts
*Kyrgyzstan, Defense Forces
Branches:National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops), Civil DefenseManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,093,694; fit for military service 890,961 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
*Laos, Geography
Location:Southeast Asia, between Vietnam and ThailandMap references:Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:236,800 km2land area:230,800 km2comparative area:slightly larger than UtahLand boundaries:total 5,083 km, Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754km, Vietnam 2,130 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:boundary dispute with ThailandClimate:tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December toApril)Terrain:mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateausNatural resources:timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstonesLand use:arable land:4%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:58%other:35%Irrigated land:1,200 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:deforestation; soil erosion; subject to floodsNote:landlocked
*Laos, People
Population:4,569,327 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.86% (1993 est.)Birth rate:43.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:15.22 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:104.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:51.18 yearsmale:49.67 yearsfemale:52.77 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Lao(s) or Laotian(s)adjective:Lao or LaotianEthnic divisions:Lao 50%, Phoutheung (Kha) 15%, tribal Thai 20%, Meo, Hmong, Yao, and other15%Religions:Buddhist 85%, animist and other 15%Languages:Lao (official), French, EnglishLiteracy:age 15-45 can read and write (1985)total population:84%male:92%female:76%Labor force:1-1.5 millionby occupation:agriculture 85-90% (est.)
*Laos, Government
Names:conventional long form:Lao People's Democratic Republicconventional short form:Laoslocal long form:Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Laolocal short form:noneDigraph:LAType:Communist stateCapital:VientianeAdministrative divisions:16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng, nakhon, singular andplural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamsai, Champasak,Houaphan, Khammouan, Louang Namtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali,Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, Vientiane, Vientiane*, Xaignabouri,, XiangkhoangIndependence:19 July 1949 (from France)Constitution:promulgated August 1991Legal system:based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of the Lao People's DemocraticRepublic)Political parties and leaders:Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president;includes Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC); other parties moribundOther political or pressure groups:non-Communist political groups moribund; most leaders fled the country in1975Suffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Third National Assembly:last held on 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (85 total) number of seats by party NAExecutive branch:president, prime minister and two deputy prime ministers, Council ofMinisters (cabinet)Legislative branch:National AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme People's CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President NOUHAK Phoumsavan (since 25 November 1992)Head of Government: Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 15 August 1991)Member of:ACCT (associate), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO
*Laos, Government
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador HIEM Phommachanhchancery:2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-6416 or 6417US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Charles B. SALMON, Jr.embassy:Rue Bartholonie, Vientianemailing address:B. P. 114, Vientiane, or AMEMB, Box V, APO AP 96546telephone:(856) 2220, 2357, 2384FAX:(856) 4675Flag:three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with alarge white disk centered in the blue band
*Laos, Economy
Overview:One of the world's poorest nations, Laos has had a Communist centrallyplanned economy with government ownership and control of productiveenterprises of any size. In recent years, however, the government has beendecentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise. Laos is alandlocked country with a primitive infrastructure; that is, it has norailroads, a rudimentary road system, limited external and internaltelecommunications, and electricity available in only a limited area.Subsistence agriculture is the main occupation, accounting for over 60% ofGDP and providing about 85-90% of total employment. The predominant crop isrice. For the foreseeable future the economy will continue to depend for itssurvival on foreign aid from the IMF and other international sources; aidfrom the former USSR and Eastern Europe has been cut sharply.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $900 million (1991)National product real growth rate:4% (1991)National product per capita:$200 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1991)Unemployment rate:21% (1989 est.)Budget:revenues $83 million; expenditures $188.5 million, including capitalexpenditures of $94 million (1990 est.)Exports:$72 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:electricity, wood products, coffee, tinpartners:Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, USSR, US, ChinaImports:$238 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:food, fuel oil, consumer goods, manufacturespartners:Thailand, USSR, Japan, France, Vietnam, ChinaExternal debt:$1.1 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 12% (1991 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1991 est.)Electricity:226,000 kW capacity; 990 million kWh produced, 220 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing,constructionAgriculture:accounts for 60% of GDP and employs most of the work force; subsistencefarming predominates; normally self-sufficient in nondrought years;principal crops - rice (80% of cultivated land), sweet potatoes, vegetables,corn, coffee, sugarcane, cotton; livestock - buffaloes, hogs, cattle,poultryIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis, opium poppy for the international drug trade,third-largest opium producer
