*Liechtenstein, Government
Names:conventional long form:Principality of Liechtensteinconventional short form:Liechtensteinlocal long form:Furstentum Liechtensteinlocal short form:LiechtensteinDigraph:LSType:hereditary constitutional monarchyCapital:VaduzAdministrative divisions:11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin,Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, VaduzIndependence:23 January 1719 (Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established)Constitution:5 October 1921Legal system:local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:Assumption Day, 15 AugustPolitical parties and leaders:Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Otto HASLER; Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP),Emanuel VOGT; Free Electoral List (FL)Suffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Diet:last held on 7 February 1993 (next to be held by March 1997); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) FBP 12, VU 11, FL 2Executive branch: reigning prince, hereditary prince, head of government, deputy head ofgovernmentLegislative branch:unicameral Diet (Landtag)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases, Superior Court(Obergericht) for civil casesLeaders:Chief of State:Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers 26August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein (born 11June 1968)Head of Government:Markus BUECHEL (since 7 February 1993); Deputy Head of Government Dr.Herbert WILLE (since 2 February 1986)Member of:CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN,UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPODiplomatic representation in US:in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the US by theSwiss Embassy
*Liechtenstein, Government
US diplomatic representation:the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but the USConsul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditation at VaduzFlag:two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on thehoist side of the blue band
*Liechtenstein, Economy
Overview:The prosperous economy is based primarily on small-scale light industry andtourism. Industry accounts for 53% of total employment, the service sector45% (mostly based on tourism), and agriculture and forestry 2%. The sale ofpostage stamps to collectors is estimated at $10 million annually. Lowbusiness taxes (the maximum tax rate is 20%) and easy incorporation ruleshave induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies toestablish nominal offices in Liechtenstein. Such companies, incorporatedsolely for tax purposes, provide 30% of state revenues. The economy is tiedclosely to Switzerland's economy in a customs union, and incomes and livingstandards parallel those of the more prosperous Swiss groups.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $630 million (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$22,300 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.4% (1990)Unemployment rate:1.5% (1990)Budget:revenues $259 million; expenditures $292 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1990)Exports:$1.6 billioncommodities:small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, potterypartners:EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), EC countries 42.7%, other 36.4%(1990)Imports:$NAcommodities:machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehiclespartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:23,000 kW capacity; 150 million kWh produced, 5,230 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, foodproducts, precision instruments, tourismAgriculture:livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapesEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimiExchange rates:Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.4781 (January 1993),1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990), 1.6359 (1989), 1.4633 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Liechtenstein, Communications
Railroads:18.5 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, electrified; owned, operated, andincluded in statistics of Austrian Federal RailwaysHighways:130.66 km main roads, 192.27 km byroadsAirports:noneTelecommunications:limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system; 25,400 telephones;linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for internationaltelephone, radio, and TV services
*Liechtenstein, Defense Forces
Note: defense is responsibility of Switzerland
*Lithuania, Geography
Location:Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and RussiaMap references:Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:65,200 km2land area:65,200 km2comparative area:slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries:total 1,273 km, Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia(Kaliningrad) 227 kmCoastline:108 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of the NemanRiver border presently located on the Lithuanian bank and not in midriver asby international standardsClimate:maritime; wet, moderate wintersTerrain:lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soilNatural resources:peatLand use:arable land:49.1%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:22.2%forest and woodland:16.3%other:12.4%Irrigated land:430 km2 (1990)Environment:risk of accidents from the two Chernobyl-type reactors at the IgnalinaNuclear Power Plant; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleumproducts and chemicals at military bases
*Lithuania, People
Population:3,819,638 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.76% (1993 est.)Birth rate:14.95 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:10.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:16.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.12 yearsmale:66.39 yearsfemale:76.08 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.03 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Lithuanian(s)adjective:LithuanianEthnic divisions:Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Polish 7.7%, Belarusian 1.5%, other 2.1%Religions:Roman Catholic, Lutheran, otherLanguages:Lithuanian (official), Polish, RussianLiteracy:age 9-49 can read and write (1970)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:1.836 millionby occupation:industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%(1990)
