*Brazil, Government
President:last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be heldNovember 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960Executive branch:president, vice president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upperchamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber ofDeputies (Camara dos Deputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Federal TribunalLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Itamar FRANCO (since 29 December 1992)Member of:AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT,IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS,MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO,WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Rubens RICUPEROchancery:3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 745-2700consulates general:Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New Yorkconsulates:Dallas, Houston, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Richard MELTONembassy:Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federalmailing address:APO AA 34030telephone:[55] (61) 321-7272FAX:[55] (61) 225-9136consulates general:Rio de Janeiro, Sao Pauloconsulates:Porto Alegre, RecifeFlag:green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestialglobe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in thesame pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorialband with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
*Brazil, Economy
Overview:The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, enteredthe 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceableforeign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition,the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected bysubstantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial andmining facilities is divided among private interests - including severalmultinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings areprivate, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflictsbetween large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittentviolence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990,launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize andreinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy,and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government alsoobtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements withcommercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reductionof debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation - the rate doubled in1992 - continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumedthe presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992,has promised to support the basic premises of COLLOR'S reform program buthas yet to define clearly his economic policies. Brazil's natural resourcesremain a major, long-term economic strength.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $369 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:-0.2% (1992)National product per capita:$2,350 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1,174% (1992)Unemployment rate:5.9% (1992)Budget:revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $32.9 billion (1990)Exports:$35.0 billion (1992)commodities:iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle partspartners:EC 32.3%, US 20.3%, Latin America 11.6%, Japan 9% (1991)Imports:$20.0 billion (1992)commodities:crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coalpartners:Middle East 12.4%, US 23.5%, EC 21.8%, Latin America 18.8%, Japan 6% (1991)External debt:$123.3 billion (December 1992)Industrial production:growth rate -3.8% (1992); accounts for 39% of GDPElectricity:63,765,000 kW capacity; 242,184 million kWh produced, 1,531 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, ironore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin
*Brazil, Economy
Agriculture:accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee andorange juice concentrate and second- largest exporter of soybeans; otherproducts - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food,except for wheatIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption;government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and cocacultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombiancocaine headed for the US and EuropeEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89),$1.3 billionCurrency:1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 13,827.06 (January 1993), 4,506.45 (1992), 406.61(1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Brazil, Communications
Railroads:28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 kmelectrifiedHighways:1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earthInland waterways:50,000 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 kmPorts:Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio deJaneiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, SantosMerchant marine:232 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,335,234 GRT/8,986,734 DWT; includes5 passenger-cargo, 42 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 10 container, 11roll-on/roll-off, 58 oil tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil,65 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 11 vehicle carrier; in addition, 1 naval tankeris sometimes used commerciallyAirports:total:3,613usable: 3,031with permanent-surface runways:431with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:22with runways 1,220-2,439 m:584Telecommunications:good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 milliontelephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64domestic satellite earth stations
*Brazil, Defense Forces
Branches:Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force,Military Police (paramilitary)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 42,623,934; fit for military service 28,721,849; reachmilitary age (18) annually 1,655,918 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Geography
Location:in the Indian Ocean, south of India about halfway between Africa andIndonesiaMap references:Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:60 km2land area:60 km2comparative area:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes the island of Diego GarciaLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline: 698 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by MauritiusClimate:tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade windsTerrain:flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation)Natural resources:coconuts, fishLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:archipelago of 2,300 islandsNote:Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic locationin central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility
*British Indian Ocean Territory, People
Population:no indigenous inhabitantsnote:there are UK-US military personnel; civilian inhabitants, known as theIlois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US militaryfacilities
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Government
Names:conventional long form:British Indian Ocean Territoryconventional short form:noneAbbreviation:BIOTDigraph: IOType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:noneIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Leaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS (since NA); Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS(since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UKDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of UK)Flag:white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six bluewavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on theouter half of the flag
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Economy
Overview:All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia,where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects andvarious services needed to support the military installations are done bymilitary and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, andthe US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands.Electricity:provided by the US military
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Communications
Highways:short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego GarciaPorts:Diego GarciaAirports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:1 on Diego Garciawith runways 2,439-3,659 m:0with runways 1,229-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*British Indian Ocean Territory, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
*British Virgin Islands, Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*British Virgin Islands, Geography