*Laos, Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $276 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $605 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $995 millionCurrency:1 new kip (NK) = 100 atExchange rates:new kips (NK) per US$1 - 710 (May 1992), 710 (December 1991), 700 (September1990), 576 (1989), 385 (1988), 200 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Laos, Communications
Railroads:noneHighways:about 27,527 km total; 1,856 km bituminous or bituminous treated; 7,451 kmgravel, crushed stone, or improved earth; 18,220 km unimproved earth andoften impassable during rainy season mid-May to mid-SeptemberInland waterways:about 4,587 km, primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additionalkilometers are sectionally navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 mPipelines:petroleum products 136 kmPorts:noneAirports:total:54usable:41with permanent-surface runways:8with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:15Telecommunications:service to general public practically non-existant; radio communicationsnetwork provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390telephones (1986); broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satelliteearth station
*Laos, Defense Forces
Branches:Lao People's Army (LPA; including naval, aviation, and militia elements),Air Force, National Police DepartmentManpower availability:males age 15-49 980,274; fit for military service 528,450; reach militaryage (18) annually 43,849 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Latvia, Geography
Location:Eastern Europe, bordering on the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and RussiaMap references:Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area: 64,100 km2land area:64,100 km2comparative area:slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries:total 1,078 km, Belarus 141 km, Estonia 267 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217kmCoastline:531 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:the Abrene section of border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republicto Russia in 1944Climate:maritime; wet, moderate wintersTerrain:low plainNatural resources:minimal; amber, peat, limestone, dolomiteLand use:arable land:27%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:13%forest and woodland:39%other:21%Irrigated land:160 km2 (1990)Environment:heightened levels of air and water pollution because of a lack of wasteconversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted;contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum productsat military bases
*Latvia, People
Population:2,735,573 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.5% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:12.73 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate: 3.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:22 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:69.23 yearsmale:64.15 yearsfemale:74.55 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Latvian(s)adjective:LatvianEthnic divisions:Latvian 51.8%, Russian 33.8%, Belarusian 4.5%, Ukrainian 3.4%, Polish 2.3%,other 4.2%Religions:Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian OrthodoxLanguages:Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, otherLiteracy:age 9-49 can read and write (1970)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:1.407 millionby occupation:industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 16%, other 43%(1990)
*Latvia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Latviaconventional short form:Latvialocal long form:Latvijas Republikalocal short form:Latvijaformer:Latvian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:LGType: republicCapital:RigaAdministrative divisions:none (all districts are under direct republic jurisdiction)Independence:6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)Constitution:adopted NA May 1922, considering rewriting constitutionLegal system:based on civil law systemNational holiday:Independence Day, 18 November (1918)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Labor Party of Latvia, Juris BOJARS, chairman; Inter-Front of theWorking People of Latvia, Igor LOPATIN, chairman (Inter-Front was bannedafter the coup); Latvian National Movement for Independence, EduardsBERKLAVS, chairman; Latvian Democratic Party, Janis DINEVICS, chairman;Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party, Uldis BERZINS, chairman; LatvianPeople's Front, Uldis AUGST-KALNS, chairman; Latvian Liberal Party, GeorgLANSMANIS, chairmanSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held October 1988 (next to be held NA); note - Anatolijs V. GORBUNOVSelected by Supreme Soviet; elected to restyled post of Chairman of theSupreme Council on 3 May 1990; new elections have not been scheduledSupreme Council:last held 18 March 1990 for the Supreme Soviet (next to be held 5-6 June1993 for the Saeima); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (234total) Latvian Communist Party 59, Latvian Democratic Workers Party 31,Social Democratic Party of Latvia 4, Green Party of Latvia 7, LatvianFarmers Union 7, Latvian Popular Front 126; note - the Supreme Council is aninterim 201-seats legislative body; a new parliament or Saiema to be electedin June 1993Congress of Latvia:last held April 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (231 total) number of seats by party NA; note - theCongress of Latvia is a quasi-governmental structureExecutive branch:Chairman of Supreme Council (president), prime minister, cabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Supreme Council
*Latvia, Government
Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Chairman Supreme Council Anatolijs V. GORBUNOVS (since NA October 1988)Head of Government:Prime Minister Ivars GODMANIS (since NA May 1990)Member of:CBSS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, IOM (observer), ITU,NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ojars KALNINSchancery:4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011telephone:(202) 726-8213 and 8214US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Ints M, SILINS;embassy:Raina Boulevard 7, Riga 226050mailing address:APO AE 09862telephone:0-11 [358] (49) 311-348 (cellular)FAX:[358] (49) 314-665 (cellular), (7) (01-32) 220-502note:dialing to the Baltics still requires use of an international operator,unless you use the cellular phone linesFlag:two horizontal bands of maroon (top and bottom), white (middle, narrowerthan other two bands)