*Lithuania, Government
Names: conventional long form:Republic of Lithuaniaconventional short form:Lithuanialocal long form:Lietuvos Respublikalocal short form:Lietuvaformer:Lithuanian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:LHType:republicCapital:VilniusAdministrative divisions:NA districtsIndependence:6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)Constitution:adopted 25 October 1992Legal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsNational holiday:Independence Day, 16 FebruaryPolitical parties and leaders:Christian Democratic Party, Egidijus KLUMBYS, chairman; Democratic LaborParty of Lithuania, Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman; LithuanianDemocratic Party, Sauluis PECELIUNAS, chairman; Lithuanian Green Party,Irena IGNATAVICIENE, chairwoman; Lithuanian Humanism Party, VytautasKAZLAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Independence Party, Virgilijus CEPAITIS,chairman; Lithuanian Liberty League, Antanas TERLECKAS; Lithuanian LiberalUnion, Vytautus RADZVILAS, chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union, RimantasSMETONA, chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, Aloizas SAKALAS,chairman; Union of the Motherland, Vytavtas LANDSBERGIS, chairmanOther political or pressure groups:Sajudis; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers UnionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held NA); results - AlgirdasBRAZAUSKAS was electedSeimas (parliament):last held 26 October and 25 November 1992 (next to be held NA); results -Democratic Labor Party 51%; seats - (141 total) Democratic Labor Party 73Executive branch:president, prime minister, cabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Seimas (parliament)Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Court of AppealsLeaders:Chief of State:Seimas Chairman and Acting President Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 15November 1992); Deputy Seimas Chairmen Aloyzas SAKALAS (since NA December1992) and Egidius BICKAUSKAS (since NA December 1992)
*Lithuania, Government
Head of Government:Premier Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS (since NA)Member of:CBSS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, NACC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Stasys LOZORAITIS, Jr.chancery:2622 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 234-5860, 2639FAX:(202) 328-0466consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Darryl N. JOHNSONembassy:Akmenu 6, Vilnius 232600mailing address:APO AE 09723telephone:011 [7] (012-2) 222-031FAX:011 [7] (012-2) 222-779Flag:three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red
*Lithuania, Economy
Overview:Lithuania is striving to become an independent privatized economy. Althoughit was substantially above average in living standards and technology in theold USSR, Lithuania historically lagged behind Latvia and Estonia ineconomic development. The country has no important natural resources asidefrom its arable land and strategic location. Industry depends entirely onimported materials that have come from the republics of the former USSR.Lithuania benefits from its ice-free port at Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea andits rail and highway hub at Vilnius, which provides land communicationbetween Eastern Europe and Russia, Latvia, Estonia, and Belarus. Industryproduces a small assortment of high-quality products, ranging from complexmachine tools to sophisticated consumer electronics. Because of nuclearpower, Lithuania is presently self-sufficient in electricity, exporting itssurplus to Latvia and Belarus; the nuclear facilities inherited from theUSSR, however, have come under world scrutiny as seriously deficient insafety standards. Agriculture is efficient compared with most of the formerSoviet Union. Lithuania held first place in per capita consumption of meat,second place for eggs and potatoes, and fourth place for milk and dairyproducts. Grain must be imported to support the meat and dairy industries.Lithuania is pressing ahead with plans to privatize at least 60% ofstate-owned property (industry, agriculture, and housing), having alreadysold almost all housing and many small enterprises using a voucher system.Other government priorities include encouraging foreign investment byprotecting the property rights of foreign firms and redirecting foreigntrade away from Eastern markets to the more competitive Western markets. Forthe moment, Lithuania will remain highly dependent on Russia for energy, rawmaterials, grains, and markets for its products. In 1992, output plummetedby 30% because of cumulative problems with inputs and with markets, problemsthat were accentuated by the phasing out of the Russian ruble as the mediumof exchange.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:-30% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):10%-20% per month (first quarter 1993)Unemployment rate:1% (February 1993); but large numbers of underemployed workersBudget:revenues $258.5 million; expenditures $270.2 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:electronics 18%, petroleum products 5%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989)partners:Russia 40%, Ukraine 16%, other former Soviet republics 32%, West 12%Imports:$NAcommodities:oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% (1989)partners:Russia 62%, Belarus 18%, former Soviet republics 10%, West 10%External debt:$650 million (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -50% (1992 est.)
