*The Bahamas, Communications
Highways:2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravelPorts:Freeport, NassauMerchant marine:853 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,136,078 GRT/33,119,750 DWT;includes 53 passenger, 18 short-sea passenger, 159 cargo, 40roll-on/roll-off cargo, 48 container, 6 vehicle carrier, 181 oil tanker, 14liquefied gas, 22 combination ore/oil, 43 chemical tanker, 1 specializedtanker, 159 bulk, 7 combination bulk, 102 refrigerated cargo; note-a flag ofconvenience registryAirports:total:60usable:55with permanent-surface runways:31with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3, 659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:26Telecommunications:highly developed; 99,000 telephones in totally automatic system;tropospheric scatter and submarine cable links to Florida; broadcaststations-3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
*The Bahamas, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 68,020; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion-$65 million, 2.7% of GDP (1990)
*Bahrain, Geography
Location: Middle East, in the central Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and QatarMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:620 km2land area:620 km2comparative area:slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:161 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:not specifiedterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundarywith QatarClimate:arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summersTerrain:mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpmentNatural resources:oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fishLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:0%other:90%Irrigated land:10 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subsurface water sources being rapidly depleted (requires development ofdesalination facilities); dust storms; desertificationNote:close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location inPersian Gulf through which much of Western world's petroleum must transit toreach open ocean
*Bahrain, People
Population: 568,471 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.01% (1993 est.)Birth rate:26.89 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:3.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:7.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:20.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.12 yearsmale:70.72 yearsfemale:75.63 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bahraini(s)adjective:BahrainiEthnic divisions:Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6%Religions:Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%Languages:Arabic, English, Farsi, UrduLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:77%male:82%female:69%Labor force:140,000by occupation:industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982)note:42% of labor force is Bahraini
*Bahrain, Government
Names:conventional long form:State of Bahrainconventional short form:Bahrainlocal long form: Dawlat al Bahraynlocal short form:Al BahraynDigraph:BAType:traditional monarchyCapital:ManamaAdministrative divisions:12 districts (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, AlMintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, AlMuharraq, Ar Rifa'wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad,Madinat 'Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, SitrahIndependence:15 August 1971 (from UK)Constitution:26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973Legal system:based on Islamic law and English common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 16 DecemberPolitical parties and leaders:political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamicfundamentalist groups are activeSuffrage:noneElections:noneExecutive branch:amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislativepowers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established16 December 1992Judicial branch:High Civil Appeals CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Amir 'ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent HAMADbin 'Isa Al Khalifa (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950)Head of Government:Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970)Member of:ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF,IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC,OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador 'Abd al-Rahman Faris Al KHALIFAchancery:3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
*Bahrain, Government
telephone:(202) 342-0741 or 342-0742consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLERembassy:Road No. 3119 (next to Alahli Sports Club), Zinj District, Manamamailing address:P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO AE 09834-6210telephone:[973] 273-300FAX:(973) 272-594Flag:red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side
*Bahrain, Economy
Overview:Petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of exportreceipts, 60% of government revenues, and 31% of GDP. Economic conditionshave fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example,during the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. Bahrain with its highly developedcommunication and transport facilities is home to numerous multinationalfirms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists ofpetroleum products made from imported crude.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.3 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$7,800 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:8%-10% (1989)Budget:revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1989)Exports:$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7%partners:Japan 13%, UAE 12%, India 10%, Pakistan 8%Imports:$3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:nonoil 59%, crude oil 41%partners:Saudi Arabia 41%, US 14%, UK 7%, Japan 5%External debt:$1.8 billion (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDPElectricity:1,600,000 kW capacity; 4,700 million kWh produced, 8,500 kWh per capita(1992 est.)Industries:petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, shiprepairingAgriculture:including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient infood production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables,poultry, dairy products, shrimp, fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $45 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billionCurrency:1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 filsExchange rates:Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1 - 0.3760 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Bahrain, Communications
