*Belize, Defense Forces
Branches:British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, AirForce, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 47,135; fit for military service 28,070; reach military age(18) annually 2,066 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.4 million, 2% of GDP (1992)
*Benin, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Nigeria and TogoMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:112,620 km2land area:110,620 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:total 1,989 km, Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 kmCoastline:121 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:200 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in northTerrain:mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountainsNatural resources:small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timberLand use:arable land:12%permanent crops:4%meadows and pastures:4%forest and woodland:35%other:45%Irrigated land:60 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation;desertificationNote:recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; nonatural harbors
*Benin, People
Population:5,166,735 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.33% (1993 est.)Birth rate:48.09 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:14.8 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:112.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:51.31 yearsmale:49.51 yearsfemale:53.16 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Beninese (singular and plural)adjective:BenineseEthnic divisions:African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba,Bariba), Europeans 5,500Religions:indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%Languages:French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), triballanguages (at least six major ones in north)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:23%male:32%female:16%Labor force:1.9 million (1987)by occupation:agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry lessthan 2%note:49% of population of working age (1985)
*Benin, Government
Names:conventional long form: Republic of Beninconventional short form:Beninlocal long form:Republique Populaire du Beninlocal short form:Beninformer:DahomeyDigraph:BNType:republic under multiparty democratic rule dropped Marxism-Leninism December1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multipartysystem completed 4 April 1991Capital:Porto-NovoAdministrative divisions:6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, ZouIndependence:1 August 1960 (from France)Constitution:2 December 1990Legal system:based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 1 August (1990)Political parties and leaders:Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), TimotheeADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-RogerAHOYO; Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance ofthe National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the DemocraticRenewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social DemocraticParty (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), BrunoAMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; National Rally forDemocracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement forDemocracy and Development (MNDD), leader NA; Movement for Solidarity, Union,and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; Union for Democracy and NationalReconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and NationalSolidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats forNational Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance forSocial Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU; Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD),Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP),Akindes ADEKPEDJOU; Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio GadoSeko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), RobertTAGNON; Party for Progress and Democracy, Theophile NATA; numerous othersmall partiesSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:National Assembly:last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats- (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7,MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1
*Benin, Government
President:last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, MathieuKEREKOU 32%Executive branch:president, cabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOUchancery:2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 232-6656US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Ruth A. DAVISembassy:Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonoumailing address:B. P. 2012, Cotonoutelephone:[229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92FAX:[229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74Flag:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical greenband on the hoist side
*Benin, Economy
Overview:Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because oflimited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agricultureaccounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, andgenerates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sectorcontributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Lowprices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin'smajor exports of agricultural products and crude oil.National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:3% (1991)National product per capita:$410 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.4% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capitalexpenditures of $104 million (1990 est.)Exports:$263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoapartners:FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4%Imports:$428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods,capital goods, light consumer goodspartners:France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4%External debt:$1 billion (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDPElectricity:30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production,petroleumAgriculture:accounts for 35% of GDP; small farms produce 90% of agricultural output;production is dominated by food crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, rice;cash crops include cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry and livestock outputhas not kept up with consumptionEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85(1988)
*Benin, Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
*Benin, Communications
Railroads:578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single trackHighways:5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earthInland waterways:navigable along small sections, important only locallyPorts:CotonouAirports:total:7usable:5with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,439-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay microwave;broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
*Benin, Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,075,053; females age 15-49 1,170,693; males fit formilitary service 550,645; females fit for military service 591,506; malesreach military age (18) annually 56,872; females reach military age (18)annually 55,141 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for military serviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.)