*Latvia, Economy
Overview:Latvia is in the process of reforming the centrally planned economyinherited from the former USSR into a market economy. Prices have beenfreed, and privatization of shops and farms has begun. Latvia lacks naturalresources, aside from its arable land and small forests. Its most valuableeconomic asset is its work force, which is better educated and disciplinedthan in most of the former Soviet republics. Industrial production is highlydiversified, with products ranging from agricultural machinery to consumerelectronics. One conspicuous vulnerability: Latvia produces only 10% of itselectric power needs. Latvia in the near term must retain key commercialties to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine while moving in the long run towardjoint ventures with technological support from, and trade ties to the West.Because of the efficiency of its mostly individual farms, Latvians enjoy adiet that is higher in meat, vegetables, and dairy products and lower ingrain and potatoes than diets in the 12 non-Baltic republics of the formerUSSR. Good relations with Russia are threatened by animosity between ethnicRussians (34% of the population) and native Latvians. The cumulativedifficulties in replacing old sources of supply and old markets, togetherwith the phasing out of the Russian ruble as the medium of exchange, helpaccount for the sharp 30% drop in GDP in 1992.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:-30% (1992)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):2% per month (first quarter 1993)Unemployment rate:3.6% (March 1993); but large numbers of underemployed workersBudget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:NApartners:NAImports:$NAcommodities:NApartners:NAExternal debt:$650 million (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -35% (1992 est.)Electricity:2,140,000 kW capacity; 5,800 million kWh produced, 2,125 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:employs 33% of labor force; highly diversified; dependent on imports forenergy, raw materials, and intermediate products; produces buses, vans,street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery,fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals,processed foods, textiles
*Latvia, Economy
Agriculture:employs 16% of labor force; principally dairy farming and livestock feeding;products - meat, milk, eggs, grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables;fishing and fish packingIllicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia toWestern Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domesticconsumption; also produces illicit amphetamines for exportEconomic aid:NACurrency:1 lat = 100 NA; introduced NA March 1993Exchange rates:lats per US$1 - 1.32 (March 1993)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Latvia, Communications
Railroads:2,400 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:59,500 km total; 33,000 km hard surfaced 26,500 km earth (1990)Inland waterways:300 km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil 750 km, refined products 780 km, natural gas 560 km (1992)Ports:coastal - Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja; inland - DaugavpilsMerchant marine:96 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 905,006 GRT/1,178,844 DWT; includes 14cargo, 27 refrigerated cargo, 2 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 44 oil tankerAirports:total:50useable:15with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:7Telecommunications:NMT-450 analog cellular network is operational covering Riga, Ventspils,Daugavpils, Rezekne, and Valmiera; broadcast stations - NA; internationaltraffic carried by leased connection to the Moscow international gatewayswitch and through new independent international automatic telephoneexchange in Riga and the Finnish cellular net
*Latvia, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Security Forces (internal and bordertroops), Border Guard, Home Guard (Zemessardze)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 648,273; fit for military service 511,297; reach militaryage (18) annually 18,767 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:176 million rubles, 3-5% of GDP; note - conversion of the military budgetinto US$ using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results
*Lebanon, Header
Note:Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions andregaining its national sovereignty since the end of the devastating 16-yearcivil war in October 1990. Under the Ta'if accord - the blueprint fornational reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitablepolitical system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in thepolitical process. Since December 1990, the Lebanese have formed threecabinets and conducted the first legislative election in 20 years. Most ofthe militias have been weakened or disbanded. The Lebanese Armed Forces(LAF) has seized vast quantities of weapons used by the militias during thewar and extended central government authority over about one-half of thecountry. Hizballah, the radical Sh'ia party, is the only significant groupthat retains most of its weapons. Foreign forces still occupy areas ofLebanon. Israel continues to support a proxy militia, The Army of SouthLebanon (ASL), along a narrow stretch of territory contiguous to its border.The ASL's enclave encompasses this self-declared security zone and about 20kilometers north to the strategic town of Jazzine. As of December 1992,Syria maintained about 30,000 troops in Lebanon. These troops are basedmainly in Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Syria's deploymentwas legitimized by the Arab League early in Lebanon's civil war and in theTa'if accord. Citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests,and failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of theconstitutional reforms in the Ta'if accord, Damascus has so far refused towithdraw its troops from Beirut.