*Lithuania, Economy
Electricity:5,925,000 kW capacity; 25,000 million kWh produced, 6,600 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:employs 25% of the labor force; shares in the total production of the formerUSSR are: metal-cutting machine tools 6.6%; electric motors 4.6%; televisionsets 6.2%; refrigerators and freezers 5.4%; other branches: petroleumrefining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, foodprocessing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment,electronic components, computers, and amberAgriculture:employs around 20% of labor force; sugar, grain, potatoes, sugarbeets,vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, fish; most developed are thelivestock and dairy branches, which depend on imported grain; net exporterof meat, milk, and eggsIllicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia toWestern Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domesticconsumptionEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million;Communist countries (1971-86), $NA millionCurrency:using talonas as temporary currency (March 1993), but planning introductionof convertible litas (late 1993)Exchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
*Lithuania, Communications
Railroads:2,100 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:44,200 km total 35,500 km hard surfaced, 8,700 km earth (1990)Inland waterways:600 km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil 105 km, natural gas 760 km (1992)Ports:coastal - Klaipeda; inland - KaunasMerchant marine:46 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 282,633 GRT/332,447 DWT; includes 31cargo, 3 railcar carrier, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 11 combination bulkAirports:total:96useable:19with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,220-2,439 m:11Telecommunications:better developed than in most other former USSR republics; operationalNMT-450 analog cellular network in Vilnius; fiber optic cable installedbeween Vilnius and Kaunas; 224 telephones per 1000 persons; broadcaststations - 13 AM, 26 FM, 1 SW, 1 LW, 3 TV; landlines or microwave to formerUSSR republics; leased connection to the Moscow international switch fortraffic with other countries; satellite earth stations - (8 channels toNorway); new international digital telephone exchange in Kaunas for directaccess to 13 countries via satellite link out of Copenhagen, Denmark
*Lithuania, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Security Forces (internal and bordertroops), National Guard (Skat)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 933,245; fit for military service 739,400; reach militaryage (18) annually 27,056 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, 5.5% of GDP (1993 est.)
*Luxembourg, Geography
Location:Western Europe, between Belgium and GermanyMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:2,586 km2land area:2,586 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:total 359 km, Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:modified continental with mild winters, cool summersTerrain:mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands toslightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain inthe southeastNatural resources:iron ore (no longer exploited)Land use:arable land:24%permanent crops: 1%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:21%other:34%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:deforestationNote:landlocked
*Luxembourg, People
Population:398,220 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.04% (1993 est.)Birth rate:12.96 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.56 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:6.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.43 yearsmale:72.71 yearsfemale:80.3 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.63 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Luxembourger(s)adjective:LuxembourgEthnic divisions:Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, andEuropean (guest and worker residents)Religions:Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3%Languages:Luxembourgisch, German, French, EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:100%male: 100%female:100%Labor force:177,300 one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly from Portugal,Italy, France, Belgium, and Germanyby occupation:services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988)
*Luxembourg, Government
Names:conventional long form:Grand Duchy of Luxembourgconventional short form:Luxembourglocal long form:Grand-Duche de Luxembourglocal short form:LuxembourgDigraph:LUType:constitutional monarchyCapital:LuxembourgAdministrative divisions:3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, LuxembourgIndependence:1839Constitution:17 October 1868, occasional revisionsLegal system:based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke'sbirthday)Political parties and leaders:Christian Social Party (CSV), Jacques SANTER; Socialist Workers Party(LSAP), Jacques POOS; Liberal (DP), Colette FLESCH; Communist (KPL), AndreHOFFMANN; Green Alternative (GAP), Jean HUSSOther political or pressure groups:group of steel companies representing iron and steel industry; CentralePaysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian and Socialist laborunions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans and Shopkeepers FederationSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryElections:Chamber of Deputies:last held on 18 June 1989 (next to be held by June 1994); results - CSV31.7%, LSAP 27.2%, DP 16.2%, Greens 8.4%, PAC 7.3%, KPL 5.1%, other 4.1%;seats - (60 total) CSV 22, LSAP 18, DP 11, Greens 4, PAC 4, KPL 1Executive branch:grand duke, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers(cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes); note - the Council ofState (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose views are considered by theChamber of DeputiesJudicial branch:Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice)Leaders:Chief of State:Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI (son ofGrand Duke Jean, born 16 April 1955)Head of Government:Prime Minister Jacques SANTER (since 21 July 1984); Vice Prime MinisterJacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984)
*Luxembourg, Government
Member of:ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB,FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD,PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Alphonse BERNSchancery:2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-4171FAX:(202) 328-8270consulates general:New York and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Edward M. ROWELLembassy:22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg Citymailing address:PSC 11, APO AE 09132-5380telephone:[352] 460123FAX:[352] 461401Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar tothe flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; designwas based on the flag of France