*Bermuda, Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*Bermuda, Geography
Location:in the western North Atlantic Ocean, 1,050 km east of North CarolinaMap references:North AmericaArea:total area:50 km2land area:50 km2comparative area:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:103 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winterTerrain:low hills separated by fertile depressionsNatural resources:limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourismLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:20%other:80%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360small coral islandsNote:some reclaimed land leased by US Government
*Bermuda, People
Population:60,686 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.78% (1993 est.)Birth rate:15.21 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:7.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:13.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.03 yearsmale:73.36 yearsfemale:76.97 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.82 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bermudian(s)adjective:BermudianEthnic divisions:black 61%, white and other 39%Religions:Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%,Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28%Languages:EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1970)total population:98%male:98%female:99%Labor force:32,000by occupation:clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%,administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2%(1984)
*Bermuda, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:BermudaDigraph:BDType: dependent territory of the UKCapital:HamiltonAdministrative divisions:9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget,, Pembroke, SaintGeorge*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick, Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:8 June 1968Legal system:English lawNational holiday:Bermuda Day, 22 MayPolitical parties and leaders:United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP),Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELLOther political or pressure groups:Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONSSuffrage:21 years of age; universalElections:House of Assembly:last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other1Executive branch:British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier,Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower houseor House of AssemblyJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor LordDavid WADDINGTON (since NA)Head of Government:Premier John William David SWAN (since NA January 1982)Member of:CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOCDiplomatic representation in US:as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US arerepresented by the UKUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Consul General L. Ebersole GAINESconsulate general:Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton
*Bermuda, Government
mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002telephone:(809) 295-1342FAX:(809) 295-1592Flag:red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theBermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding ascrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
*Bermuda, Economy
Overview:Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, havingsuccessfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilitiesand financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of itsbusiness from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agricultureis severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs areimported.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:-1.5% (1991)National product per capita:$22,000 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.4% (1991)Unemployment rate:6% (1991)Budget:revenues $327.5 million; expenditures $308.9 million, including capitalexpenditures of $35.4 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$50 million (f.o.b., FY89)commodities:semitropical produce, light manufactures, re-exports of pharmaceuticalspartners:US 55%, UK 32%, Canada 11%, other 2%Imports:527.2 million (f.o.b., FY89)commodities:fuel, foodstuffs, machinerypartners:US 60%, UK 8%, Venezuela 7%, Canada 5%, Japan 5%, other 15%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,370 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals,ship repairingAgriculture:accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported;produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy productsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 millionCurrency:1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Bermuda, Communications
Highways:210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads)Ports:Freeport, Hamilton, Saint GeorgeMerchant marine:72 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,451.099 GRT/5,937,636 DWT; includes5 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 21 oiltanker, 13 liquefied gas, 16 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registryAirports: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:modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcaststations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATearth stations
*Bermuda, Defense Forces
Branches:Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve ConstabularyNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Bhutan, Geography
Location:South Asia, in the Himalayas, between China and IndiaMap references:Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:47,000 km2land area:47,000 km2comparative area:slightly more than half the size of IndianaLand boundaries:total 1,075 km, China 470 km, India 605 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in centralvalleys; severe winters and cool summers in HimalayasTerrain:mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savannaNatural resources:timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potentialLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:70%other:23%Irrigated land:340 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the countryname which translates as Land of the Thunder DragonNote:landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several keyHimalayan mountain passes
*Bhutan, People
Population:700,000 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.33% (1993 est.)Birth rate:39.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:16.26 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:123.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:50.17 yearsmale:50.74 yearsfemale:49.58 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:5.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bhutanese (singular and plural)adjective:BhutaneseEthnic divisions:Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%Religions:Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%Languages:Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects; Nepalese speakvarious Nepalese dialectsLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NAby occupation:agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%note:massive lack of skilled labor