*Lebanon, Geography
Location:Middle East, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and SyriaMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:10,400 km2land area:10,230 km2comparative area:about 0.8 times the size of ConnecticutLand boundaries:total 454 km, Israel 79 km, Syria 375 kmCoastline:225 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Israeli troops in southernLebanon since June 1982; Syrian troops in northern, central, and easternLebanon since October 1976Climate:Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanonmountians experience heavy winter snowsTerrain:narrow coastal plain; Al Biqa' (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon andAnti-Lebanon MountainsNatural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit regionLand use:arable land:21%permanent crops:9%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:8%other:61%Irrigated land:860 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerousfactional groups based on religion, clan, ethnicity; deforestation; soilerosion; air and water pollution; desertificationNote:Nahr al Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an internationalboundary
*Lebanon, People
Population:3,552,369 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.81% (1993 est.)Birth rate:27.86 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.66 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-3.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:41 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:69.01 yearsmale:66.63 yearsfemale:71.52 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Lebanese (singular and plural)adjective:LebaneseEthnic divisions:Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%Religions:Islam 70% (5 legally recognized Islamic groups - Alawite or Nusayri, Druze,Isma'ilite, Shi'a, Sunni), Christian 30% (11 legally recognized Christiangroups - 4 Orthodox Christian, 6 Catholic, 1 Protestant), Judaism NEGL%Languages:Arabic (official), French (official), Armenian, EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:80%male:88%female:73%Labor force:650,000by occupation:industry, commerce, and services 79%, agriculture 11%, government 10% (1985)
*Lebanon, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Lebanonconventional short form:Lebanonlocal long form:Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyahlocal short form:noneDigraph:LEType:republicCapital:BeirutAdministrative divisions:5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Biqa, 'Al Janub, AshShamal, Bayrut, Jabal LubnanIndependence:22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under Frenchadministration)Constitution:26 May 1926 (amended)Legal system:mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; nojudicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 22 November (1943)Political parties and leaders:political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines;numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual politicalfigures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economicconsiderationsSuffrage: 21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21with elementary educationElections:National Assembly:Lebanon's first legislative election in 20 years was held in the summer of1992; the National Assembly is composed of 128 deputies, one-half Christianand one-half Muslim; its mandate expires in 1996Executive branch:president, prime minister, Cabinet; note - by custom, the president is aMaronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker ofthe legislature is a Shi'a MuslimLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Arabic - Majlis Alnuwab, French - AssembleeNationale)Judicial branch:four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases andone court for criminal cases)Leaders:Chief of State:President Ilyas HARAWI (since 24 November 1989)Head of Government:Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 22 October 1992)
*Lebanon, Government
Member of:ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU,WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Simon KARAMchancery:2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 939-6300consulates general:Detroit, New York, and Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Ryan C. CROCKERmailing embassy:Antelias, Beirutaddress:P. O. Box 70-840, Beirut, or Box B, FPO AE 09836telephone:[961] 417774 or 415802, 415803, 402200, 403300Flag:three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red with agreen and brown cedar tree centered in the white band
*Lebanon, Economy
Overview:Since 1975 civil war has seriously damaged Lebanon's economicinfrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon'sposition as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. Following October1990, however, a tentative peace has enabled the central government to beginrestoring control in Beirut, collect taxes, and regain access to key portand government facilities. The battered economy has also been propped up bya financially sound banking system and resilient small- and medium-scalemanufacturers. Family remittances, banking transactions, manufactured andfarm exports, the narcotics trade, and international emergency aid are mainsources of foreign exchange. In the relatively settled year of 1991,industrial production, agricultural output, and exports showed substantialgains. The further rebuilding of the war-ravaged country was delayed in 1992because of an upturn in political wrangling. Hope for restoring economicmomentum in 1993 rests with the new, business-oriented Prime MinisterHARIRI.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.8 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$1,400 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):100% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:35% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $533 million; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$490 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, precious and semiprecious metalsand jewelry, metals and metal productspartners:Saudi Arabia 21%, Switzerland 9.5%, Jordan 6%, Kuwait 12%, US 5%Imports:$3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:Consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum productspartners:Italy 14%, France 12%, US 6%, Turkey 5%, Saudi Arabia 3%External debt:$400 million (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:1,300,000 kW capacity; 3,413 million kWh produced, 990 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:banking, food processing, textiles, cement, oil refining, chemicals,jewelry, some metal fabricatingAgriculture:accounts for about one-third of GDP; principal products - citrus fruits,vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, hemp (hashish), sheep, goats; notself-sufficient in grain
*Lebanon, Economy
Illicit drugs:illicit producer of opium, hashish, and heroin for the international drugtrade; opium poppy production in Al Biqa almost completely eradicated thisyear; hashish production is shipped to Western Europe, Israel, US, theMiddle East, and South AmericaEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $356 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $664 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $962 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $9millionCurrency:1 Lebanese pound (#L) = 100 piastersExchange rates:Lebanese pounds (#L) per US$1 - 1,742.00 (April 1993), 1,712.80 (1992),928.23 (1991), 695.09 (1990), 496.69 (1989), 409.23 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Lebanon, Communications
Railroads:system in disrepair, considered inoperableHighways:7,300 km total; 6,200 km paved, 450 km gravel and crushed stone, 650 kmimproved earthPipelines:crude oil 72 km (none in operation)Ports:Beirut, Tripoli, Ra'Sil'ata, Juniyah, Sidon, Az Zahrani, Tyre, Jubayl,Shikka JadidahMerchant marine:63 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 270,505 GRT/403,328 DWT; includes 39cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 1container, 9 livestock carrier, 2 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 4bulk, 1 combination bulkAirports:total:9usable:8with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:telecommunications system severely damaged by civil war; rebuilding stillunderway; 325,000 telephones (95 telephones per 1,000 persons); domestictraffic carried primarily by microwave radio relay and a small amount ofcable; international traffic by satellite - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earthstation and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station (erratic operations),coaxial cable to Syria; microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyondSyria to Jordan, 3 submarine coaxial cables; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3FM, 13 TV (numerous AM and FM stations are operated sporadically by variousfactions)
