mailing address:P. O. Box 199, Mbabanetelephone:[268] 46441 through 46445FAX:[268] 45959Flag:three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the redband is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and whiteshield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, allplaced horizontally
*Swaziland, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on subsistence agriculture, which occupies most of thelabor force and contributes nearly 25% to GDP. Manufacturing, which includesa number of agroprocessing factories, accounts for another quarter of GDP.Mining has declined in importance in recent years; high-grade iron oredeposits were depleted in 1978, and health concerns cut world demand forasbestos. Exports of sugar and forestry products are the main earners ofhard currency. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border withMozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa, from which itreceives 75% of its imports and to which it sends about half of its exports.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $700 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:2.5% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$800 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):13% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $342 million; expenditures $410 million, including capitalexpenditures of $130 million (FY94 est.)Exports:$575 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, citrus, canned fruitpartners:South Africa 50% (est.), EC countries, CanadaImports:$730 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products,foodstuffs, chemicalspartners:South Africa 75% (est.), Japan, Belgium, UKExternal debt:$290 million (1990)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 26% of GDP (1989)Electricity:60,000 kW capacity; 155 million kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:mining (coal and asbestos), wood pulp, sugarAgriculture:accounts for 23% of GDP and over 60% of labor force; mostly subsistenceagriculture; cash crops - sugarcane, cotton, maize, tobacco, rice, citrusfruit, pineapples; other crops and livestock - corn, sorghum, peanuts,cattle, goats, sheep; not self-sufficient in grainEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $142 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $518 millionCurrency:1 lilangeni (E) = 100 centsExchange rates:emalangeni (E) per US$1 -3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991),2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988); note - the Swazi emalangeni isat par with the South African rand
*Swaziland, Economy
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
*Swaziland, Communications
Railroads:297 km (plus 71 km disused), 1.067-meter gauge, single trackHighways:2,853 km total; 510 km paved, 1,230 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilizedsoil, and 1,113 km improved earthAirports:total:23usable:21with permanent-surfaced runways:1with runways over 3,659 m: 0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:system consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines and low-capacitymicrowave links; 17,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV;1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Swaziland, Defense Forces
Branches:Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force, Royal Swaziland Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 197,214; fit for military service 114,097 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22 million, NA% of GDP (FY93/94)
*Sweden, Geography
Location:Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Norway and FinlandMap references:Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:449,964 km2land area:410,928 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than CaliforniaLand boundaries:total 2,205 km, Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 kmCoastline:3,218 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudysummers; subarctic in northTerrain:mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in westNatural resources:zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium, hydropower potentialLand use:arable land:7%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:2%forest and woodland:64%other:27%Irrigated land:1,120 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:water pollution; acid rainNote:strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas
*Sweden, People
Population:8,730,286 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.58% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:10.96 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:2.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78.08 yearsmale:75.3 yearsfemale:81.02 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.04 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Swede(s)adjective:SwedishEthnic divisions:white, Lapp, foreign born or first-generation immigrants 12% (Finns,Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks)Religions:Evangelical Lutheran 94%, Roman Catholic 1.5%, Pentecostal 1%, other 3.5%(1987)Languages:Swedish note:small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities; immigrants speak nativelanguagesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1979)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:4.552 millionby occupation:community, social and personal services 38.3%, mining and manufacturing21.2%, commerce, hotels, and restaurants 14.1%, banking, insurance 9.0%,communications 7.2%, construction 7.0%, agriculture, fishing, and forestry3.2% (1991)
*Sweden, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Swedenconventional short form:Swedenlocal long form:Konungariket Sverigelocal short form:SverigeDigraph:SWType:constitutional monarchyCapital:StockholmAdministrative divisions:24 provinces (lan, singular and plural); Alvsborgs Lan, Blekinge Lan,Gavleborgs Lan, Goteborgs och Bohus Lan, Gotlands Lan, Hallands Lan,Jamtlands Lan, Jonkopings Lan, Kalmar Lan, Kopparbergs Lan, KristianstadsLan, Kronobergs Lan, Malmohus Lan, Norrbottens Lan, Orebro Lan,Ostergotlands Lan, Skaraborgs Lan, Sodermanlands Lan, Stockholms Lan,Uppsala Lan, Varmlands Lan, Vasterbottens Lan, Vasternorrlands Lan,Vastmanlands LanIndependence:6 June 1809 (constitutional monarchy established)Constitution:1 January 1975Legal system:civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservationsNational holiday:Day of the Swedish Flag, 6 JunePolitical parties and leaders: ruling four-party coalition consists of Moderate Party(conservative), CarlBILDT; Liberal People's Party, Bengt WESTERBERG; Center Party, OlofJOHANSSON; and the Christian Democratic Party, Alf SVENSSON; SocialDemocratic Party, Ingvar CARLSSON; New Democracy Party, Count IanWACHTMEISTER; Left Party (VP; Communist), Gudrun SCHYMAN; Communist Workers'Party, Rolf HAGEL; Green Party, no formal leaderSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Riksdag:last held 15 September 1991 (next to be held NA September 1994); results -Social Democratic Party 37.6%, Moderate Party (conservative) 21.9%, LiberalPeople's Party 9.1%, Center Party 8.5%, Christian Democrats 7.1%, NewDemocracy 6.7%, Left Party (Communist) 4.5%, Green Party 3.4%, other 1.2%;seats - (349 total) Social Democratic 138, Moderate Party (conservative) 80,Liberal People's Party 33, Center Party 31, Christian Democrats 26, NewDemocracy 25, Left Party (Communist) 16; note - the Green Party has no seatsin the Riksdag because it received less than the required 4% of the voteExecutive branch:monarch, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral parliament (Riksdag)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Hogsta Domstolen)