*Bhutan, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Bhutanconventional short form:BhutanDigraph:BTType:monarchy; special treaty relationship with IndiaCapital:ThimphuAdministrative divisions:18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang,Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi,Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi PhodrangIndependence:8 August 1949 (from India)Constitution:no written constitution or bill of rightsLegal system:based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 17 December (1907) (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditaryking)Political parties and leaders:no legal partiesOther political or pressure groups:Buddhist clergy; Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizationsleading militant antigovernment campaignSuffrage:each family has one vote in village-level electionsElections:no national electionsExecutive branch:monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council(Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers(Lhengye Shungtsog)Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu)Judicial branch:High CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)Member of:AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, INTELSAT, IOC, ITU,NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US:no formal diplomatic relations; the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New Yorkhas consular jurisdiction in the USUS diplomatic representation:no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintainedbetween the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India)Flag:divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle isorange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is alarge black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side
*Bhutan, Economy
Overview:The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture andforestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population andaccount for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and makethe building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. Theeconomy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade andmonetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward,with most production of the cottage industry type. Most developmentprojects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan'shydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most importantnatural resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to3,000/year to minimize foreign influence.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $320 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:3.1% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$200 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):10% (FY91 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capitalexpenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$74 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.)commodities:cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India)partners:India 90%Imports:$106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.)commodities:fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabricspartners:India 83%External debt:$120 million (June 91)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 18% of GDP; primarily cottage industry andhome based handicraftsElectricity:336,000 kW capacity; 1,542.2 million kWh produced, 2,203 kWh per capita(25.8% is exported to India, leaving only 1,633 kWh per capita) (1990-91)Industries:cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calciumcarbideAgriculture:accounts for 45% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry;self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice,corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy products, eggsEconomic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 millionCurrency:1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender
*Bhutan, Economy
Exchange rates:ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 26.156 (January 1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742(1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988); note - the Bhutanesengultrum is at par with the Indian rupeeFiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Bhutan, Communications
Highways:2,165 km total; 1,703 km surfacedAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:domestic telephone service is very poor with very few telephones in use;international telephone and telegraph service is by land line through India;a satellite earth station was planned (1990); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1FM, no TV (1990)
*Bhutan, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, MilitiaManpower availability:males age 15-49 415,315; fit for military service 222,027; reach militaryage (18) annually 17,344 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Bolivia, Geography
Location:Central South America, between Brazil and ChileMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area: 1,098,580 km2land area:1,084,390 km2comparative area:slightly less than three times the size of MontanaLand boundaries:total 6,743 km, Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay750 km, Peru 900 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacamaarea was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca waterrightsClimate:varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiaridTerrain:rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowlandplains of the Amazon basinNatural resources:tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore,lead, gold, timberLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:25%forest and woodland:52%other:20%Irrigated land:1,650 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion;overgrazing; soil erosion; desertificationNote:landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake,with Peru
*Bolivia, People
Population:7,544,099 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.31% (1993 est.)Birth rate:32.83 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:76.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:62.77 yearsmale:60.34 yearsfemale:65.33 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.31 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bolivian(s)adjective:BolivianEthnic divisions:Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)Languages:Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:78%male:85%female:71%Labor force:1.7 millionby occupation:agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%,other 10% (1983)
*Bolivia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Boliviaconventional short form:Bolivialocal long form:Republica de Bolivialocal short form:BoliviaDigraph:BLType:republicCapital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)Administrative divisions:9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca,Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, TarijaIndependence:6 August 1825 (from Spain)Constitution:2 February 1967Legal system:based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 August (1825)Political parties and leaders:Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; NationalistDemocratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist RevolutionaryMovement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), MaxFERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUEAviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free BoliviaMovement (MBL), Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftistparties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P), WalterDELGADILLO and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB), Humberto RAMIREZ;Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE ReichSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsory (married) 21 years of age;universal and compulsory (single)Elections:Chamber of Deputies:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent ofvote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on aunified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section onpresidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33,IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3Chamber of Senators:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent ofvote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on aunified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section onpresidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8,CONDEPA 2, PDC 1