*Lebanon, Defense Forces
Branches:Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; including Army, Navy, and Air Force)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 798,299; fit for military service 495,763 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $271 million, 8.2% of GDP (1992 budget)
*Lesotho, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, an enclave of South AfricaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:30,350 km2land area:30,350 km2comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:total 909 km, South Africa 909 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summersTerrain:mostly highland with some plateaus, hills, and mountainsNatural resources:some diamonds and other minerals, water, agricultural and grazing landLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:0% meadows and pastures:66%forest and woodland:0%other:24%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results inovergrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion; desertificationNote:landlocked; surrounded by South Africa; Highlands Water Project willcontrol, store, and redirect water to South Africa
*Lesotho, People
Population:1,896,484 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.52% (1993 est.)Birth rate:34.64 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:71.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:61.73 yearsmale:59.91 yearsfemale:63.6 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)adjective:BasothoEthnic divisions:Sotho 99.7%, Europeans 1,600, Asians 800Religions:Christian 80%, rest indigenous beliefsLanguages:Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, XhosaLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1966)total population:59%male: 44%female:68%Labor force:689,000 economically activeby occupation:86.2% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 60%of active male labor force works in South Africa
*Lesotho, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Lesothoconventional short form:Lesothoformer:BasutolandDigraph:LTType:constitutional monarchyCapital:MaseruAdministrative divisions:10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek,Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-TsekaIndependence:4 October 1966 (from UK)Constitution:4 October 1966, suspended January 1970Legal system:based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review oflegislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 4 October (1966)Political parties and leaders:Basotho National Party (BNP), Evaristus SEKHONYANA; Basutoland CongressParty (BCP), Ntsu MOKHEHLE; National Independent Party (NIP), A. C. MANYELI;Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP), Vincent MALEBO; United Democratic Party,Charles MOFELI; Communist Party of Lesotho (CPL), JCOB M. KENASuffrage:21 years of age; universalElections:National Assembly:dissolved following the military coup in January 1986; military has pledgedelections will take place in March 1993Executive branch:monarch, chairman of the Military Council, Military Council, Council ofMinisters (cabinet)Legislative branch:none - the bicameral Parliament was dissolved following the military coup inJanuary 1986; note - a National Constituent Assembly convened in June 1990to rewrite the constitution and debate issues of national importance, but ithas no legislative authorityJudicial branch:High Court, Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:King LETSIE III (since 12 November 1990 following dismissal of his father,exiled King MOSHOESHOE II, by Maj. Gen. LEKHANYA)Head of Government:Chairman of the Military Council Gen. Elias Phisoana RAMAEMA (since 30 April1991)Member of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
*Lesotho, Government
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Designate Teboho KITLEIchancery:2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 797-5534US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Leonard H.O. SPEARMAN, Sr.embassy:address NA, Maserumailing address:P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100 Lesothotelephone:[266] 312-666FAX:(266) 310-116Flag:divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half is whitebearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with crossed spear and club;the lower half is a diagonal blue band with a green triangle in the corner
*Lesotho, Economy
Overview:Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho has no important naturalresources other than water. Its economy is based on agriculture, lightmanufacturing, and remittances from laborers employed in South Africa ($439million in 1991). The great majority of households gain their livelihoodsfrom subsistence farming and migrant labor. Manufacturing depends largely onfarm products to support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries;other industries include textile, clothing, and construction (in particular,a major water improvement project which will permit the sale of water toSouth Africa). Industry's share of GDP rose from 6% in 1982 to 15% in 1989.Political and economic instability in South Africa raises uncertainty forLesotho's economy, especially with respect to migrant worker remittances -recently the equivalent of nearly three-fourths of domestic output.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $620 million (1991 est.)note:GNP of $1.0 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:5.3% (1991 est.); GNP 2.2% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$340 (1991 est.); GNP $570 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):17.9% (1991)Unemployment rate:at least 55% among adult males (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $388 million; expenditures $399 million, including capitalexpenditures of $132 million (FY93)Exports:$57 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:wool, mohair, wheat, cattle, peas, beans, corn, hides, skins, basketspartners:South Africa 53%, EC 30%, North and South America 13% (1989)Imports:$805 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:mainly corn, building materials, clothing, vehicles, machinery, medicines,petroleumpartners:South Africa 95%, EC 2% (1989)External debt:$358 million (for public sector) (December 1990/91 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 5.0% (1991 est.); accounts for 11% of GDPElectricity:power supplied by South AfricaIndustries:food, beverages, textiles, handicrafts, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 19% of GDP (1990 est.) and employs 60-70% of all households;exceedingly primitive, mostly subsistence farming and livestock; principalcrops corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barleyEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $268 million; US, $10.3 million(1992), $10.1 million (1993 est.); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOFbilateral commitments (1970-89), $819 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89),$4 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $14 million
*Lesotho, Economy
Currency:1 loti (L) = 100 lisenteExchange rates:maloti (M) per US$1 - 3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991),2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988); note - the Basotho loti is atpar with the South African randFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Lesotho, Communications
Railroads:2.6 km; owned, operated by, and included in the statistics of South AfricaHighways:7,215 km total; 572 km paved; 2,337 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilizedsoil; 1,806 km improved earth, 2,500 km unimproved earthAirports:total:28usable:28with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:rudimentary system consisting of a few landlines, a small microwave system,and minor radio communications stations; 5,920 telephones; broadcaststations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Lesotho, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Lesotho Defense Force (RLDF; including Army, Air Wing), Royal LesothoMounted PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 422,802; fit for military service 228,102 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 13% of GDP (1990 est.)