*Sweden, Government
Leaders:Chief of State:King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent PrincessVICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the King (born 14 July 1977)Head of Government:Prime Minister Carl BILDT (since 3 October 1991); Deputy Prime MinisterBengt WESTERBERG (since NA)Member of:AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM(cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-6, G-8, G-9, G-10,GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTRC, NAM(guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR,UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Carl Henrik LILJEGRENchancery:Suite 1200 and 715, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037telephone:(202) 944-5600FAX:(202) 342-1319consulates general:Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission:(vacant)embassy:Strandvagen 101, S-115 89 Stockholmmailing address:use embassy street addresstelephone:[46] (8) 783-5300FAX:[46] (8) 661-1964Flag:blue with a yellow cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the verticalpart of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog(Danish flag)
*Sweden, Economy
Overview:Aided by a long period of peace and neutrality during World War I throughWorld War II, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under amixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It hasa modern distribution system, excellent internal and externalcommunications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron oreconstitute the resource base of an economy that is heavily oriented towardforeign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrialoutput, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output andexports. In the last few years, however, this extraordinarily favorablepicture has been clouded by inflation, growing unemployment, and a gradualloss of competitiveness in international markets. Although Prime MinisterBILDT'S center-right minority coalition had hoped to charge ahead withfree-market-oriented reforms, a skyrocketing budget deficit - almost 13% ofGDP in FY94 projections - and record unemployment have forestalled many ofthe plans. Unemployment in 1993 is forecast at around 7% with another 5% injob training. Continued heavy foreign exchange speculation forced thegovernment to cooperate in late 1992 with the opposition Social Democrats ontwo crisis packages - one a severe austerity pact and the other a program tospur industrial competitiveness - which basically set economic policythrough 1997. In November 1992, Sweden broke its tie to the EC's ECU, andthe krona has since depreciated around 2.5% against the dollar. Thegovernment hopes the boost in export competitiveness from the depreciationwill help lift Sweden out of its 3-year recession. To curb the budgetdeficit and bolster confidence in the economy, BILDT continues to proposecuts in welfare benefits, subsidies, defense, and foreign aid. Swedencontinues to harmonize its economic policies with those of the EC inpreparation for concluding its EC membership bid by 1995.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $145.6 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:-1.7% (1992)National product per capita:$16,900 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.3% (1992)Unemployment rate: 5.3% (1992)Budget:revenues $70.4 billion; expenditures $82.5 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY92)Exports:$56 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steelproducts, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum productspartners:EC 55.8% (Germany 15%, UK 9.7%, Denmark 7.2%, France 5.8%), EFTA 17.4%(Norway 8.4%, Finland 5.1%), US 8.2%, Central and Eastern Europe 2.5% (1992)Imports:$51.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles,foodstuffs, iron and steel, clothingpartners:EC 53.6% (Germany 17.9%, UK 6.3%, Denmark 7.5%, France 4.9%), EFTA (Norway6.6%, Finland 6%), US 8.4%, Central and Eastern Europe 3% (1992)External debt:$19.5 billion (1992 est.)
*Sweden, Economy
Industrial production:growth rate -3.0% (1992)Electricity:39,716,000 kW capacity; 142,500 million kWh produced, 16,560 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts,armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehiclesAgriculture:animal husbandry predominates, with milk and dairy products accounting for37% of farm income; main crops - grains, sugar beets, potatoes; 100%self-sufficient in grains and potatoes; Sweden is about 50% self-sufficientin most products; farming accounted for 1.2% of GDP and 1.9% of jobs in 1990Illicit drugs:increasingly used as transshipment point for Latin American cocaine toEurope and gateway for Asian heroin shipped via the CIS and Baltic statesfor the European marketEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.3 billionCurrency:1 Swedish krona (SKr) = 100 oreExchange rates:Swedish kronor (SKr) per US$1 - 6.8812 (December 1992), 5.8238 (1992),6.0475 (1991) 5.9188 (1990), 6.4469 (1989), 6.1272 (1988)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Sweden, Communications
Railroads:12,000 km total; Swedish State Railways (SJ) - 10,819 km 1.435-meterstandard gauge, 6,955 km electrified and 1,152 km double track; 182 km0.891-meter gauge; 117 km rail ferry service; privately-owned railways - 511km 1.435-meter standard gauge (332 km electrified) and 371 km 0.891-metergauge (all electrified)Highways:97,400 km total; 51,899 km paved, 20,659 km gravel, 24,842 km unimprovedearthInland waterways:2,052 km navigable for small steamers and bargesPipelines:natural gas 84 kmPorts:Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Kalmar, Malmo, Stockholm; numeroussecondary and minor portsMerchant marine:179 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,473,769 GRT/3,227,366 DWT; includes10 short-sea passenger, 29 cargo, 3 container, 43 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13vehicle carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 32 oil tanker, 27 chemical tanker, 4specialized tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 2 combination ore/oil, 10 bulk, 1combination bulk, 1 refrigerated cargoAirports:total:253usable:250with permanent-surface runways:139with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:12with runways 1,220-2,439 m:94Telecommunications:excellent domestic and international facilities; 8,200,000 telephones;mainly coaxial and multiconductor cables carry long-distance network;parallel microwave network carries primarily radio, TV and some telephonechannels; automatic system; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 360 (mostlyrepeaters) FM, 880 (mostly repeaters) TV; 5 submarine coaxial cables;satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 EUTELSAT