Location:in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east of Puerto RicoMap references:Central America and the CaribbeanArea:total area:150 km2land area:150 km2comparative area:about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes the island of AnegadaLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:80 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade windsTerrain:coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hillyNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land:20%permanent crops:7%meadows and pastures: 33%forest and woodland:7%other:33%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to OctoberNote:strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
*British Virgin Islands, People
Population:12,707 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.22% (1993 est.)Birth rate:20.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-2.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.62 yearsmale:70.77 yearsfemale:74.6 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.28 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:British Virgin Islander(s)adjective:British Virgin IslanderEthnic divisions:black 90%, white, AsianReligions:Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-DayAdventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981)Languages:English (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1970)total population:98%male:98% female:98%Labor force:4,911 (1980)by occupation:NA
*British Virgin Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:British Virgin IslandsAbbreviation:BVIDigraph:VIType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:Road TownAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:1 June 1977Legal system:English lawNational holiday:Territory Day, 1 JulyPolitical parties and leaders:United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. LavitySTOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEYSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Legislative Council:last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2Executive branch:British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative CouncilJudicial branch:Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor PeterAlfred PENFOLD (since NA 1991)Head of Government:Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986)Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO(associate)Diplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the VirginIslander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat ofarms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oillamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)
*British Virgin Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highlydependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the nationalincome. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companieswishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporationfees generated about $2 million in 1987. The economy slowed in 1991 becauseof the poor performances of the tourist sector and tight commercial bankcredit. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. Theislands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $133 million (1991)National product real growth rate:2% (1991)National product per capita:$10,600 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.5% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NEGL% (1992)Budget:revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capitalexpenditures of $38 million (1991)Exports:$2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animalspartners:Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USImports:$11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinerypartners:Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USExternal debt:$4.5 million (1985)Industrial production:growth rate 4.0% (1985)Electricity:10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshorefinancial centerAgriculture:livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetablesEconomic aid:NACurrency:US currency is usedExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*British Virgin Islands, Communications
Highways:106 km motorable roads (1983)Ports:Road TownAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cablecommunication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
*British Virgin Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Brunei, Geography
Location:Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo almost completely surroundedby MalaysiaMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:5,770 km2 land area:5,270 km2comparative area:slightly larger than DelawareLand boundaries:total 381 km, Malysia 381 kmCoastline:161 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all ofthe Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of themare claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established anexclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publiclyclaimed the islandClimate:tropical; hot, humid, rainyTerrain:flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in westNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, timberLand use:arable land:1%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:79%other:18%Irrigated land:10 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rareNote:close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and PacificOceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave ofMalaysia
*Brunei, People
Population:276,984 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.77% (1993 est.)Birth rate:26.55 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate: 5.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:25.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:70.94 yearsmale:69.27 yearsfemale:72.65 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bruneian(s)adjective:BruneianEthnic divisions:Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16%Religions:Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs andother 15% (1981)Languages:Malay (official), English, ChineseLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1981)total population:77%male:85%female:69%Labor force:89,000 (includes members of the Army)by occupation:government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986)note:33% of labor force is foreign (1988)
*Brunei, Government
Names:conventional long form:Negara Brunei Darussalamconventional short form:BruneiDigraph:BXType:constitutional sultanateCapital: Bandar Seri BegawanAdministrative divisions:4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara,Temburong, TutongIndependence:1 January 1984 (from UK)Constitution:29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergencysince December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)Legal system:based on Islamic lawNational holiday:23 February (1984)Political parties and leaders:Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; BruneiNational Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned),leader NASuffrage:noneElections:Legislative Council:last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointivebody by decree of the sultan and no elections are plannedExecutive branch:sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan HajiHASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967)Member of:APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO(correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daudchancery:2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037telephone:(202) 342-0159US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Donald Burnham ENSENATembassy:Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan
*Brunei, Government
mailing address:American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440telephone: [673] (2) 229-670FAX:[673] (2) 225-293Flag:yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and blackstarting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red issuperimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on topof a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked bytwo upraised hands
*Brunei, Economy
Overview:The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship,government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It isalmost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, withrevenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Percapita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, andsubstantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production.The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food andhousing.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:1% (1990 est.)National product per capita:$8,800 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.3% (1989)Unemployment rate:3.7% (1989)Budget:revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $255 million (1989 est.)Exports:$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum productspartners:Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990)Imports:$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicalspartners:Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990)External debt:$0Industrial production:growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDPElectricity:310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 3,300 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, constructionAgriculture:imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock includerice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 millionCurrency:1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.6531 (January 1993), 1.6290 (1992),1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988); note - theBruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollarFiscal year:calendar year