*Bolivia, Government
President:last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - GonzaloSANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora(MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZZamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support,PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and wasinaugurated on 6 August 1989Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamberor Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamberof Deputies (Camara de Diputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIOSanjines (since 6 August 1989)Member of:AG, ECLAC, FAO, GATT, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM,OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO,WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jorge CRESPOchancery:3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 483-4410 through 4412consulates general:Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Charles R. BOWERSembassy:Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Pazmailing address:P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO AA 34032telephone:[591] (2) 350251 or 350120FAX:[591] (2) 359875Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coatof arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which hasa large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band
*Bolivia, Economy
Overview:With its long history of semifeudalistic social controls, dependence onvolatile prices for its mineral exports, and bouts of hyperinflation,Bolivia has remained one of the poorest and least developed Latin Americancountries. Since August 1989, President PAZ Zamora, despite his Marxistorigins, has maintained a moderate policy of repressing domestic terrorism,containing inflation, and achieving annual GDP growth of 3 to 4%. For manyfarmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash cropis coca, which is sold for cocaine processing.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.9 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:3.8% (1992)National product per capita:$670 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):10.5% (December 1992)Unemployment rate:5% (1992)Budget:revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.57 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $627 million (1993 est.)Exports:$609 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:metals 46%, hydrocarbons 21%, other 33% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton,timber)partners:US 15%, ArgentinaImports:1.185 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goodspartners:US 22%External debt:$3.7 billion (December 1992)Industrial production:growth rate 7% (1992); accounts for almost 32% of GDPElectricity:865,000 kW capacity; 1,834 million kWh produced, 250 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts,clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces 15% of its revenuesAgriculture:accounts for about 21% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principalcommodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber;self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication programunable to prevent production from rising to 82,000 metric tons in 1992 from74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit;intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia andBrazil to the US and other international drug marketsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million
*Bolivia, Economy
Currency:1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavosExchange rates:bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.9437 (August 1992), 3.85 (1992), 3.5806 (1991),3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Bolivia, Communications
Railroads:3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single trackHighways:38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved andunimproved earthInland waterways:10,000 km of commercially navigable waterwaysPipelines:crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 kmPorts:none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Iloin PeruMerchant marine:2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,051 GRT/22,155 DWTAirports:total:1,225usable:1,043with permanent-surface runways:9with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:161Telecommunications:microwave radio relay system being expanded; improved internationalservices; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Bolivia, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy includes Marines (Fuerza Navala), Air Force(Fuerza Aereo de Bolivia), National Police Force (Boliviano PoliciaNacional)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,786,137; fit for military service 1,162,160; reachmilitary age (19) annually 78,125 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est.)
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Header
Note:Bosnia and Herzegovina is suffering from interethnic civil strife whichbegan in March 1992 after the Bosnian Government held a referendum onindependence. Bosnia's Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - respondedwith armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic linesand joining Serb held areas to a "greater Serbia". Since the onset of theconflict, which has driven approximately half of the pre-war population of4.4 million from their homes, both the Bosnian Serbs and the Bosnian Croatshave asserted control of more than three-quarters of the territory formerlyunder the control of the Bosnian Government. The UN and the EC arecontinuing to try to mediate a plan for peace.
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Geography
Location:Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, between Croatia and Serbia andMontenegroMap references:Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, StandardTime Zones of the WorldArea:total area:51,233 km2land area:51,233 km2comparative area:slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries:total 1,369 km, Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbiaand Montenegro 527 km (312 km with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro)Coastline:20 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200 m depthexclusive economic zone:12 nmexclusive fishing zone:12 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina;Muslim majority being forced from many areasClimate:hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, coolsummers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coastTerrain:mountains and valleysNatural resources:coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium,lead, zincLand use:arable land: 20%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:25%forest and woodland:36%other:17%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposingof urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, People
Population:4,618,804 (July 1993 est.)note:all data dealing with population is subject to considerable error because ofthe dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansingPopulation growth rate:0.72% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:13.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:74.8 yearsmale:72.11 yearsfemale:77.67 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.62 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)adjective:Bosnian, HerzegovinianEthnic divisions:Muslim 44%, Serb 31%, Croat 17%, other 8%Religions:Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10%Languages:Serbo-Croatian 99%Literacy:total population: NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:1,026,254by occupation:agriculture 2%, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.)