*Sweden, Defense Forces
Branches:Swedish Army, Swedish Navy, Swedish Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,156,720; fit for military service 1,884,121; reachmilitary age (19) annually 57,383 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $6.7 billion, 3.8% of GDP (FY92/93)
*Switzerland, Geography
Location:Western Europe, between France and AustriaMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:41,290 km2land area:39,770 km2comparative area:slightly more than twice the size of New JerseyLand boundaries:total 1,852 km, Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein41 km, Germany 334 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; coolto warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showersTerrain:mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateauof rolling hills, plains, and large lakesNatural resources:hydropower potential, timber, saltLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:40%forest and woodland:26%other:23%Irrigated land:250 km2 (1989)Environment:dominated by AlpsNote:landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along withsoutheastern France and northern Italy, contains the highest elevations inEurope
*Switzerland, People
Population:6,986,621 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.83% (1993 est.)Birth rate:12.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.24 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:5.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.99 yearsmale:74.6 yearsfemale:81.54 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Swiss (singular and plural)adjective:SwissEthnic divisions:total population:German 65%French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%Swiss nationals:German 74%French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%Religions:Roman Catholic 47.6%, Protestant 44.3%, other 8.1% (1980)Languages:German 65%, French 18%, Italian 12%, Romansch 1%, other 4%note:these are figures for Swiss nationals only -German 74%, French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:3.31 million (904,095 foreign workers, mostly Italian)by occupation:services 50%, industry and crafts 33%, government 10%, agriculture andforestry 6%, other 1% (1989)
*Switzerland, Government
Names:conventional long form:Swiss Confederationconventional short form:Switzerlandlocal long form:Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German) Confederation Suisse (French)Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)local short form:Schweiz (German) Suisse (French) Svizzera (Italian)Digraph:SZType:federal republicCapital:BernAdministrative divisions:26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular -cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Aargau,Ausser-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve,Glarus, Graubunden, Inner-Rhoden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden,Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino,Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, ZurichIndependence:1 August 1291Constitution:29 May 1874Legal system:civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislativeacts, except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatorycharacter; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsNational holiday:Anniversary of the Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)Political parties and leaders:Free Democratic Party (FDP), Bruno HUNZIKER, president; Social DemocraticParty (SPS), Helmut HUBACHER, chairman; Christian Democratic People's Party(CVP), Eva SEGMULLER-WEBER, chairman; Swiss People's Party (SVP), HansUHLMANN, president; Green Party (GPS), Peter SCHMID, president; AutomobileParty (AP), DREYER; Alliance of Independents' Party (LdU), Dr. Franz JAEGER,president; Swiss Democratic Party (SD), NA; Evangelical People's Party(EVP), Max DUNKI, president; Workers' Party (PdA; Communist), JeanSPIELMANN, general secretary; Ticino League, leader NA; Liberal Party (LPS),Gilbert COUTAU, presidentSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Council of States:last held throughout 1991 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (46 total) FDP 18, CVP 16, SVP 4, SPS 3, LPS 3,LdU 1, Ticino League 1National Council:last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (200 total) FDP 44, SPS 42, CVP 37, SVP25, GPS 14, LPS 10, AP 8, LdU 6, SD 5, EVP 3, PdA 2, Ticino League 2, other2Executive branch:president, vice president, Federal Council (German - Bundesrat, French -Conseil Federal, Italian - Consiglio Federale)
*Switzerland, Government
Legislative branch:bicameral Federal Assembly (German - Bundesversammlung, French - AssembleeFederale, Italian - Assemblea Federale) consists of an upper council orCouncil of States (German - Standerat, French - Conseil des Etats, Italian -Consiglio degli Stati) and a lower council or National Council (German -Nationalrat, French - Conseil National, Italian - Consiglio Nazionale)Judicial branch:Federal Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Adolf OGI (1993 calendar year; presidency rotates annually); VicePresident Otto STICH (term runs concurrently with that of president)Member of:AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM(coopeating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-8, G-10, GATT,IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTRC, NAM(guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Edouard BRUNNERchancery:2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 745-7900FAX:(202) 387-2564consulates general:Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph B. GILDENHORNembassy:Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bernmailing address:use embassy street addresstelephone:[41] (31) 437-011FAX:[41] (31) 437-344branch office:Genevaconsulate general:ZurichFlag: red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does notextend to the edges of the flag
*Switzerland, Economy
Overview:Switzerland's economy - one of the most prosperous and stable in the world -is nonetheless undergoing a painful adjustment after both the inflationaryboom of the late-1980s and the electorate's rejection late last year ofmembership in the European Economic Area. Stubborn inflation and a softeconomy have afflicted Switzerland. Despite slow growth in 1991-92, theSwiss central bank had been unable to ease monetary policy in the past threeyears because of the threat to the Swiss franc posed by high German interestrates. As a result, unemployment is forecast to rise from 3% in 1992 to morethan 4% in 1993, with inflation moving down from 4% to 3%. The voters'rejection in December 1992 of a referendum on membership in the EEA whichwas supported by most political, business, and financial leaders has raiseddoubts that the country can maintain its preeminent prosperity andleadership in commercial banking in the 21st century. Despite theseproblems, Swiss per capita output, general living standards, education andscience, health care, and diet remain unsurpassed in Europe. The country hasfew natural resources except for the scenic natural beauty that has made ita world leader in tourism. Management-labor relations remain generallyharmonious.