Highways:200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabiaopened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracksPipelines:crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 kmPorts:Mina' Salman, Manama, SitrahMerchant marine:9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 186,331 GRT/249,490 DWT; includes 5cargo, 2 container, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulkAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:modern system; good domestic services; 98,000 telephones (1 for every 6persons); excellent international connections; tropospheric scatter toQatar, UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar,UAE, and Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT,1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV
*Bahrain, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 194,770; fit for military service 107,696; reach militaryage (15) annually 5,043 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $245 million, 6% of GDP (1990)
*Baker Island, Header
Affiliation: (territory of the US)
*Baker Island, Geography
Location:in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, 2,575 km southwest ofHonolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and AustraliaMap references:OceaniaArea:total area:1.4 km2land area:1.4 km2comparative area:about 2.3 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:4.8 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:12 nmcontinental shelf:200 m or depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sunTerrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reefNatural resources:guano (deposits worked until 1891)Land use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostratevines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting,roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife
*Baker Island, People
Population:uninhabited; note - American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese airand naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during WorldWar II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permitonly and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery andcemetery ruinsare located near the middle of the west coast
*Baker Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Baker IslandDigraph:FQType:unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and WildlifeService of the US Department of the Interior as part of the NationalWildlife Refuge systemCapital:none; administered from Washington, DC
*Baker Island, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
*Baker Island, Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of thewest coastAirports:1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 mNote:there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast
*Baker Island, Defense Forces
defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard
*Bangladesh, Geography
Location:South Asia, at the head of the Bay of Bengal, almost completely surroundedby IndiaMap references:Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:144,000 km2land area:133,910 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than WisconsinLand boundaries:total 4,246 km, Burma 193 km, India 4,053 kmCoastline:580 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:18 nmcontinental shelf:up to outer limits of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water-sharing problemswith upstream riparian India over the GangesClimate:tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March toJune); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October)Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeastNatural resources:natural gas, arable land, timberLand use:arable land:67%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:4%forest and woodland:16%other:11%Irrigated land:27,380 km2 (1989)Environment:vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summermonsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation
*Bangladesh, People
Population:122,254,849 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.35% (1993 est.)Birth rate:35.41 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:11.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:109.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:54.7 yearsmale:55 yearsfemale:54.38 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.55 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bangladeshi(s)adjective:BangladeshEthnic divisions:Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, tribals less than 1 millionReligions:Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, otherLanguages:Bangla (official), EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:35%male:47%female:22%Labor force:35.1 millionby occupation:agriculture 74%, services 15%, industry and commerce 11% (FY86)note:extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991)
*Bangladesh, Government
Names:conventional long form:People's Republic of Bangladeshconventional short form:Bangladeshformer:East PakistanDigraph:BGType:republicCapital:DhakaAdministrative divisions:64 districts (zillagulo, singular - zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barguna,Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram,Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha,Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati,Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur,Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar,Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator,Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram,Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur,Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, ThakurgaonIndependence:16 December 1971 (from Pakistan)Constitution:4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended NA March 1991Legal system:based on English common lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 26 March (1971)Political parties and leaders:Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAur Rahman; Awami League (AL),Sheikh Hasina WAJED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD (in jail);Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), SaifuddinAhmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, leader NA;Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (JSD), Serajul ALAM KHAN; Ganotantri Party, leaderNA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party (NDP), leaderNA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUEAhmed; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party,Kazi ZAFAR AhmedSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:National Parliament:last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seatsreserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, BCP 5, National AwamiParty (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, JSD 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami OikyaJote 1, NDP 1, independents 3President:last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results -Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary voteExecutive branch:president, prime minister, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad)