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovinaconventional short form:Bosnia and Herzegovinalocal long form:Republika Bosna i Hercegovinalocal short form:Bosna i HercegovinaDigraph:BKType:emerging democracyCapital:SarajevoAdministrative divisions:109 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Banovici, Banja Luka, Bihac,Bijeljina, Bileca, Bosanska Dubica, Bosanska Graaiskia, Bosanska Krupa,Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Novi, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanski Samac, BosanskoGrahovo, Bratunac, Brcko, Breza, Bugojno, Busovaca, Cazin, Cajilice,Capljina, Celinac, Citluk, Derventa, Duboj, Donji Vakuf, Foca, Fojnica,Gacko, Glamoc, Gorazde Gornji Vakuf, Gracanica, Gradacac, Grude, Han PijesakJablanica, Jajce, Kakanj, Kalesija, Kalinovik, Kiseljak, Kladanj, Kljuc,Konjic, Kotor Varos, Kresevo, Kupres, Laktasi, Listica, Livno, Lopare,Lukavac, Ljubinje, Ljubuski, Maglaj, Modrica, Mostar, Mrkonjic Grad, Neum,Nevesinje, Odzak, Olovo, Orasje, Posusje, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Prozor,(Pucarevo) Novi Travnik, Rogatica, Rudo, Sanski Most, Sarajevo-Centar,Sarajevo-Hadzici, Sarajevo-Ilidza, Sarajevo-Ilijas, Sarajevo-Novi Grad,Sarajevo-Novo, Sarajevo-Pale, Sarajevo-Stari Grad, Sarajevo-Trnovo,Sarajevo-Vogosca, Skender Vakuf, Sokolac, Srbac, Srebrenica, Srebrenik,Stoloc, Sekovici, Sipovo, Teslic, Tesanj, (Titov Drvar) Drvar, Duvno,Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Vare, Velika Kladusa, Visoko, Visegrad,Vitez Vlasenica, Zavidovici, Zenica, Zvornik, Zepce, Zivinicenote:currently under negotiation with the assistance of international mediatorsIndependence:NA April 1992 (from Yugoslavia)Constitution:NALegal system:based on civil law systemNational holiday: NAPolitical parties and leaders:Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Mirsad CEMAN; Croatian Democratic Union ofBosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party ofBosnia and Herzegovina (SDS BiH), Radovan KARADZIC, president;Muslim-Bosnian Organization (MBO), Adil ZULFIKARPASIC, president; DemocraticParty of Socialists (DSS), Nijaz DURAKOVIC, president; Party of DemocraticChanges, leader NA; Serbian Movement for Renewal (SPO), Milan TRIVUNCIC;Alliance of Reform Forces of Yugoslavia for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SRSJBiH), Dr. Nenad KECMANOVIC, president; Democratic League of Greens (DSZ),Drazen PETROVIC; Liberal Party (LS), Rasim KADIC, presidentOther political or pressure groups:NASuffrage:16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government
Elections:Chamber of Municipalities:last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (110 total)SDA 43, SDS BiH 38, HDZ BiH 23, Party of Democratic Changes 4, DSS 1, SPO 1Chamber of Citizens:last held NA 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (130 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH34, HDZ BiH 21, Party of Democratic Changes 15, SRSJ BiH 12, MBO 2, DSS 1,DSZ 1, LS 1Executive branch:collective presidency, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, cabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Chamber ofMunicipalities (Vijece Opeina) and a lower house or Chamber of Citizens(Vijece Gradanstvo)Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Constitutional CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since NA December 1990), other members of thecollective presidency: Ejup GANIC (since NA), Miro LASIC (since NA December1992), Mirko PEJANOVIC (since NA), Tatjana LJUJIC-MIJATOVIC (since NADecember 1992), Fikret ABDICHead of Government:Prime Minister Mile AKMADZIC (since NA October 1992); Deputy Prime MinisterZlatko LAGUMDZIJA (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Miodrag SIMOVIC (sinceNA); Deputy Prime Minister Hadzo EFENDIC (since NA)Member of:CEI, CSCE, ECE, UN, UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:NAchancery:NAtelephone:NAUS diplomatic representation: the US maintains full diplomatic relations with Bosnia andHerzegovina buthas not yet established an embassy in SerajevoFlag:white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white Roman crosses witha white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower flyside
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy
Overview:Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest republic inthe old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all inprivate hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republictraditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatlyoverstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planningand management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries inthe republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share ofYugoslavia's defense plants. As of March 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina wasbeing torn apart by the continued bitter interethnic warfare that has causedproduction to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human miseryto multiply. No reliable economic statistics for 1992 are available,although output clearly fell below the already depressed 1991 level.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $14 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:-37% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$3,200 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):80% per month (1991)Unemployment rate:28% (February 1992 est.)Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$2,054 million (1990)commodities:manufactured goods 31%, machinery and transport equipment 20.8%, rawmaterials 18%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 17.3%, chemicals 9.4%,fuel and lubricants 1.4%, food and live animals 1.2%partners:principally the other former Yugoslav republicsImports:$1,891 million (1990)commodities:fuels and lubricants 32%, machinery and transport equipment 23.3%, othermanufactures 21.3%, chemicals 10%, raw materials 6.7%, food and live animals5.5%, beverages and tobacco 1.9%partners:principally the other former Yugoslav republicsExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%, but production is sharply down because of interethnic andinterrepublic warfare (1991-92)Electricity:3,800,000 kW capacity; 7,500 million kWh produced, 1,700 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, andbauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products,wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank andaircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy
Agriculture:accounted for 9.0% of GDP in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of foodneeds; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards,livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitationleach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farmsare mostly privately held, small, and not very productiveIllicit drugs:NAEconomic aid:$NACurrency:Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, "Yugoslav" dinar used in allother areasExchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Communications