*Liberia, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Pacific Ocean between Cote d'Ivoire andSierra LeoneMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea: total area:111,370 km2land area:96,320 km2comparative area:slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries:total 1,585 km, Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 kmCoastline:579 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitationterritorial sea:200 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights;wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showersTerrain:mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and lowmountains in northeastNatural resources:iron ore, timber, diamonds, goldLand use:arable land:1%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:2%forest and woodland:39%other:55%Irrigated land:20 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:West Africa's largest tropical rain forest, subject to deforestation
*Liberia, People
Population:2,874,881 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.37% (1993 est.)Birth rate:43.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:12.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate: 115.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:57.28 yearsmale:54.88 yearsfemale:59.76 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.42 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Liberian(s)adjective:LiberianEthnic divisions:indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo,Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella), Americo-Liberians5% (descendants of repatriated slaves)Religions:traditional 70%, Muslim 20%, Christian 10%Languages:English 20% (official), Niger-Congo language group about 20 local languagescome from this groupLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:40%male:50%female:29%Labor force:510,000 including 220,000 in the monetary economyby occupation:agriculture 70.5%, services 10.8%, industry and commerce 4.5%, other 14.2%note:non-African foreigners hold about 95% of the top-level management andengineering jobs; 52% of population of working age
*Liberia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Liberiaconventional short form:LiberiaDigraph:LIType:republicCapital:MonroviaAdministrative divisions: 13 counties; Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, GrandKru,Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, SinoeIndependence:26 July 1847Constitution:6 January 1986Legal system:dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for themodern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices forindigenous sectorNational holiday:Independence Day, 26 July (1847)Political parties and leaders:National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), Augustus CAINE, chairman;Liberian Action Party (LAP), Emmanuel KOROMAH, chairman; Unity Party (UP),Carlos SMITH, chairman; United People's Party (UPP), Gabriel BaccusMATTHEWS, chairmanSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - Gen. Dr. SamuelKanyon DOE (NDPL) 50.9%, Jackson DOE (LAP) 26.4%, other 22.7%; note -President Doe was killed by rebel forces on 9 September 1990Senate:last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of voteby party NA; seats - (26 total) NDPL 21, LAP 3, UP 1, UPP 1House of Representatives:last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of voteby party NA; seats - (64 total) NDPL 51, LAP 8, UP 3, UPP 2Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lowerhouse or House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:People's Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:interim President Dr. Amos SAWYER (since 15 November 1990)note:this is an interim government appointed by the Economic Community of WestAfrican States (ECOWAS) that will be replaced after elections are held undera West African-brokered peace plan; a rebel faction led by Charles TAYLOR ischallenging the SAWYER government's legitimacy; former president, Gen. Dr.Samuel Kanyon DOE, was killed on 9 September 1990 by Prince Y. JOHNSON
*Liberia, Government
Member of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission:Ambassador James TARPEHchancery:5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011telephone:(202) 723-0437 through 0440consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William H. TWADDELLembassy:111 United Nations Drive, Monroviamailing address:P. O. Box 98, Monrovia, or APO AE 09813telephone:[231] 222991 through 222994FAX:(231) 223710Flag:11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white;there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in the upper hoist-sidecorner; the design was based on the US flag
*Liberia, Economy
Overview:Civil war since 1990 has destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially theinfrastructure in and around Monrovia. Businessmen have fled the country,taking capital and expertise with them. Many will not return. Richly endowedwith water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable toagriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products,while local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope.Political instability threatens prospects for economic reconstruction andrepatriation of some 750,000 Liberian refugees who have fled to neighboringcountries. The political impasse between the interim government and rebelleader Charles Taylor has prevented restoration of normal economic life,including the re-establishment of a strong central government with effectiveeconomic development programs.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $988 million (1988)National product real growth rate:1.5% (1988)National product per capita:$400 (1988)Inflation rate (consumer prices):12% (1989)Unemployment rate:43% urban (1988)Budget:revenues $242.1 million; expenditures $435.4 million, including capitalexpenditures of $29.5 million (1989)Exports:$505 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)commodities:iron ore 61%, rubber 20%, timber 11%, coffeepartners:US, EC, NetherlandsImports:$394 million (c.i.f., 1989 est.)commodities:rice, mineral fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, otherfoodstuffspartners:US, EC, Japan, China, Netherlands, ECOWASExternal debt:$1.6 billion (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 1.5% in manufacturing (1987); accounts for 22% of GDPElectricity:410,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 275 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:rubber processing, food processing, construction materials, furniture, palmoil processing, mining (iron ore, diamonds)Agriculture:accounts for about 40% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principalproducts - rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava, palm oil,sugarcane, bananas, sheep, goats; not self-sufficient in food, imports 25%of rice consumptionEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $665 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $870 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $25 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $77million