*Bangladesh, Government
Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAur Rahman (since 20 March 1991)Member of:AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS,MINURSO, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM,UNTAC, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Abul AHSANchancery:2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 342-8372 through 8376consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William B. MILAMembassy:Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhakamailing address:G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1212telephone: [880] (2) 884700-22FAX:[880] (2) 883648Flag:green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green isthe traditional color of Islam
*Bangladesh, Economy
Overview:Bangladesh is one of the world's poorest, most densely populated, and leastdeveloped nations. Its economy is overwhelmingly agricultural. Majorimpediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, governmentinterference with the economy, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot beabsorbed by agriculture, a low level of industrialization, failure to fullyexploit energy resources (natural gas), and inefficient and inadequate powersupplies. An excellent rice crop and expansion of the export garmentindustry helped growth in FY91/92. Policy reforms intended to reducegovernment regulation of private industry and promote public-sectorefficiency have been announced but are being implemented only slowly.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $23.8 billion (FY92)National product real growth rate:3.8% (FY92)National product per capita:$200 (FY92)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.09% (FY92)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY92)Exports:$2.0 billion (FY92)commodities:garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimppartners:US 28%, Western Europe 39% (FY91)Imports:$3.4 billion (FY91/92)commodities:capital goods, petroleum, food, textilespartners:Japan 10.0%, Western Europe 17%, US 5.0% (FY91)External debt:$11.8 billion (FY92 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 4.0% (FY92 est.); accounts for less than 10% of GDPElectricity:2,400,000 kW capacity; 9,000 million kWh produced, 75 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizerAgriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 60% of employment, and one-fifth of exports;imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute;commercial products - jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef,milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils, cotton; fish catch778,000 metric tons in 1986Illicit drugs:transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countriesEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.4 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $11.65 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $6.52 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5billionCurrency:1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise
*Bangladesh, Economy
Exchange rates:taka (Tk) per US$1 - 39.000 (January 1993), 38.951 (1992), 36.596 (1991),34.569 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Bangladesh, Communications
Railroads:2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broadgaugeHighways:7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpavedInland waterways:5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargoroutes)Pipelines:natural gas 1,220 kmPorts:Chittagong, ChalnaMerchant marine:42 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 314,228 GRT/461,607 DWT; includes 34cargo, 2 oil tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 bulkAirports:total:16usable:12with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:4with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 6Telecommunications:adequate international radio communications and landline service; fairdomestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 241,250telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSATsatellite earth stations
*Bangladesh, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Forceparamilitary forces:Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Defense Parties,National Cadet CorpsManpower availability:males age 15-49 30,909,597; fit for military service 18,348,702 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $355 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY92/93)
*Barbados, Geography
Location:in the extreme eastern Caribbean Sea, about 375 km northeast of VenezuelaMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of theWorldArea:total area:430 km2land area:430 km2comparative area:slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:97 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; rainy season (June to October)Terrain:relatively flat; rises gently to central highland regionNatural resources:petroleum, fishing, natural gasLand use:arable land: 77%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:9%forest and woodland:0%other:14%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:subject to hurricanes (especially June to October)Note:easternmost Caribbean island
*Barbados, People
Population:255,338 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.18% (1993 est.)Birth rate:15.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-5.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:21.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.49 yearsmale:70.75 yearsfemale:76.46 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.77 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Barbadian(s)adjective:BarbadianEthnic divisions:African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4%Religions:Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%),Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980)Languages:EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)total population: 99%male:99%female:99%Labor force:120,900 (1991)by occupation:services and government 37%, commerce 22%, manufacturing and construction22%, transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 9%,agriculture 8%, utilities 2% (1985 est.)