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $152.3 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:-0.6% (1992)National product per capita:$22,300 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.1% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:3% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues $24.0 billion; expenditures $23.8 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1990)Exports:$62.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment, precision instruments, metal products, foodstuffs,textiles and clothingpartners:Western Europe 64% (EC countries 56%, other 8%), US 9%, Japan 4%Imports:$68.5 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:agricultural products, machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals,textiles, construction materialspartners:Western Europe 78% (EC countries 71%, other 7%), US 6%External debt:$NAIndustrial production: growth rate 0.4% (1991 est.)Electricity:17,710,000 kW capacity; 56,000 million kWh produced, 8,200 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instrumentsAgriculture:dairy farming predominates; less than 50% self-sufficient in food; mustimport fish, refined sugar, fats and oils (other than butter), grains, eggs,fruits, vegetables, meat
*Switzerland, Economy
Economic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $3.5 billionCurrency: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
*Switzerland, Communications
Railroads:4,418 km total; 3,073 km are government owned and 1,345 km are nongovernmentowned; the government network consists of 2,999 km 1.435-meter standardgauge and 74 km 1.000-meter narrow gauge track; 1,432 km double track, 99%electrified; the nongovernment network consists of 510 km 1.435-meterstandard gauge, and 835 km 1.000-meter gauge, 100% electrifiedHighways:62,145 km total (all paved); 18,620 km are canton, 1,057 km are nationalhighways (740 km autobahn), 42,468 km are communal roadsInland waterways:65 km; Rhine (Basel to Rheinfelden, Schaffhausen to Bodensee); 12 navigablelakesPipelines:crude oil 314 km, natural gas 1,506 kmPorts:Basel (river port)Merchant marine:23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 308,725 GRT/548,244 DWT; includes 5cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 chemical tanker, 2 specialized tanker, 8bulk, 1 oil tankerAirports:total:66usable:65with permanent-surface runways:42 with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,220-2,439 m:18Telecommunications:excellent domestic, international, and broadcast services; 5,890,000telephones; extensive cable and microwave networks; broadcast stations - 7AM, 265 FM, 18 (1,322 repeaters) TV; communications satellite earth stationoperating in the INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean) system
*Switzerland, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (Air Force is part of the Army), Frontier Guards, Fortification GuardsManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,852,213; fit for military service 1,590,308; reachmilitary age (20) annually 44,124 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, 1.7% of GDP (1993 est.)
*Syria, Geography
Location:Middle East, along the Mediterranean Sea, between Turkey and LebanonMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:185,180 km2land area:184,050 km2comparative area:slightly larger than North Dakotanote:includes 1,295 km2 of Israeli-occupied territoryLand boundaries:total 2,253 km, Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km,Turkey 822 kmCoastline:193 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:41 nmterritorial sea:35 nmInternational disputes:separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Golan Heights is Israelioccupied; Hatay question with Turkey; periodic disputes with Iraq overEuphrates water rights; ongoing dispute over water development plans byTurkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; Syrian troops in northernLebanon since October 1976Climate:mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainywinters (December to February) along coastTerrain:primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains inwestNatural resources:petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rocksalt, marble, gypsumLand use:arable land:28%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:46%forest and woodland:3%other:20%Irrigated land:6,700 km2 (1989)Environment:deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertificationNote:there are 38 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights
*Syria, People
Population:14,338,527 (July 1993 est.)note:in addition, there are at least 14,500 Druze and 14,000 Jewish settlers inthe Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.76% (1993 est.)Birth rate:44.08 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:43.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:66.12 yearsmale:65.07 yearsfemale:67.22 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Syrian(s)adjective:SyrianEthnic divisions:Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%Religions:Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%, Christian(various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, andAleppo)Languages:Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French widelyunderstoodLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:64%male:78%female:51%Labor force:2.951 million (1989)by occupation:miscellaneous and government services 36%, agriculture 32%, industry andconstruction 32%; note - shortage of skilled labor (1984)
*Syria, Government
Names:conventional long form:Syrian Arab Republicconventional short form:Syrialocal long form:Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyahlocal short form:Suriyahformer:United Arab Republic (with Egypt)Digraph:SYType:republic under leftwing military regime since March 1963Capital:DamascusAdministrative divisions:14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah,Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab,Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, TartusIndependence:17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)Constitution: 13 March 1973Legal system:based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 17 April (1946)Political parties and leaders:ruling party is the Arab Socialist Resurrectionist (Ba'th) Party; theProgressive National is dominated by Ba'thists but includes independents andmembers of the Syrian Arab Socialist Party (ASP); Arab Socialist Union(ASU); Syrian Communist Party (SCP); Arab Socialist Unionist Movement; andDemocratic Socialist Union PartyOther political or pressure groups:non-Ba'th parties have little effective political influence; Communist partyineffective; conservative religious leaders; Muslim BrotherhoodSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held December 1998); results -President Hafiz al-ASAD was reelected for a fourth seven-year term with99.98% of the votePeople's Council:last held 22-23 May 1990 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - Ba'th53.6%, ASU 3.2%, SCP 3.2%, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 2.8%, ASP 2%,Democratic Socialist Union Party 1.6%, independents 33.6%; seats - (250total) Ba'th 134, ASU 8, SCP 8, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 7, ASP 5,Democratic Socialist Union Party 4, independents 84; note - the People'sCouncil was expanded to 250 seats total prior to the May 1990 electionExecutive branch:president, three vice presidents, prime minister, three deputy primeministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Chaab)