*Luxembourg, Economy
Overview: The stable economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and negligibleunemployment. Agriculture is based on small but highly productivefamily-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated bysteel, has become increasingly more diversified, particularly towardhigh-technology firms. During the past decade, growth in the financialsector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services,especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy.Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and mostfinancial matters and is also closely connected economically to theNetherlands.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.5 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:2.5% (1992)National product per capita:$21,700 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1992)Unemployment rate:1.4% (1991)Budget:revenues $3.5 billion; expenditures $3.5 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$6.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, otherindustrial productspartners:EC 76%, US 5%Imports:$8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goodspartners:Belgium 37%, FRG 31%, France 12%, US 2%External debt:$131.6 million (1989 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity:1,238,750 kW capacity; 1,375 million kWh produced, 3,450 kWh per capita(1990)Industries:banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products,engineering, tires, glass, aluminumAgriculture:accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principal products -barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattle raisingwidespreadIllicit drugs:money-laundering hubEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimes
*Luxembourg, Economy
Exchange rates:Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 33.256 (January 1993), 32.150 (1992),34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988); note - theLuxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, which circulates freelyin LuxembourgFiscal year:calendar year
*Luxembourg, Communications
Railroads:Luxembourg National Railways (CFL) operates 272 km 1.435-meter standardgauge; 178 km double track; 178 km electrifiedHighways:5,108 km total; 4,995 km paved, 57 km gravel, 56 km earth; about 80 kmlimited access divided highwayInland waterways:37 km; Moselle RiverPipelines:petroleum products 48 kmPorts:Mertert (river port)Merchant marine:53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,570,466 GRT/2,614,154 DWT; includes2 cargo, 5 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 6 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3combination ore/oil, 8 liquefied gas, 2 passenger, 8 bulk, 6 combinationbulk, 4 refrigerated cargoAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buriedcables; 230,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 3channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable; 1 direct-broadcastsatellite earth station; nationwide mobile phone system
*Luxembourg, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, National GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 103,607; fit for military service 86,003; reach military age(19) annually 2,227 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.2% of GDP (1992)
*Macau, Header
Affiliation: (overseas territory of Portugal)
*Macau, Geography
Location:East Asia, 27 km west-southwest of Hong Kong on the southeast coast of Chinabordering the South China SeaMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:16 km2land area:16 km2comparative area:about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 0.34 km, China 0.34 kmCoastline:40 kmMaritime claims:not specifiedInternational disputes:noneClimate:subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summersTerrain:generally flatNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other: 100%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands tothe peninsula on mainland
*Macau, People
Population:477,850 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.44% (1993 est.)Birth rate:14.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:4.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:3.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:79.64 yearsmale:77.24 yearsfemale:82.17 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Macanese (singular and plural)adjective:MacauEthnic divisions:Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2%Religions:Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2%(1981)Languages:Portuguese (official), Cantonese is the language of commerceLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1981)total population:90%male:93%female:86%Labor force:180,000 (1986)by occupation:NA
*Macau, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Macaulocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ilha de MacauDigraph:MCType:overseas territory of Portugal scheduled to revert to China in 1999Capital:MacauAdministrative divisions:2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, MacauIndependence:none (territory of Portugal; Portugal signed an agreement with China on 13April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in the jointdeclaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economicsystems and lifestyle for 50 year after transition)Constitution:17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily byBeijing awaiting final approvalLegal system:Portuguese civil law systemNational holiday:Day of Portugal, 10 JunePolitical parties and leaders:Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center; Groupto Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent GroupOther political or pressure groups:wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthypro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January 1967 theMacau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave China veto power overadministrationSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Legislative Assembly:last held on 10 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(23 total; 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 by indirect suffrage, and 7appointed by the governor) number of seats by party NAExecutive branch:president of Portugal, governor, Consultative Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders: Chief of State:President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986)Head of Government:Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991)Member of:ESCAP (associate), GATT, IMO (associate), WTO (associate)