*Barbados, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:BarbadosDigraph:BBType:parliamentary democracyCapital:BridgetownAdministrative divisions:11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, SaintJohn, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip,Saint Thomasnote:the new city of Bridgetown may be given parish statusIndependence:30 November 1966 (from UK)Constitution:30 November 1966Legal system:English common law; no judicial review of legislative actsNational holiday:Independence Day, 30 November (1966)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine SANDIFORD; Barbados Labor Party (BLP),Henry FORDE; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie HAYNESOther political or pressure groups:Barbados Workers Union, Leroy TROTMAN; People's Progressive Movement, EricSEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE; Clement Payne LaborUnion, David COMMISSIONGSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:House of Assembly:last held 22 January 1991 (next to be held by January 1996); results - DLP49.8%; seats - (28 total) DLP 18, BLP 10Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme Court of JudicatureLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralDame Nita BARROW (since 6 June 1990)Head of Government:Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987)Member of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES,LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Dr. Rudi WEBSTER
*Barbados, Government
chancery:2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 939-9200 through 9202consulate general:New Yorkconsulate:Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador G. Philip HUGHESembassy:Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetownmailing address:P. O. Box 302, Box B, FPO AA 34054telephone:(809) 436-4950 through 4957FAX:(809) 429-5246Flag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with thehead of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident headrepresents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of armscontained a complete trident)
*Barbados, Economy
Overview:A per capita income of $7,000 gives Barbados one of the highest standards ofliving of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean.Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane andrelated activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversifiedinto manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employerof the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. The economyslowed in 1990-91, however, and Bridgetown's declining hard currencyreserves and inability to finance its deficits have caused it to adopt anaustere economic reform program.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion ( 1991)National product real growth rate:-4% (1991)National product per capita:$7,000 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.1% (1991)Unemployment rate:23% (1992)Budget:revenues $547 million; expenditures $620 million (FY92-93), includingcapital expenditures of $60 millionExports:$205.8 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum,machinery and transport equipmentpartners:CARICOM 31%, US 16%, UK 13%Imports:$697 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, machinery, crude oil,construction materials, chemicalspartners:US 34%, CARICOM 16%, UK 11%, Canada 6%External debt:$750 million (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -1.3% (1991); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:152,100 kW capacity; 540 million kWh produced, 2,118 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export,petroleumAgriculture:accounts for 8% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops -vegetables, cotton; not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $171 millionCurrency:1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Barbados, Communications
Highways:1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earthPorts:BridgetownMerchant marine:3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 48,710 GRT79,263 DWT; includes 1 cargo,2 oil tankerAirports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; troposphericscatter link to Trinidad and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 2(1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Barbados, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Barbados Defense Force, including the Ground Forces and Coast Guard,Royal Barbados Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 70,254; fit for military service 49,096 (1993 est.); noconscriptionDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989)
*Bassas da India, Header
Affiliation: (possession of France)
*Bassas da India, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, in the southern Mozambique Channel about halfway betweenMadagascar and MozambiqueMap references:AfricaArea:total area:NA km2land area:NA km2comparative area:NALand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:35.2 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claimed by MadagascarClimate:tropicalTerrain:a volcanic rock 2.4 meters highNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100% (all rock)Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclonesNote:navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide
*Bassas da India, People
Population: uninhabited
*Bassas da India, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Bassas da IndiaDigraph:BSType:French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic JacquesDEWATRE (since July 1991), resident in ReunionCapital:none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence:none (possession of France)
*Bassas da India, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
*Bassas da India, Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
*Bassas da India, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
*Belarus, Geography
Location:Eastern Europe, between Poland and RussiaMap references:Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Europe, StandardTime Zones of the WorldArea:total area:207,600 km2land area:207,600 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than KansasLand boundaries: total 3,098 km, Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959km, Ukraine 891 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:mild and moist; transitional between continental and maritimeTerrain:generally flat and contains much marshlandNatural resources:forest land, peat depositsLand use:arable land:29%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:15%forest and woodland:0%other:56%Irrigated land:1,490 km2 (1990)Environment:southern part of Belarus highly contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclearreactor accident at Chornobyl'Note:landlocked