*Syria, Government
Judicial branch:Supreme Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Court of Cassation,State Security CourtsLeaders:Chief of State:President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971 see note); Vice Presidents'Abd al-Halim KHADDAM, Rif'at al-ASAD, and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since11 March 1984); note - President ASAD seized power in the November 1970coup, assumed presidential powers 22 February 1971, and was confirmed aspresident in the 12 March 1971 national electionsHead of Government:Prime Minister Mahmud ZU'BI (since 1 November 1987); Deputy Prime MinisterLt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11 March 1984); Deputy Prime Minister SalimYASIN (since NA December 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Rashid AKHTARINI(since 4 July 1992)Member of:ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Walid MOUALEMchancery:2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 232-6313US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSSembassy:Abu Rumaneh, Al Mansur Street No. 2, Damascusmailing address:P. O. Box 29, Damascustelephone:[963] (11) 333052 or 332557, 330416, 332814, 332315, 714108, 337178, 333232FAX:[963] (11) 718687Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with two smallgreen five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band;similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band and of Iraq,which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontalline centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, whichhas a symbolic eagle centered in the white band
*Syria, Economy
Overview:Syria's state-dominated Ba'thist economy has benefited from the Gulf war,increased oil production, good weather, and economic deregulation. Economicgrowth averaged nearly 12% annually in 1990-91, buoyed by increased oilproduction and improved agricultural performance. The Gulf war of early 1991provided Syria an aid windfall of nearly $5 billion dollars from Arab,European, and Japanese donors. These inflows more than offset Damascus'swar-related costs and will help Syria cover some of its debt arrears,restore suspended credit lines, and initiate selected military and civilianpurchases. In 1992 the government spurred economic development by looseningcontrols on domestic and foreign investment while maintaining strictpolitical controls. For the long run, Syria's economy is still saddled witha large number of poorly performing public sector firms and industrial andagricultural productivity is poor. A major long-term concern is theadditional drain of upstream Euphrates water by Turkey when its vast dam andirrigation projects are completed by mid-decade.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $30 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:9% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$2,300 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:5.7% (1989)Budget:revenues $5.4 billion; expenditures $7.5 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $2.9 billion (1991 est.)Exports:$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:petroleum 45%, farm products 11%, textiles, phosphates 5% (1990)partners:USSR and Eastern Europe 44%, EC 34%, Arab countries 17%, US/Canada 1% (1990)Imports:$2.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:foodstuffs and beverages 21%, machinery 15%, metal and metal products 15%,textiles 7%, petroleum products (1990)partners:EC 42%, USSR and Eastern Europe 13%, other Europe 13%, US/Canada 11%, Arabcountries 6% (1990)External debt:$5.3 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6% (1991 est.); accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity:3,205,000 kW capacity; 11,900 million kWh produced, 830 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining,petroleumAgriculture:accounts for 27% of GDP and one-third of labor force; all major crops(wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas) grown mainly on rain-wateredland causing wide swings in production; animal products - beef, lamb, eggs,poultry, milk; not self-sufficient in grain or livestock products
*Syria, Economy
Illicit drugs:a transit country for Lebanese and Turkish refined cocaine going to Europeand heroin and hashish bound for the Persian Gulf areaEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $538 million; Western (non-US)ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.23 billion; OPEC bilateralaid (1979-89), $12.3 billion; former Communist countries (1970-89), $3.3billionCurrency:1 Syrian pound (#S) = 100 piastersExchange rates:Syrian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 22.0 (promotional rate since 1991), 22.0(official rate since 1991), 42.0 (official parallel rate since 1991),11.2250 (fixed rate 1987-90)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Syria, Communications
Railroads:1,998 km total; 1,766 km standard gauge, 232 km 1.050-meter (narrow) gaugeHighways:29,000 km total; 670 km expressways; 5,000 km main or national roads; 23,330km secondary or regional roads (not including municipal roads); 22,680 km ofthe total is paved (1988)Inland waterways:870 km; minimal economic importancePipelines:crude oil 1,304 km, petroleum products 515 kmPorts:Tartus, Latakia, Baniyas, JablahMerchant marine:41 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 117,247 GRT/183,607 DWT; includes 36cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 bulkAirports:total:104usable:100with permanent-surface runways:24with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:21with runways 1,220-2,439 m:3Telecommunications:fair system currently undergoing significant improvement and digitalupgrades, including fiber optic technology; 512,600 telephones (37telephones per 1,000 persons); broadcast stations - 9 AM, 1 FM, 17 TV;satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Intersputnik; 1submarine cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan,Lebanon, and Turkey
*Syria, Defense Forces
Branches:Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force, Syrian Arab AirDefense ForcesManpower availability:males age 15-49 3,168,429; fit for military service 1,777,413; reachmilitary age (19) annually 151,102 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, 6% of GDP (1992)
*Taiwan, Geography