*Macau, Government
Diplomatic representation in US:as Chinese territory under Portuguese administration, Macanese interests inthe US are represented by PortugalUS diplomatic representation:the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by the USConsulate General in Hong KongFlag:the flag of Portugal is used
*Macau, Economy
Overview:The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile andfireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other smallindustries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sectorhas accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has providedabout two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry represented wellover 40% of GDP in 1992. Macau depends on China for most of its food, freshwater, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of rawmaterials and capital goods.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:3.1% (1991)National product per capita:$6,700 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.2% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:2% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $305 million; expenditures $298 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1989)Exports:$1.8 billion (1992 est.)commodities:textiles, clothing, toyspartners:US 36%, Hong Kong 13%, Germany 12%, France 8% (1991)Imports:$2.0 billion (1992 est.)commodities:raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goodspartners:Hong Kong 35%, China 22%, Japan 17% (1991)External debt:$91 million (1985)Industrial production:NAElectricity:258,000 kW capacity; 855 million kWh produced, 1,806 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourismAgriculture:rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; depends mostly onimports for food requirementsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 pataca (P) = 100 avosExchange rates:patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989), 8.044(1988), 7.993 (1987); note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of1.03 patacas per Hong Kong dollarFiscal year:calendar year
*Macau, Communications
Highways:42 km pavedPorts:MacauAirports:none useable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane stationTelecommunications:fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic andinternational services; 52,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM,no TV (TV programs received from Hong Kong); 115,000 radio receivers (est.);international high-frequency radio communication facility; access tointernational communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; 1Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Macau, Defense Forces
Manpower availability:males age 15-49 137,738; fit for military service 77,159 (1993 est.)Note:defense is responsibility of Portugal
*Macedonia, Header
Macedonia has proclaimed independent statehood but has not been formally recognized as a state by the United States.
*Macedonia, Geography
Location:Southern Europe, between Serbia and Montenegro and GreeceMap references:Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:25,333 km2land area:24,856 km2comparative area:slightly larger than VermontLand boundaries:total 748 km, Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia andMontenegro 221 km (all with Serbia)Coastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:Greece claims republic's name implies territorial claims against AegeanMacedoniaClimate:hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfallTerrain:mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are threelarge lakes, each divided by a frontier lineNatural resources:chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore,asbestos, sulphur, timberLand use:arable land:5%permanent crops:5%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:30%other:40%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:Macedonia suffers from high seismic hazard; air pollution from metallurgicalplantsNote:landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe toAegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe
*Macedonia, People
Population:2,193,951 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.91% (1993 est.)Birth rate:15.91 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.79 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.19 yearsmale:71.15 yearsfemale:75.41 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Macedonian(s)adjective:MacedonianEthnic divisions:Macedonian 67%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, other 6%Religions:Eastern Orthodox 59%, Muslim 26%, Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other 10%Languages:Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%Literacy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:507,324by occupation:agriculture 8%, manufacturing and mining 40% (1990)
*Macedonia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Macedoniaconventional short form:Macedonia local long form:Republika Makedonijalocal short form:MakedonijaDigraph:MKType:emerging democracyCapital:SkopjeAdministrative divisions:34 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Berovo, Bitola, Brod, Debar,Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani,Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Negotino, Ohrid, Prilep,Probistip, Radovis, Resen, Skopje-Centar, Skopje-Cair, Skopje-Karpos,Skopje-Kisela Voda, Skopje-Gazi Baba, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Sveti Nikole,Tetovo, Titov Veles, Valandovo, VinicaIndependence:20 November 1991 (from Yugoslavia)Constitution:adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991Legal system:based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative actsNational holiday:NAPolitical parties and leaders:Social-Democratic League of Macedonia (SDSM; former Communist Party), BrankoCRVENKOVSKI, president; Party for Democratic Prosperity in Macedonia (PDPM),Nevzat HALILI, president; National Democratic Party (PDP), Ilijas HALINI,president; Alliance of Reform Forces of Macedonia (SRSM), Stojan ANDOV,president; Socialist Party of Macedonia (SPM), Kiro POPOVSKI, president;Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party forMacedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, president; Partyof Yugoslavs in Macedonia (SJM), Milan DURCINOV, presidentOther political or pressure groups:Movement for All Macedonian Action (MAAK); League for Democracy; AlbanianDemocratic Union-Liberal PartySuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Kiro GLIGOROV waselected by the AssemblyAssembly:last held 11 and 25 November and 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) VMRO-DPMNE 37,SDSM 31, PDPM 25, SRSM 17, SJM 1, SPM 5, others 4Executive branch:president, Council of Ministers, prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameral Assembly (Sobranje)Judicial branch:Constitutional Court, Judicial Court of the Republic