*Belarus, People
Population:10,370,269 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.34% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.28 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:11.1 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:19.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:70.73 yearsmale:66.04 yearsfemale:75.66 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.89 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Belarusian(s)adjective:BelarusianEthnic divisions:Belarusian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Polish 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, other 1.9%Religions:Eastern Orthodox NA%, other NA%Languages:Byelorussian, Russian, otherLiteracy:age 9-49 can read and write (1970)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:5.418 millionby occupation:industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38%(1990)
*Belarus, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Belarusconventional short form:Belaruslocal long form:Respublika Belaruslocal short form:noneformer:Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:BOType:republicCapital:MinskAdministrative divisions:6 oblasts (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and one municipality* (harady,, singular - horad);Brestskaya, Homyel'skaya, Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya,, Mahilyowskaya, Minskaya, Vitsyebskayanote:each voblasts' has the same name as its administrative centerIndependence:25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)Constitution:adopted NA April 1978Legal system:based on civil law systemNational holiday:24 August (1991)Political parties and leaders:Belarusian Popular Front (BPF), Zenon PAZNYAK, chairman; United DemocraticParty of Belarus (UDPB), Aleksandr DOBROVOLSKIY, chairman; Social DemocraticParty of Belarus (SDBP), Mikhail TKACHEV, chairman; Belarus Workers Union,Mikhail SOBOL, Chairman; Belarus Peasants Party; Party of People's Unity,Gennadiy KARPENKO; Communist Party of BelarusSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Supreme Soviet:last held 4 April 1990 (next to be held NA); results - Communists 87%; seats- (360 total) number of seats by party NA; note - 50 seats are for publicbodies; the Communist Party obtained an overwhelming majorityExecutive branch:chairman of the Supreme Soviet, chairman of the Council of Ministers; note -Belarus has approved a directly elected presidency but so far no electionshave been scheduledLegislative branch:unicameral Supreme SovietJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav S. SHUSHKEVICH (since 18 September1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Vyacheslav F. KEBICH (since NA April 1990), First DeputyPrime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since NA 1991)
*Belarus, Government
Member of:CBSS (observer), CIS, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU,NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Designate Sergey Nikolayevich MARTYNOVchancery:1511 K Street NW, Suite 619, Washington, DC 20036telephone:(202) 638-2954US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador David H. SWARTZembassy:Starovilenskaya #46, Minskmailing address:APO AE 09862 telephone:7-0172-34-65-37Flag:three horizontal bands of white (top), red, and white
*Belarus, Economy
Overview:In many ways Belarus resembles the three Baltic states, for example, in itsindustrial competence, its higher-than-average standard of living, and itscritical dependence on the other former Soviet states for fuels and rawmaterials. Belarus ranks fourth in gross output among the former Sovietrepublics, having produced 4% of the total GDP and employing 4% of the laborforce in the old USSR. Once a mainly agricultural area, it now suppliesimportant producer and consumer goods - sometimes as the sole producer - tothe other states. Belarus had a significant share of the machine-buildingcapacity of the former USSR. It is especially noted for production oftractors, large trucks, machine tools, and automation equipment. The soil inBelarus is not as fertile as the black earth of Ukraine, but by emphasizingfavorable crops and livestock (especially pigs and chickens), Belarus hasbecome a net exporter to the other former republics of meat, milk, eggs,flour, and potatoes. Belarus produces only small amounts of oil and gas andreceives most of its fuel from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline andthe Northern Lights gas pipeline. These pipelines transit Belarus en routeto Eastern Europe. Belarus produces petrochemicals, plastics, syntheticfibers (nearly 30% of former Soviet output), and fertilizer (20% of formerSoviet output). Raw material resources are limited to potash and peatdeposits. The peat (more than one-third of the total for the former SovietUnion) is used in domestic heating, as boiler fuel for electric powerstations, and in the production of chemicals. The potash supports fertilizerproduction. In 1992 GDP fell an estimated 13%, largely because the countryis highly dependent on the ailing Russian economy for raw materials andparts.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:-13% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):30% per month (first quarter 1993)Unemployment rate:0.5% of officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployedworkersBudget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$1.1 billion to outside of the successor states of the former USSR (f.o.b.,1992)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffspartners:NAImports: $751 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (c.i.f.,1992)commodities:machinery, chemicals, textilespartners:NAExternal debt:$2.6 billion (end of 1991)Industrial production:growth rate -9.6%; accounts for about 50% of GDP (1992)
*Belarus, Economy