*Brunei, Communications
Railroads:13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private lineHighways:1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km underconstruction, 720 km gravel or unimprovedInland waterways:209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 metersPipelines:crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 kmPorts:Kuala Belait, MuaraMerchant marine:7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635DWTAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runway over 3,659 m:1with runway 2,440-3,659 m:0with runway 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:service throughout country is adequate for present needs; internationalservice good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radioreceivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
*Brunei, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 77,407; fit for military service 45,112; reach military age(18) annually 2,676 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 9% of GDP (1990)
*Bulgaria, Geography
Location:Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and TurkeyMap references:Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Middle East,Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:110,910 km2land area:110,550 km2comparative area:slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries:total 1,808 km, Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia andMontenegro 318 km (all with Serbia), Turkey 240 kmCoastline:354 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Macedonia question with Greece and MacedoniaClimate:temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summersTerrain:mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southNatural resources:bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable landLand use:arable land:34%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:35%other:10%Irrigated land:10 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollutionNote:strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes fromEurope to Middle East and Asia
*Bulgaria, People
Population:8,831,168 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:-0.39% (1993 est.)Birth rate:11.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:11.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:12.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.82 yearsmale:69.55 yearsfemale:76.26 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.71 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Bulgarian(s)adjective:BulgarianEthnic divisions:Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%,Russian 0.2%, other 0.6%Religions:Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%, UniateCatholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5%Languages:Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdownLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1970)total population:93%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:4.3 million by occupation:industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987)
*Bulgaria, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Bulgariaconventional short form:BulgariaDigraph:BUType:emerging democracyCapital:SofiaAdministrative divisions:9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo,Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, VarnaIndependence:22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire)Constitution:adopted 12 July 1991Legal system:based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:3 March (1878)Political parties and leaders:Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, an alliance ofapproximately 20 pro-Democratic parties including United Democratic Center,Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union,Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic InitiativeMovement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movementfor Rights and Freedoms (ethnic Turkish party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman;Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairmanOther political or pressure groups:Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union;Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederationof Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee forDefense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian AgrarianNational Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov"Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian RevolutionaryOrganization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional,ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendasSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryElections:President:last held January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular voteNational Assembly:last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF 34%, BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats -(240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister), threedeputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie)Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Constitutional CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Vice President BlagaNikolova DIMITROVA (since NA)
*Bulgaria, Government
Head of Government:Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Lyuben Borisov BEROV(since 30 December 1992); Deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers(Deputy Prime Ministers) Valentin KARABASHEV, Neycho NEEV, and EvgeniyMATINCHEV (since 30 December 1992)Member of:BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS,NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ognyan Raytchev PISHEVchancery:1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 387-7969FAX:(202) 234-7973US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILLembassy:1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia, Unit 25402mailing address:APO AE 09213-5740telephone:[359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05FAX:[359] (2) 80-19-77Flag:three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the nationalemblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - itcontained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a redfive-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarianstate established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control)
*Bulgaria, Economy
Overview:Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level inthe 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion- giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings andleading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments.The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an agingindustrial plant; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technologicaldevelopments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion ofelectric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); andmotivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of theirenterprises. Political bickering in Sofia and the collapse of the DIMITROVgovernment in October 1992 have slowed the economic reform process. NewPrime Minister BEROV, however, has pledged to continue the reforms initiatedby the previous government. He has promised to continue cooperation with theWorld Bank and IMF, advance negotiations on rescheduling commercial debt,and push ahead with privatization. BEROV's government - whose mainparliamentary supporters are the former Communist Bulgarian Socialist Party(BSP) - nonetheless appears likely to pursue more interventionist tactics inovercoming the country's economic problems.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $34.1 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:-7.7% (1992)National product per capita:$3,800 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):80% (1992)Unemployment rate:15% (1992)Budget:revenues $8 billion; expenditures $5 billion, including capital expendituresof $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:machinery and equipment 30.6%; agricultural products 24%; manufacturedconsumer goods 22.2%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 10.5%;other 12.7% (1991)partners:former CEMA countries 57.7% (USSR 48.6%, Poland 2.1%, Czechoslovakia 0.9%);developed countries 26.3% (Germany 4.8%, Greece 2.2%); less developedcountries 15.9% (Libya 2.1%, Iran 0.7%) (1991)Imports:$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:fuels, minerals, and raw materials 58.7%; machinery and equipment 15.8%;manufactured consumer goods 4.4%; agricultural products 15.2%; other 5.9%partners:former CEMA countries 51.0% (former USSR 43.2%, Poland 3.7%); developedcountries 32.8% (Germany 7.0%, Austria 4.7%); less developed countries 16.2%(Iran 2.8%, Libya 2.5%)External debt:$12 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate -21% (1992 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990)Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,070 kWh per capita(1992)