Railroads:NA kmHighways:21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth;note - highways now disruptedInland waterways:NA kmPipelines:crude oil 174 km, natural gas 90 km (1992); note - pipelines now disruptedPorts:coastal - none; inland - Bosanski Brod on the Sava RiverAirports:total:27useable:22with permanent-surface runways:8with runways over 3659:0 with runways 2440-3659 m:4with runways 1220-2439 m:5Telecommunications:telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion,many urban areas being below average compared with services in other formerYugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satelliteground stations - none
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Defense Forces
Branches:ArmyManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,283,576; fit for military service 1,045,512; reachmilitary age (19) annually 37,827 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
*Botswana, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, north of South AfricaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:600,370 km2land area:585,370 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:total 4,013 km, Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:short section of boundary with Namibia is indefinite; disputed island withNamibia in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabweis in disagreement; recent dispute with Namibia over uninhabited SiduduIsland in Linyanti RiverClimate:semiarid; warm winters and hot summersTerrain:predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwestNatural resources:diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silverLand use: arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:75%forest and woodland:2%other:21%Irrigated land:20 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:overgrazing, desertificationNote:landlocked
*Botswana, People
Population:1,325,920 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.53% (1993 est.)Birth rate:33.39 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:62.54 yearsmale:59.52 yearsfemale:65.65 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:4.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)adjective:Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)Ethnic divisions:Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%Languages:English (official), SetswanaLiteracy:age 15 and over able to read and write simple sentences (1990)total population: 72%male:67%female:74%Labor force:400,000by occupation:198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raisingand subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in variousmines in South Africa (1990)
*Botswana, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Botswanaconventional short form:Botswanaformer:BechuanalandDigraph:BCType:parliamentary republicCapital:GaboroneAdministrative divisions:10 districts; Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng,Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; in addition, there are 4 towncouncils - Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste, Selebi-PhikweIndependence:30 September 1966 (from UK)Constitution:March 1965, effective 30 September 1966Legal system:based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited tomatters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 30 September (1966)Political parties and leaders:Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Sir Ketumile MASIRE; Botswana NationalFront (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE;Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHOSuffrage:21 years of age; universalElections:National Assembly:last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3President:last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - PresidentSir Ketumile MASIRE was reelected by the National AssemblyExecutive branch: president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefsand a lower house or National AssemblyJudicial branch:High Court, Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Sir Ketunile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President FestusMOGAE (since 9 March 1992 )Member of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELEchancery:Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
*Botswana, Government
telephone:(202) 244-4990 or 4991US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador David PASSAGEembassy:address NA, Gaboronemailing address:P. O. Box 90, Gaboronetelephone:[267] 353-982FAX:[267] 356-947Flag:light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center
*Botswana, Economy
Overview:The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops.Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population,but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind therapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry.This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating25% of GDP in 1980 to 50% in 1991. No other sector has experienced suchgrowth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall andpoor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. Although diamondproduction was down slightly in 1992, substantial gains in coal output andmanufacturing helped boost the economyNational product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion (FY92 est.)National product real growth rate:5.8% (FY92 est.)National product per capita:$2,450 (FY92 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):16.5% (December 1992)Unemployment rate:25% (1989)Budget:revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.99 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $652 million (FY94)Exports:$1.6 billion (f.o.b. 1991)commodities:diamonds 78%, copper and nickel 8%, meat 4%partners:Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union)Imports:$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum productspartners:Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, USExternal debt:$344 million (December 1991)Industrial production:growth rate 6.9% (1991); accounts for about 53% of GDP, including miningElectricity:220,000 kW capacity; 1,123 million kWh produced, 846 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestockprocessingAgriculture:accounts for only 5% of GDP; subsistence farming predominates; cattleraising supports 50% of the population; must import up to of 80% of foodneedsEconomic aid:US aid, $13 million (1992); US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $1,875 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million; in 1992: Norway (largest donor)$16 million, Sweden $15.5 million, Germany $3.6 million, EC/Lome-IV $3-6million in grants, $28.7 million in long-term projectsCurrency:1 pula (P) = 100 thebe