*Macedonia, Government
Leaders:Chief of State:President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since NA September 1992), Deputy PrimeMinisters Jovan ANDONOV (since NA March 1991), Stevo CRVENKOVSKI (since NASeptember 1992), and Becir ZUTA (since NA March 1991)Member of:EBRD, ICAO, IMF, UN, UNCTAD, WMODiplomatic representation in US:none; US does not recognize MacedoniaUS diplomatic representation:none; US does not recognize MacedoniaFlag:16-point gold sun (Vergino, Sun) centered on a red field
*Macedonia, Economy
Overview:Macedonia, although the poorest among the six republics of a dissolvedYugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its ownagricultural and coal resources. It will, however, move down toward a baresubsistence level of life unless economic ties are reforged or enlarged withits neighbors Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. Theeconomy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and its modernmachinery and parts. Continued political turmoil, both internally and in theregion as a whole, prevents any swift readjustments of trade patterns andeconomic programs. Inflation in early 1992 was out of control, the result offracturing trade links, the decline in economic activity, and generaluncertainties about the future status of the country; prices rose 38% inMarch 1992 alone. In August 1992, Greece, angry at the use of "Macedonia" asthe republic's name, imposed a partial blockade for several months. Thisblockade, combined with the effects of the UN sanctions on Serbia andMontenegro, cost the economy approximately $1 billion in 1992 according toofficial figures. Macedonia's geographical isolation, technologicalbackwardness, and potential political instability place it far down the listof countries of interest to Western investors. Resolution of the disputewith Greece and an internal commitment to economic reform would help toencourage foreign investment over the long run. In the immediate future, theworst scenario for the economy would be the spread of fighting across itsborders.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7.1 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:-18% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$3,110 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):114.9% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:20% (1991 est.)Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$578 million (1990)commodities:manufactured goods 40%, machinery and transport equipment 14%, miscellaneousmanufactured articles 23%, raw materials 7.6%, food (rice) and live animals5.7%, beverages and tobacco 4.5%, chemicals 4.7%partners:principally Serbia and Montenegro and the other former Yugoslav republics,Germany, Greece, AlbaniaImports:$1,112 million (1990)commodities:fuels and lubricants 19%, manufactured goods 18%, machinery and transportequipment 15%, food and live animals 14%, chemicals 11.4%, raw materials10%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 8.0%, beverages and tobacco 3.5%partners:other former Yugoslav republics, Greece, Albania, Germany, BulgariaExternal debt:$845.8 millionIndustrial production:growth rate -18% (1991 est.)Electricity:1,600,000 kw capacity; 6,300 million kWh produced, 2,900 kWh per capita(1992)
*Macedonia, Economy
Industries:low levels of technology predominate, such as, oil refining by distillationonly; produces basic liquid fuels, coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, andferronickel; light industry produces basic textiles, wood products, andtobaccoAgriculture:provides 12% of GDP and meets the basic need for food; principal crops arerice, tobacco, wheat, corn, and millet; also grown are cotton, sesame,mulberry leaves, citrus fruit, and vegetables; Macedonia is one of the sevenlegal cultivators of the opium poppy for the world pharmaceutical industry,including some exports to the US; agricultural production is highly laborintensiveIllicit drugs:NAEconomic aid:$10 million from the US for humanitarian and technical assistance; ECpromised a 100 ECU million economic aid packageCurrency:1 denar (abbreviation NA) = 100 NAExchange rates:denar per US$1 - 240 (January 1991)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Macedonia, Communications
Railroads:NAHighways:10,591 km total (1991); 5,091 km paved, 1,404 km gravel, 4,096 km earthInland waterways:NA kmPipelines:nonePorts:none; landlockedAirports:total:17useable:17with permanent-surface runways:9with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:125,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 2 FM, 5 (2 relays) TV;370,000 radios, 325,000 TV; satellite communications ground stations - none
*Macedonia, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 597,024; fit for military service 484,701; reach militaryage (19) annually 18,979 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:7 billion denars, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of the militarybudget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could producemisleading results
*Madagascar, Geography
Location:in the western Indian Ocean, 430 km east of Mozambique in Southern AfricaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:587,040 km2land area:581,540 km2 comparative area:slightly less than twice the size of ArizonaLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:4,828 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de NovaIsland, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France)Climate:tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in southTerrain:narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in centerNatural resources:graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semipreciousstones, mica, fishLand use:arable land:4%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:58%forest and woodland:26%other:11%Irrigated land:9,000 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to periodic cyclones; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;desertificationNote:world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel
*Madagascar, People