*Liberia, Economy
Currency:1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Liberian dollars (L$) per US$1 - 1.00 (fixed rate since 1940); unofficialparallel exchange rate of L$7 = US$1, January 1992Fiscal year:calendar year
*Liberia, Communications
Railroads:480 km total; 328 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 152 km 1.067-meter narrowgauge; all lines single track; rail systems owned and operated by foreignsteel and financial interests in conjunction with Liberian GovernmentHighways:10,087 km total; 603 km bituminous treated, 2,848 km all weather, 4,313 kmdry weather; there are also 2,323 km of private, laterite-surfaced roadsopen to public use, owned by rubber and timber companiesPorts: Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper (or Cape Palmas)Merchant marine:1,618 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 57,769,476 DWT/ 101,391,576 DWT;includes 20 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 132 cargo, 56 refrigeratedcargo, 21 roll-on/roll-off, 58 vehicle carrier, 97 container, 3 bargecarrier, 499 oil tanker, 108 chemical, 68 combination ore/oil, 62 liquefiedgas, 6 specialized tanker, 456 bulk, 31 combination bulk; note - a flag ofconvenience registry; all ships are foreign owned; the top 4 owning flagsare US 16%, Japan 14%, Norway 11%, and Hong Kong 9%Airports:total:59usable:41with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:4Telecommunications:telephone and telegraph service via radio relay network; main center isMonrovia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATearth station; most telecommunications services inoperable due to insurgencymovement
*Liberia, Defense Forces
Branches:the ultimate structure of the Liberian military force will depend on who isthe victor in the ongoing civil warManpower availability:males age 15-49 684,681; fit for military service 365,518 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Libya, Geography
Location:Northern Africa, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, betweenEgypt and TunisiaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,759,540 km2land area:1,759,540 km2comparative area:slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries:total 4,383 km, Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger 354 km,Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 kmCoastline:1,770 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmGulf of Sidra closing line:32 degrees 30 minutes northInternational disputes:claims and occupies the Aozou Strip in northern Chad; maritime boundarydispute with Tunisia; Libya claims part of northern Niger and part ofsoutheastern AlgeriaClimate:Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interiorTerrain:mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressionsNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, gypsumLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:8%forest and woodland:0%other:90%Irrigated land:2,420 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days inspring and fall; desertification; sparse natural surface-water resourcesNote:the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in theworld, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara tocoastal cities
*Libya, People
Population:4,872,598 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.73% (1993 est.)Birth rate:45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.37 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate: 65.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:63.47 yearsmale:61.35 yearsfemale:65.7 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Libyan(s)adjective:LibyanEthnic divisions:Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis,Turks, Indians, TunisiansReligions:Sunni Muslim 97%Languages:Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major citiesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:64%male:75%female:50%Labor force:1 million includes about 280,000 resident foreignersby occupation:industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18%
*Libya, Government
Names:conventional long form:Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyaconventional short form:Libyalocal long form:Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishirakiyahlocal short form:noneDigraph:LYType:Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populacethrough local councils; in fact, a military dictatorshipCapital:TripoliAdministrative divisions: 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat); Ajdabiya, Al'Aziziyah,Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat alKhams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan,Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq,Yafran, ZlitanIndependence:24 December 1951 (from Italy)Constitution:11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977Legal system:based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religiouscourts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts;has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)Political parties and leaders:noneOther political or pressure groups:various Arab nationalist movements and the Arab Socialist Resurrection(Ba'th) party with almost negligible memberships may be functioningclandestinely, as well as some Islamic elementsSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryElections:national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committeesExecutive branch:revolutionary leader, chairman of the General People's Committee (premier),General People's Committee (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral General People's CongressJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Revolutionary Leader Col. Mu'ammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September1969)Head of Government:Chairman of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abu Zayd 'umar DURDA(since 7 October 1990)
*Libya, Government
Member of:ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:noneUS diplomatic representation:noneFlag:plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion)