Location:East Asia, off the southeastern coast of China, between Japan and thePhilippinesMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast AsiaArea:total area:35,980 km2land area:32,260 km2comparative area:slightly larger than Maryland and Delaware combinednote:includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and QuemoyLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,448 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia,Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied byChina, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administeredSenkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and TaiwanClimate:tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August);cloudiness is persistent and extensive all yearTerrain:eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains inwestNatural resources:small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestosLand use:arable land:24%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:55%other:15%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:subject to earthquakes and typhoons
*Taiwan, People
Population:21,091,663 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1% (1993 est.)Birth rate:15.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:5.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.04 yearsmale:71.84 yearsfemale:78.39 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.81 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Chinese (singular and plural)adjective:ChineseEthnic divisions:Taiwanese 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%Religions:mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%Languages:Madarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialectsLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:86%male:93%female:79%Labor force:7.9 millionby occupation:industry and commerce 53%, services 22%, agriculture 15.6%, civiladministration 7% (1989)
*Taiwan, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form: Taiwanlocal long form:nonelocal short form:T'ai-wanDigraph:TWType:multiparty democratic regime; opposition political parties legalized inMarch, 1989Capital:TaipeiAdministrative divisions:some of the ruling party in Taipei claim to be the government of all China;in keeping with that claim, the central administrative divisions include 2provinces (sheng, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities* (shih, singular, and plural) -Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Provinceincluding Quemoy and Matsu), Kao-hsiung*, T'ai-pei*, and Taiwan (the island, of Taiwan and thePescadores islands); the more commonly referencedadministrative divisions are those of Taiwan Province - 16 counties (hsien,singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural), and 2, specialmunicipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and plural); Chang-hua,, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*,,Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*, Hua-lien, I-lan,, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu,,P'ing-tung,T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*, T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**,, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, andYun-lin; the provincial capital is atChung-hsing-hsin-ts'unnote:Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanizationConstitution:25 December 1947, presently undergoing revisionLegal system:based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:National Day, 10 October (1911) (Anniversary of the Revolution)Political parties and leaders:Kuomintang (KMT, Nationalist Party), LI Teng-hui, chairman; DemocraticProgressive Party (DPP); China Social Democratic Party (CSDP); Labor Party(LP)Other political or pressure groups:Taiwan independence movement, various environmental groupsnote:debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream ofdomestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization and the increasedrepresentation of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan'slegislature have opened public debate on the island's national identity;advocates of Taiwan independence, both within the DPP and the rulingKuomintang, oppose the ruling party's traditional stand that the island willeventually unify with mainland China; the aims of the Taiwan independencemovement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering theUN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the WorldUnited Formosans for Independence and the Organization for Taiwan NationBuilding
*Taiwan, Government
Suffrage:20 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - PresidentLI Teng-hui was reelected by the National AssemblyVice President:last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - LIYuan-zu was elected by the National AssemblyLegislative Yuan:last held 19 December 1992 (next to be held near the end of 1995); results -KMT 60%, DPP 31%, independents 9%; seats - (304 total, 161 elected) KMT 96,DPP 50, independents 15National Assembly:first National Assembly elected in November 1946 with a supplementaryelection in December 1986; second and present National Assembly elected inDecember 1991; seats - 403 total, KMT 318, DPP 75, other 10; (next electionto be held in 1997)Executive branch:president, vice president, premier of the Executive Yuan, vice premier ofthe Executive Yuan, Executive YuanLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative Yuan and unicameral National AssemblyJudicial branch:Judicial YuanLeaders:Chief of State:President LI Teng-hui (since 13 January 1988); Vice President LI Yuan-zu(since 20 May 1990)Head of Government:Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) LIEN Chan (since 23 February1993); Vice Premier (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) HSU Li-teh (since23 February 1993)Member of:expelled from UN General Assembly and Security Council on 25 October 1971and withdrew on same date from other charter-designated subsidiary organs;expelled from IMF/World Bank group April/May 1980; seeking to join GATT;attempting to retain membership in INTELSAT; suspended from IAEA in 1972,but still allows IAEA controls over extensive atomic development, APEC,AsDB, ICC, ICFTU, IOCDiplomatic representation in US:none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of the USare maintained through a private instrumentality, the Coordination Councilfor North American Affairs (CCNAA) with headquarters in Taipei and fieldoffices in Washington and 10 other US citiesUS diplomatic representation:unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of Taiwan aremaintained through a private institution, the American Institute in Taiwan(AIT), which has offices in Taipei at #7, Lane 134, Hsiu Yi Road, Section 3,telephone [886] (2) 709-2000, and in Kao-hsiung at #2 Chung Cheng 3d Road,telephone [886] (7) 224-0154 through 0157, and the American Trade Center atRoom 3207 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei 10548, telephone [886] (2) 720-1550Flag:red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing awhite sun with 12 triangular rays
*Taiwan, Economy