*Botswana, Economy
Exchange rates:pula (P) per US$1 - 2.31 (February 1993), 2.1327 (1992), 2.0173 (1991),1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Botswana, Communications
Railroads:712 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 kmimproved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earthAirports:total:100usable:87with permanent-surface runways:8with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:29Telecommunications:the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, microwave radio relaylinks, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcaststations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Botswana, Defense Forces
Branches:Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana NationalPoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 282,885; fit for military service 148,895; reach militaryage (18) annually 14,868 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $196 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY93/94)
*Bouvet Island, Header
Affiliation: (territory of Norway)
*Bouvet Island, Geography
Location:in the south Atlantic Ocean, 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of GoodHope (South Africa)Map references: Antarctic RegionArea:total area:58 km2land area:58 km2comparative area:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:29.6 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:4 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:antarcticTerrain:volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessibleNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100% (all ice)Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:covered by glacial iceNote:located in the South Atlantic Ocean
*Bouvet Island, People
Population: uninhabited
*Bouvet Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form: Bouvet IslandDigraph:BVType:territory of NorwayCapital:none; administered from Oslo, NorwayIndependence:none (territory of Norway)
*Bouvet Island, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
*Bouvet Island, Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage onlyTelecommunications:automatic meteorological station
*Bouvet Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway
*Brazil, Geography
Location:Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic OceanMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:8,511,965 km2land area:8,456,510 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than the USnote:includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha daTrindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao PauloLand boundaries:total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km,French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km,Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 kmCoastline: 7,491 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls onthe Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguayare in dispute - Arrio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the RioQuarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai(Rio Cuareim) and the UruguayClimate:mostly tropical, but temperate in southTerrain:mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, andnarrow coastal beltNatural resources:iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower,gold, platinum, petroleum, timberLand use:arable land:7%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:19%forest and woodland:67%other:6%Irrigated land:27,000 km2 (1989 est.)
*Brazil, Geography
Environment:recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation inAmazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, andseveral other large citiesNote:largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every SouthAmerican country except Chile and Ecuador
*Brazil, People
Population:156,664,223 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.35% (1993 est.)Birth rate:21.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:8.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:61.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:62.7 yearsmale:58.28 yearsfemale:67.33 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.49 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Brazilian(s)adjective:BrazilianEthnic divisions:Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%,mixed 38%, other 1%Religions:Roman Catholic (nominal) 90%Languages:Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, FrenchLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:81%male:82%female:80%Labor force:57 million (1989 est.)by occupation:services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%
*Brazil, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federative Republic of Brazilconventional short form:Brazillocal long form:Republica Federativa do Brasillocal short form: BrasilDigraph:BRType:federal republicCapital:BrasiliaAdministrative divisions:26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito, federal); Acre,Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*,, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, MatoGrosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, MinasGerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grandedo Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo,Sergipe, TocantinsIndependence:7 September 1822 (from Portugal)Constitution:5 October 1988Legal system:based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 7 September (1822)Political parties and leaders:National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; BrazilianDemocratic Movement Party (PMDB), Roberto ROLLEMBERG, president; LiberalFront Party (PFL), Jose Mucio MONTEIRO, president; Workers' Party (PT), LuisIgnacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), LuizGONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), LeonelBRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president;Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president;Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party ofBrazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party(PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, presidentOther political or pressure groups:left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker'sParty are critical of government's social and economic policiesSuffrage:voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 andunder 70 years of ageElections:Chamber of Deputies:last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats -(503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40,PTB 35, PT 35, other 109Federal Senate:last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16