*Libya, Economy
Overview:The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oilsector, which contributes practically all export earnings and aboutone-third of GDP. In 1990 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at$5,410, but GDP growth rates have slowed and fluctuate sharply in responseto changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficientresource allocations have led to shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs,although the reopening of the Libyan-Tunisian border in April 1988 and theLibyan-Egyptian border in December 1989 have eased shortages. Austeritybudgets and a lack of trained technicians have undermined the government'sability to implement a number of planned infrastructure developmentprojects. Windfall revenues from the hike in world oil prices in late 1990improved the foreign payments position and resulted in a current accountsurplus for the first time in five years. The nonoil manufacturing andconstruction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded fromprocessing mostly agricultural products to include petrochemicals, iron,steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for only 5% of GDP, itemploys about 20% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soilsseverely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its foodrequirements.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $26.1 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:0.2% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$5,800 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $8.1 billion; expenditures $9.8 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $3.1 billion (1989 est.)Exports:$9.71 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gaspartners:Italy, former USSR, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium/Luxembourg, TurkeyImports:$8.66 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goodspartners:Italy, former USSR, Germany, UK, Japan, KoreaExternal debt:$3.5 billion excluding military debt (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 10.5%; accounts for 7.6% of GDP (not including oil) (1990)Electricity:4,935,000 kW capacity; 14,385 million kWh produced, 2,952 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cementAgriculture:5% of GNP; cash crops - wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus fruits,peanuts; 75% of food is imported
*Libya, Economy
Economic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87),$242 million; no longer a recipientCurrency:1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhamsExchange rates:Libyan dinars (LD) per US$1 - 0.2998 (January 1993), 0.3013 (1992), 0.2684(1991), 0.2699 (1990), 0.2922 (1989), 0.2853 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Libya, Communications
Railroads:Libya has had no railroad in operation since 1965, all previous systemshaving been dismantled; current plans are to construct a standard gauge(1.435 m) line from the Tunisian frontier to Tripoli and Misratah, theninland to Sabha, center of a mineral rich area, but there has been noprogress; other plans made jointly with Egypt would establish a rail linefrom As Sallum, Egypt to Tobruk with completion set for mid-1994, progressunknownHighways:19,300 km total; 10,800 km bituminous/bituminous treated, 8,500 km crushedstone or earthInland waterways:nonePipelines:crude oil 4,383 km; natural gas 1,947 km; petroleum products 443 km(includes liquified petroleum gas 256 km)Ports:Tobruk, Tripoli, Banghazi, Misratah, Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Ra's alUnifMerchant marine:32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 694,883 GRT/1,215,494 DWT; includes 4short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 4 roll-on/roll-off, 10 oil tanker, 1 chemicaltanker, 2 liquefied gasAirports:total:138usable:124with permanent-surface runways:56with runways over 3,659 m: 9with runways 2,440-3,659 m:27with runways 1,220-2,439 m:47Telecommunications:modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable,tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones;broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth stations - 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarinecables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; troposphericscatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
*Libya, Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah (including Army, Navy, Air andAir Defense Command)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,058,134; fit for military service 628,285; reach militaryage (17) annually 50,997 (1993 est.); conscription now being implementedDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion, 15% of GDP (1989 est.)
*Liechtenstein, Geography
Location:Western Europe, between Austria and SwitzerlandMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:160 km2land area:160 km2comparative area:about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 78 km, Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:claims 620 square miles of Czech territory confiscated from its royal familyin 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back beforeFebruary 1948, when the Communists seized powerClimate:continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool tomoderately warm, cloudy, humid summersTerrain:mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western thirdNatural resources:hydroelectric potentialLand use:arable land:25%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:38%forest and woodland:19%other:18%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:variety of microclimatic variations based on elevationNote:landlocked
*Liechtenstein, People
Population:29,894 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.32% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.15 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.62 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:6.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.29 yearsmale:73.65 yearsfemale:80.9 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Liechtensteiner(s)adjective:LiechtensteinEthnic divisions:Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988)Languages:German (official), Alemannic dialectLiteracy:age 10 and over can read and write (1981)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:19,905 of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria andSwitzerland to work each dayby occupation:industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture, fishing,forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990)