Electricity:8,025,000 kW capacity; 37,600 million kWh produced, 3,626 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:employ about 27% of labor force and produce a wide variety of productsessential to the other states; products include (in percent share of totaloutput of former Soviet Union): tractors (12%); metal-cutting machine tools(11%); off-highway dump trucks up to 110-metric-ton load capacity (100%);wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight-wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons foruse in tundra and roadless areas (100%); equipment for animal husbandry andlivestock feeding (25%); motorcycles (21.3%); television sets (11%);chemical fibers (28%); fertilizer (18%); linen fabric (11%); wool fabric(7%); radios; refrigerators; and other consumer goodsAgriculture:accounts for almost 25% of GDP and 5.7% of total agricultural output offormer Soviet Union; employs 20% of the labor force; in 1988 produced thefollowing (in percent of total Soviet production): grain (3.6%), potatoes(12.2%), vegetables (3.0%), meat (6.0%), milk (7.0%); net exporter of meat,milk, eggs, flour, potatoesIllicit drugs:illicit producer of opium and cannabis; mostly for the domestic market;transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid:NACurrency:1 rubel (abbreviation NA) = 10 Russian rublesnote:the rubel circulates with the Russian ruble; certain purchase are made onlywith rubels; government has established a different, and varying, exchangerate for trade between Belarus and RussiaExchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
*Belarus, Communications
Railroads: 5,570 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:98,200 km total; 66,100 km hard surfaced, 32,100 km earth (1990)Inland waterways:NA kmPipelines:crude oil 1,470 km, refined products 1,100 km, natural gas 1,980 km (1992)Ports:none; landlockedMerchant marine:claims 5% of former Soviet fleetAirports:total:124useable:55with permanent-surface runways:31with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:28with runways 1,220-2,439 m:20Telecommunications:construction of NMT-450 analog cellular network proceeding in Minsk, inaddition to installation of some 300 km of fiber optic cable in the citynetwork; telephone network has 1.7 million lines, 15% of which are switchedautomatically; Minsk has 450,000 lines; telephone density is approximately17 per 100 persons; as of 1 December 1991, 721,000 applications fromhouseholds for telephones were still unsatisfied; international connectionsto other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave and to othercountries by leased connection through the Moscow international gatewayswitch; Belarus has not constructed ground stations for internationaltelecommunications via satellite to date
*Belarus, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air Forces, Air Defense Forces, Security Forces (internal and bordertroops)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 2,491,039; fit for military service 1,964,577; reachmilitary age (18) annually 71,875 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:56.5 billion rubles, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of themilitary budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate couldproduce misleading results
*Belgium, Geography
Location: Western Europe, bordering on the North Sea, between France and theNetherlandsMap references:Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:30,510 km2land area:30,230 km2comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:total 1,385 km, France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,Netherlands 450 kmCoastline:64 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:equidistant line with neighborsexclusive fishing zone:equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast)territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudyTerrain:flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains ofArdennes Forest in southeastNatural resources:coal, natural gasLand use:arable land:24%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:21%other:34%Irrigated land:10 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:air and water pollutionNote:crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of the EC
*Belgium, People
Population: 10,040,939 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.23% (1993 est.)Birth rate:11.94 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:10.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.72 yearsmale:73.41 yearsfemale:80.21 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.62 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Belgian(s)adjective:BelgianEthnic divisions:Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12%Religions:Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%Languages:Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%, legally bilingual 11% dividedalong ethnic linesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:4.126 millionby occupation:services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988)
*Belgium, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Belgiumconventional short form:Belgiumlocal long form:Royaume de Belgique local short form:BelgiqueDigraph:BEType:constitutional monarchyCapital:BrusselsAdministrative divisions:9 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien,singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg,Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-VlaanderenIndependence:4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands)Constitution:7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in theprocess of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing theBelgian stateLegal system:civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicialreview of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831)Political parties and leaders:Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman VAN ROMPUY, president; Walloon SocialChristian (PSC) , Melchior WATHELET, president; Flemish Socialist (SP),Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), Guy SPITAELS;Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD), Guy VERHOFSTADT, president; WalloonLiberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front(FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS,president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis VAN GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok(VB), Karel VAN DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; NationalFront (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV; Flemish Greenparty), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO; Francophone Green party), NA; other minorpartiesOther political or pressure groups:Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries;numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers,middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; variousorganizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia;various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against NuclearWeapons and Pax ChristiSuffrage:18 years of age, universal and compulsoryElections:Senate:last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (184 total; of which 106 are directlyelected) CVP 20, SP 14, PVV (now VLD) 13, VU 5, AGALEV 5, VB 5, ROSSEN 1, PS18, PRL 9, PSC 9, ECOLO 6, FDF 1