Population:13,005,989 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.2% (1993 est.)Birth rate:45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:13.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:91 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:53.52 yearsmale:51.65 yearsfemale:55.45 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Malagasy (singular and plural)adjective:MalagasyEthnic divisions:Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African,Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka,Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, ComoranReligions:indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%Languages:French (official), Malagasy (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:80%male:88%female:73%Labor force:4.9 million 90% nonsalaried family workers engaged in subsistenceagriculture; 175,000 wage earnersby occupation:agriculture 26%, domestic service 17%, industry 15%, commerce 14%,construction 11%, services 9%, transportation 6%, other 2%note:51% of population of working age (1985)
*Madagascar, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Madagascarconventional short form:Madagascarlocal long form:Republique de Madagascarlocal short form:Madagascarformer:Malagasy RepublicDigraph:MAType:republicCapital:AntananarivoAdministrative divisions:6 provinces - Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina,ToliaryIndependence:26 June 1960 (from France)Constitution:12 September 1992Legal system:based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 26 June (1960)Political parties and leaders:some 30 political parties now exist in Madagascar, the most important ofwhich are Advance Guard of the Malagasy Revolution (AREMA), DidierRATSIRAKA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence (AKFM),RAKOTOVAO-ANDRIATIANA; Movement for National Unity (VONJY), Dr. MarojamaRAZANABAHINY; Malagasy Christian Democratic Union (UDECMA), NorbertANDRIAMORASATA; Militants for the Establishment of a Proletarian Regime(MFM), Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; National Movement for the Independence ofMadagascar (MONIMA), Monja JAONA; National Union for the Defense ofDemocracy (UNDD), Albert ZAFYOther political or pressure groups:National Council of Christian Churches (FFKM), leader NA; FederalistMovement, leader NASuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held on 10 February 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - Albert ZAFY(UNDD), 67%; Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA), 33%Popular National Assembly:last held on 28 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - AREMA 88.2%,MFM 5.1%, AKFM 3.7%, VONJY 2.2%, other 0.8%; seats - (137 total) AREMA 120,MFM 7, AKFM 5, VONJY 4, MONIMA 1Executive branch:president, prime minister, Council of Ministers
*Madagascar, Government
Legislative branch:unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note -the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 and early1993 in preparation for new legislative elections. In its place, an interimHigh Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have beenestablishedJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute CourConstitutionnelle)Leaders: Chief of State:President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975)Head of Government:Prime Minister Guy RAZANAMASY (since 8 August 1991)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELOchancery:2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-5525 or 5526consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Douglas BARRETTembassy:14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivomailing address:B. P. 620, Antananarivotelephone:[261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18FAX:261-234-539Flag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white bandof the same width on hoist side
*Madagascar, Economy
Overview:Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture,including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accountingfor over 30% of GDP and contributing to more than 70% of total exportearnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agriculturalproducts and textile manufacturing; in 1991 it accounted for only 13% ofGDP. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan thatstressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increasedproduction for exports, and reduced energy imports. After mid-1991, however,output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes anddemonstrations for political reform.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:1% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$200 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):20% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget:revenues $250 million; expenditures $265 million, including capitalexpenditures of $180 million (1991)Exports:$312 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum productspartners:France, Japan, Italy, Germany, USImports:$350 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumergoods 14%, food 13%partners:France, Germany, UK, other EC, USExternal debt:$4.4 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity:125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries,tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries(textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleumAgriculture:accounts for 31% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves,cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raisingwidespread; almost self-sufficient in riceIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly fordomestic consumptionEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million
*Madagascar, Economy
Currency:1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,910.2 (December 1992), 1,867.9 (1992),1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989), 1,407.1 (1988),1,069.2 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Madagascar, Communications
Railroads:1,020 km 1.000-meter gaugeHighways:40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilizedsoil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.)Inland waterways:of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal desPangalanesPorts:Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, ToliaraMerchant marine:11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,359 GRT/48,772 DWT; includes 6cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1liquefied gasAirports:total:146usable:103with permanent-surface runways:30with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:36Telecommunications:above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay,and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations- 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36repeaters) TV
*Madagascar, Defense Forces
Branches:Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces,Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, PresidentialSecurity RegimentManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,826,018; fit for military service 1,681,553; reachmilitary age (20) annually 118,233 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1991 est.)