Overview:Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with considerable governmentguidance of investment and foreign trade and partial government ownership ofsome large banks and industrial firms. Real growth in GNP has averaged about9% a year during the past three decades. Export growth has been even fasterand has provided the impetus for industrialization. Agriculture contributesabout 4% to GNP, down from 35% in 1952. Taiwan currently ranks as number 13among major trading countries. Traditional labor-intensive industries aresteadily being replaced with more capital- and technology-intensiveindustries. Taiwan has become a major investor in China, Thailand,Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The tightening of labor marketshas led to an influx of foreign workers, both legal and illegal.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $209 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:6.7% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$10,000 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.4% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:1.6% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues $30.3 billion; expenditures $30.1 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY91 est.)Exports:$82.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:electrical machinery 18.5%, textiles 14.7%, general machinery and equipment17.7%, footwear 4.5%, foodstuffs 1.1%, plywood and wood products 1.1% (1992est.)partners:US 29.1%, Hong Kong 18.7%, EC countries 17.1% (1992 est.)Imports:$72.1 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment 15.8%, chemicals 10.0%, crude oil 4.2%, foodstuffs2.1% (1992 est.)partners:Japan 30.3%, US 21.9%, EC countries 17.1% (1992 est.)External debt:$620 million (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6.5% (1992 est.); accounts for more than 40% of GDPElectricity:18,382,000 kW capacity; 98,500 million kWh produced, 4,718 kWh per capita(1992)Industries: electronics, textiles, chemicals, clothing, food processing, plywood, sugarmilling, cement, shipbuilding, petroleum refiningAgriculture:accounts for 4% of GNP and 16% of labor force (includes part-time farmers);heavily subsidized sector; major crops - vegetables, rice, fruit, tea;livestock - hogs, poultry, beef, milk; not self-sufficient in wheat,soybeans, corn; fish catch increasing, reached 1.4 million metric tons in1988Illicit drugs:an important heroin transit point; also a major drug money laundering center
*Taiwan, Economy
Economic aid:US, including Ex-Im (FY46-82), $4.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODAand OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 millionCurrency:1 New Taiwan dollar (NT$) = 100 centsExchange rates:New Taiwan dollars per US$1 - 25.125 (1992 est.), 25.748 (1991), 27.108(1990), 26.407 (1989) 28.589 (1988), 31.845 (1987)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Taiwan, Communications
Railroads:about 4,600 km total track with 1,075 km common carrier lines and 3,525 kmindustrial lines; common carrier lines consist of the 1.067-meter gauge 708km West Line and the 367 km East Line; a 98.25 km South Link Line connectionwas completed in late 1991; common carrier lines owned by the government andoperated by the Railway Administration under Ministry of Communications;industrial lines owned and operated by government enterprisesHighways:20,041 km total; 17,095 km bituminous or concrete pavement, 2,371 km crushedstone or gravel, 575 km graded earthPipelines:petroleum products 615 km, natural gas 97 kmPorts:Kao-hsiung, Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Su-ao, T'ai-tungMerchant marine:223 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,761,609 GRT/9,375,677 DWT; includes1 passenger-cargo, 43 cargo, 11 refrigerated cargo, 85 container, 19 oiltanker, 2 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 57 bulk, 1roll-on/roll-off, 2 combination bulk, 1 chemical tankerAirports:total:40usable:38with permanent-surface runways:36 with runways over 3,659 m:3with runways 2,440-3,659 m:16with runways 1,220-2,439 m:7Telecommunications:best developed system in Asia outside of Japan; 7,800,000 telephones;extensive microwave radio relay links on east and west coasts; broadcaststations - 91 AM, 23 FM, 15 TV (13 repeaters); 8,620,000 radios; 6,386,000TVs (5,680,000 color, 706,000 monochrome); satellite earth stations - 1Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; submarine cable links toJapan (Okinawa), the Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia,Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe
*Taiwan, Defense Forces
Branches:General Staff, Ministry of National Defense, Army, Navy (including Marines),Air Force, Coastal Patrol and Defense Command, Armed Forces Reserve Command,Military Police CommandManpower availability:males age 15-49 6,095,857; fit for military service 4,731,172 (1993 est.);about 184,740 currently reach military age (19) annuallyDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $10.9 billion, 5.4% of GNP (FY93/94 est.)
*Tajikistan, Geography
Location:South Asia, between Uzbekistan and ChinaMap references:Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, StandardTime Zones of the WorldArea:total area:143,100 km2land area:142,700 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than WisconsinLand boundaries:total 3,651 km, Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km,Uzbekistan 1,161 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:boundary with China under dispute; territorial dispute with Kyrgyzstan onnorthern boundary in Isfara Valley area; Afghanistan's support to Islamicfighters in Tajikistan's civil warClimate:midlatitude; semiarid to polar in Pamir MountainsTerrain:Pamir and Altay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley innorth, Kafirnigan and Vakhsh Valleys in south or southwestNatural resources:significant hydropower potential, petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,lead, zinc, antimony, tungstenLand use:arable land:6%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:23%forest and woodland:0%other:71%Irrigated land:6,940 km2 (1990)Environment:NANote:landlocked
*Tajikistan, People
Population:5,836,140 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.72% (1993 est.)Birth rate:35.52 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:63.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:68.5 yearsmale:65.66 yearsfemale:71.48 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Tajik(s)adjective:TajikEthnic divisions:Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining because of emigration),other 6.6%Religions:Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 5%Languages:Tajik (official)Literacy:age 9-49 can read and write (1970)total population:100%male:100%female:99%Labor force:1.938 millionby occupation:agriculture and forestry 43%, industry and construction 22%, other 35%(1990)