*Belgium, Government
Chamber of Representatives:last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - CVP16.7%, PS 13.6%, SP 12.0%, PVV (now VLD) 11.9%, PRL 8.2%, PSC 7.8%, VB 6.6%,VU 5.9%, ECOLO 5.1%, AGALEV 4.9%, FDF 2.6%, ROSSEM 3.2%, FN 1.5%; seats -(212 total) CVP 39, PS 35, SP 28, PVV (now VLD) 26, PRL 20, PSC 18, FB 12,VU 10, ECOLO 10, AGALEV 7, FDF 3, ROSSEM 3, FN 1Executive branch:monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish -Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives(Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre desRepresentants)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour deCassation)Leaders:Chief of State:King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege(brother of the King; born 6 June 1934)Head of Government:Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992)Member of:AG (observer), ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australian Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE,CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB,IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG,OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP,UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO,ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Juan CASSIERSchancery:3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 333-6900FAX:(202) 333-3079consulates general:Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Bruce S. GELBembassy:27 Boulevard du Regent, Brusselsmailing address:B-1000 Brussels, PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09724telephone:[32] (2) 513-3830FAX:[32] (2) 511-2725Flag:three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; thedesign was based on the flag of France
*Belgium, Economy
Overview:This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its centralgeographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversifiedindustrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in thepopulous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouragingreinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resourcesBelgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closelydependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other ECcountries. The economy grew at a strong 4% pace during the period 1988-90,but economic growth slowed to a 1% pace in 1991-92. The economy is expectedto turn in another sluggish 1% performance in 1993. Belgium's public debtremains high at 120% of GDP and the government is trying to control itsexpenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrializedcountries.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $177.9 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:0.8% (1992)National product per capita:$17,800 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.6% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:9.8% (end 1992)Budget:revenues $97.8 billion; expenditures $109.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1989)Exports:$118 billion (f.o.b., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Unioncommodities:iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleumproductspartners:EC 75.5%, US 3.7%, former Communist countries 1.4% (1991)Imports:$121 billion (c.i.f., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Unioncommodities:fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffspartners:EC 73%, US 4.8%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communistcountries 1.8% (1991)External debt:$31.3 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 1.6% (1992 est.)Electricity:17,500,000 kW capacity; 68,000 million kWh produced, 6,790 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food andbeverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coalAgriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal,pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain,tobacco; net importer of farm productsIllicit drugs:source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors;increasingly important gateway country for cocaine entering the Europeanmarket
*Belgium, Economy
Economic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billionCurrency:1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 33.256 (January 1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148(1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Belgium, Communications
Railroads:Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,568 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 2,207 km electrifiedHighways:103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 kmnational highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000km unpaved rural roadsInland waterways:2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)Pipelines:petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 kmPorts:Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, ZeebruggeMerchant marine:23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 96,949 GRT/133,658 DWT; includes 10cargo, 5 oil tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulkAirports:total:42usable:42with permanent-surface runways:24with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:14with runways 1,220-2,439 m:3Telecommunications: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automateddomestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensivecable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones;broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satelliteearth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwidemobile phone system
*Belgium, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,556,189; fit for military service 2,133,051; reachmilitary age (19) annually 63,532 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $4 billion, 2% of GDP (1992)
*Belize, Geography