*Malawi, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, between Mozambique and ZambiaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea: total area:118,480 km2land area:94,080 km2comparative area:slightly larger than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)Climate:tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)Terrain:narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountainsNatural resources:limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxiteLand use:arable land:25%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:50%other:5%Irrigated land:200 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:deforestationNote:landlocked
*Malawi, People
Population:9,831,935 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:-0.95% (1993 est.)Birth rate:51.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:22.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-37.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:141.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population: 40.48 yearsmale:39.61 yearsfemale:41.37 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:7.5 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Malawian(s)adjective:MalawianEthnic divisions:Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian,EuropeanReligions:Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenousbeliefsLanguages:English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages importantregionallyLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1966)total population:22%male:34%female:12%Labor force:428,000 wage earnersby occupation:agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%,construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6%(1986)
*Malawi, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Malawiconventional short form:Malawiformer:NyasalandDigraph:MIType:one-party republicnote:a referendum to determine whether Malawi should remain a one-party state isscheduled to be held on 14 June 1993Capital:LilongweAdministrative divisions:24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga,Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza,Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima,Thyolo, ZombaIndependence:6 July 1964 (from UK)Constitution:6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974Legal system:based on English common law and customary law; judicial review oflegislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsoryICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1964)Political parties and leaders:only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrativesecretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretarygeneral vacant since 1983Other political or pressure groups:Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chakufwa CHIHANA; United Democratic Front(UDF) Bakili MULUZI; Malawi Democratic People (MDP), leader NASuffrage:21 years of age; universalElections:President:President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971National Assembly:last held 26-27 June 1987 (next to be held by June 1997); results - MCP isthe only party; seats - (141 total, 136 elected) MCP 141Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National AssemblyJudicial branch:High Court, Supreme Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in asPresident for Life 6 July 1971)
*Malawi, Government
Member of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS,NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert B. MBAYAchancery:2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 797-1007US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTORembassy:address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwemailing address:P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwetelephone:[265] 730-166FAX:[265] 732-282Flag:three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant,rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag ofAfghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposedon the hoist side of the black and red bands
*Malawi, Economy
Overview:Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. Theeconomy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the populationliving in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of exportrevenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improvedsignificantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly basedeconomic adjustment effort by the government. Drought cut overall outputsharply in 1992. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economicassistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:-7.7% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$200 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):21% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capitalexpenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$400 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood productspartners:US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, GermanyImports:$660 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportationequipmentpartners:South Africa, Japan, US, UK, ZimbabweExternal debt:$1.8 billion (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988)Electricity:190,000 kW capacity; 620 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumergoodsAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, andcorn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock -cattle, goatsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 millionCurrency:1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambalaExchange rates:Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 4.3418 (November 1992), 2.8033 (1991),2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Malawi, Communications
Railroads:789 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilizedsoil; 10,520 km earth and improved earthInland waterways:Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 kmPorts:Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (LakeMalawi)Airports:total:47usable:41with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:10Telecommunications:fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communicationsstations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV;satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSATNote:a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira,Nacala, and Limgogo railroads, but now most go through South Africa becauseof insurgent activity and damage to rail lines
*Malawi, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includingparamilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young PioneersManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,059,509; fit for military service 1,048,986 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)
*Malaysia, Geography
Location:Southeast Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Vietnam and IndonesiaMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:329,750 km2land area:328,550 km2comparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 kmCoastline:4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)Maritime claims:continental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the SouthChina Seaexclusive fishing zone:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed bythe Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient thatdivides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; twoislands in dispute with IndonesiaClimate:tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October toFebruary) monsoonsTerrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountainsNatural resources:tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxiteLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:10%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:63%other:24%Irrigated land:3,420 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to flooding; air and water pollutionNote:strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
*Malaysia, People
Population:18,845,340 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.32% (1993 est.)Birth rate:28.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:68.82 yearsmale:65.96 yearsfemale:71.81 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Malaysian(s)adjective:MalaysianEthnic divisions:Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9%Religions:Peninsular Malaysia:Muslim (Malays)Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians)Sabah:Muslim 38%Christian 17%, other 45%Sarawak:tribal religion 35%Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5%Languages:Peninsular Malaysia:Malay (official)English, Chinese dialects, TamilState of Sabah:EnglishMalay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialectspredominate)State of Sarawak:EnglishMalay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages,Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:78%male:86%female:70%Labor force:7.258 million (1991 est.)