*Tajikistan, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Tajikistanconventional short form:Tajikistanlocal long form:Respublika i Tojikistonlocal short form:noneformer:Tajik Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:TIType:republicCapital:DushanbeAdministrative divisions:2 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and one autonomous oblast*;, Gorno-Badakhshan*;,Khatlon, Leninabad (Khudzhand)note:the rayons around Dushanbe are under direct republic jurisdiction; an oblastusually has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have theadministrative center name following in parentheses)Independence:9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)Constitution:as of mid-1993, a new constitution had not been formally approvedLegal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsNational holiday: NAPolitical parties and leaders:Tajik Democratic Party (TDP), Maksud IKRAMOV, Davia KOUDONAZAROV, ShodmonYUSUPOV; Tajik Socialist Party (TSP), Rakhman NABIYEV, Kakhkhor MAKHKAMOV;Islamic Revival Party (IRP), Mullah Mukhamedsharif KHIMATZODA, Daviat USMONOther political or pressure groups:Tajik People's FrontSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Rakhman NABIYEV,Communist Party 60%; Davlat KHUDONAZAROV, Democratic Party, Islamic RebirthParty and Rastokhoz Party 30%Supreme Soviet:last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held NA); results - Communist Party99%, other 1%; seats - (230 total) Communist Party 227, other 3note:in May 1992, the Supreme Soviet was replaced by the transitional 80-memberAssembly (Majlis) and in November 1992 Emomili RAKHMANOV, chairman of theAssembly, became Chief of StateExecutive branch:president, prime minister, cabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Assembly (Majlis)Judicial branch:NA
*Tajikistan, Government
Leaders:Chief of State:Acting President and Assembly Chairman Emomili RAKHMANOV (since NA November1992)Head of Government:Prime Minister Abdumalik ABULAJANOV (since NA November 1992); First DeputyPrime Minister Tukhtaboy GAFAROV (since NA November 1992)Member of:CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:NAchancery:NAtelephone:NAUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Stanley T. ESCUDEROembassy:(temporary) #39 Ainii Street, Dushanbemailing address:APO AE 09862telephone: [7] (3772) 24-82-33Flag:NA
*Tajikistan, Economy
Overview:Tajikistan has had the lowest living standards of the CIS republics and nowfaces the bleakest economic prospects. Agriculture (particularly cotton andfruit growing) is the most important sector, accounting for 38% ofemployment (1990). Industrial production includes aluminum reduction,hydropower generation, machine tools, refrigerators, and freezers.Throughout 1992 bloody civil disturbances disrupted food imports and severalregions became desperately short of basic needs. Hundreds of thousands ofpeople were made homeless by the strife. In late 1992, one-third of industrywas shut down and the cotton crop was only one-half of that of 1991.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:-34% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):35% per month (first quarter 1993)Unemployment rate:0.4% includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers ofunderemployed workersBudget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$100 million to outside successor states of the former USSR (1992)commodities:aluminum, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textilespartners:Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, UzbekistanImports:$100 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)commodities:chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, textiles, foodstuffspartners:NAExternal debt:$650 million (end of 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -25% (1992 est.)Electricity:4,585,000 kW capacity; 16,800 million kWh produced, 2,879 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil,metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezersAgriculture:cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,yaksIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limitedgovernment eradication programs; used as transshipment points for illicitdrugs from Southwest Asia to Western EuropeEconomic aid:$700 million offical and commitments by foreign donors (1992)Currency:retaining Russian ruble as currency (January 1993)Exchange rates:rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations
*Tajikistan, Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
*Tajikistan, Communications
Railroads:480 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:29,900 km total (1990); 21,400 km hard surfaced, 8,500 km earthPipelines:natural gas 400 km (1992)Airports:total:58useable:30with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:4with runways 1,220-2,439 m:13Telecommunications:poorly developed and not well maintained; many towns are not reached by thenational network; telephone density in urban locations is about 100 per 1000persons; linked by cable and microwave to other CIS republics, and by leasedconnections to the Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earthstations - 1 orbita and 2 INTELSAT (TV receive-only; the second INTELSATearth station provides TV receive-only service from Turkey)
*Tajikistan, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (being formed), National Guard, Security Forces (internal and bordertroops)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,313,676; fit for military service 1,079,935; reachmilitary age (18) annually 56,862 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
*Tanzania, Geography
Location:Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean between Kenya and MozambiqueMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:945,090 km2land area:886,040 km2comparative area:slightly larger than twice the size of Californianote:includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and ZanzibarLand boundaries:total 3,402 km, Burundi 451 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 kmCoastline:1,424 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:boundary dispute with Malawi in Lake Nyasa; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripointin Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that theindefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settledClimate:varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlandsTerrain:plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, southNatural resources:hydropower potential, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones,gold, natural gas, nickelLand use:arable land:5%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:40%forest and woodland:47%other:7%Irrigated land: 1,530 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:lack of water and tsetse fly limit agriculture; recent droughts affectedmarginal agriculture; Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa
*Tanzania, People
Population:27,286,363 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.56% (1993 est.)Birth rate:45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:19.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:110.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:44 yearsmale:42.19 yearsfemale:45.87 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Tanzanian(s)adjective:TanzanianEthnic divisions:mainland:native African 99% (consisting of well over 100 tribes)Asian, European, and Arab 1%Zanzibar:NAReligions:mainland:Christian 40%, Muslim 33%, indigenous beliefs 25%Zanzibar:MuslimLanguages:Swahili (official; widely understood and generally used for communicationbetween ethnic groups and is used in primary education), English (official;primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education)note:first language of most people is one of the local languagesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1978)total population:46% male:62%female:31%Labor force:732,200 wage earnersby occupation:agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 10% (1986 est.)