Location:Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and MexicoMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of theWorldArea:total area:22,960 km2land area:22,800 km2comparative area:slightly larger than MassachusettsLand boundaries:total 516 km, Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 kmCoastline:386 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the southnote:from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorialsea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purposeof this limitation is to provide a framework forthe negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences withGuatemalaInternational disputes:border with Guatemala in dispute; negotiations to resolve the dispute havebegunClimate:tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February)Terrain:flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in southNatural resources: arable land potential, timber, fishLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:2%forest and woodland:44%other:52%Irrigated land:20 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding(especially in south); deforestationNote:national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because ofhurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the NorthPacific Ocean
*Belize, People
Population:203,957 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.42% (1993 est.)Birth rate:35.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.15 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:36.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:67.85 yearsmale:65.91 yearsfemale:69.88 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.53 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Belizean(s)adjective:BelizeanEthnic divisions:Mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8%Religions:Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980)Languages:English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib)Literacy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)total population:91%male:91%female:91%Labor force:51,500by occupation:agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%,manufacturing 10.3%note:shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985)
*Belize, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Belizeformer:British HondurasDigraph:BHType:parliamentary democracyCapital:BelmopanAdministrative divisions:6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, ToledoIndependence:21 September 1981 (from UK)Constitution:21 September 1981Legal system:English lawNational holiday:Independence Day, 21 SeptemberPolitical parties and leaders:People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA;United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW;National Alliance for Belizean Rights, leader NAOther political or pressure groups:Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR), Assad SHOMAN;United Workers Front, leader NASuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:National Assembly:last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - inJanuary 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat countPUP 16, UDP 12Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lowerhouse or House of RepresentativesJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralDame Minita Elmira GORDON (since 21 September 1981)Head of Government:Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989)Member of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador James V. HYDE
*Belize, Government
chancery:2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-9636US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSAembassy:Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize Citymailing address:P. O. Box 286, Belize Citytelephone:[501] (2) 77161 through 77163FAX:[501] (2) 30802Flag:blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centeredis a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features ashield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the relatedmotto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom,all encircled by a green garland
*Belize, Economy
Overview:The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, andmerchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance.Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of exportearnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hardcurrency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting inefforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversificationprogram.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $373 million (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:10% (1990)National product per capita:$1,635 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.5% (1991)Unemployment rate:12% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capitalexpenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$95.6 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:sugar, citrus, clothing, bananas, fish products, molassespartners:US 49%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991)Imports:$194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels,chemicals, pharmaceuticalspartners:US 60%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991)External debt:$143.7 million (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 3.7% (1990); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity:34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 393 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages,tourismAgriculture:accounts for 22% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial cropsinclude sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumberand cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foodsIllicit drugs:an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 toabout 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaineEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 millionCurrency:1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate)
*Belize, Economy
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
*Belize, Communications
Highways:2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and310 km unimproved earthInland waterways:825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigablePorts:Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol,Punta Gorda, Big CreekMerchant marine:4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,768 GRT/12,721 DWT; includes 3 cargo,1 roll-on/roll-offAirports:total:42usable:32with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,229-2,439 mr:2Telecommunications:8,650 telephones; above-average system based on microwave radio relay;broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station