*Bulgaria, Economy
Industries:machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles,building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metalsAgriculture:accounts for 22% of GDP (1990); climate and soil conditions supportlivestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds,vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable landdevoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus foodproducerIllicit drugs:transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan routeEconomic aid:donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developedcountries (1956-89)Currency:1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinkiExchange rates:leva (Lv) per US$1 - 24.56 (January 1993),17.18 (January 1992), 16.13 (March1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note -floating exchange rate since February 1991Fiscal year:calendar year
*Bulgaria, Communications
Railroads:4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,640 km electrifiedHighways:36,908 km total; 33,535 km hard surface (including 242 km superhighways);3,373 km earth roads (1987)Inland waterways:470 km (1987)Pipelines:crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 525 km; natural gas 1,400 km (1992)Ports:coastal - Burgas, Varna, Varna West; inland - Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on theDanubeMerchant marine:112 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,262,320 GRT/1,887,729 DWT;includes 2 short-sea passenger, 30 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargotraining, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 15 oil tanker, 4 chemical carrier, 2 railcarcarrier, 50 bulk; Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717DWT operating under Liberian registryAirports:total:380 usable:380with permanent-surface runways:120with runways over 3659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:20with runways 1,220-2,439 m:20Telecommunications:extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and mirowaveradio relay; 2.6 million telephones; direct dialing to 36 countries; phonedensity is 29 phones per 100 persons (1992); almost two-thirds of the linesare residential; 67% of Sofia households have phones (November 1988);telephone service is available in most villages; broadcast stations - 20 AM,15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets(1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1satellite ground station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through aGreek earth station
*Bulgaria, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal TroopsManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,178,136; fit for military service 1,819,901; reachmilitary age (19) annually 69,495 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:5.77 billion leva, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defenseexpenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could producemisleading results
*Burkina, Geography
Location:Western Africa, between Ghana and MaliMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:274,200 km2land area:273,800 km2comparative area:slightly larger than ColoradoLand boundaries:total 3,192 km, Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali 1,000km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes:the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submittedto the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJissued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept;Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including thetripoint with NigerClimate:tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summersTerrain:mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeastNatural resources:manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper,nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silverLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:37%forest and woodland:26%other:27%Irrigated land:160 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:recent droughts and desertification severely affecting marginal agriculturalactivities, population distribution, economy; overgrazing; deforestationNote:landlocked
*Burkina, People
Population:9,852,529 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.83% (1993 est.)Birth rate:48.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:18.19 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-2.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:119.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:47.47 yearsmale:46.66 yearsfemale:48.3 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:7 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Burkinabe (singular and plural)adjective:BurkinabeEthnic divisions:Mossi (about 2.5 million), Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, FulaniReligions:indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%Languages:French (official), tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken by 90%of the populationLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:18%male:28%female:9%Labor force:3.3 million residents; 30,000 are wage earnersby occupation:agriculture 82%, industry 13%, commerce, services, and government 5%note:20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries forseasonal employment (1984); 44% of population of working age (1985)
*Burkina, Government
Names:conventional long form:Burkina Fasoconventional short form:Burkinaformer:Upper VoltaDigraph:UVType:parliamentaryCapital:OuagadougouAdministrative divisions:30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou,Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga,Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie,Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, ZoundweogoIndependence:5 August 1960 (from France)Constitution:June 1991Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary lawNational holiday:Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983)Political parties and leaders:Organization for People's Democracy-Labor Movement (ODP-MT), ruling party,Marc Christian Roch KABORE; National Convention of ProgressivePatriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Pierre TAPSOBA; AfricanDemocratic Assembly (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance for Democracyand Federation (ADF), Herman YAMEOGOOther political or pressure groups:committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/political actiongroups throughout the country in both organizations and communitiesSuffrage:noneElections:President:last held December 1991Assembly of People's Deputies:last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (107 total), ODP-MT 78, CNPP-PSD 12, RDA 6, ADF 4, other 7Executive branch:president, Council of MinistersLegislative branch:Assembly of People's Deputiesnote:the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, which hadnot been formally constituted as of 1 July 1992Judicial branch:Appeals CourtLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)
*Burkina, Government
Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:(vacant)chancery:2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-5577 or 6895US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Edward P. BYRNNembassy:Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougoumailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougoutelephone:[226] 30-67- 23 through 25FAX:[226] 31-23-68Flag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointedstar in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
*Burkina, Economy
Overview:One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high populationdensity, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economicdevelopment is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlockedcountry. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of asubsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitablegovernment-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:1.3% (1990 est.)National product per capita:$350 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-1% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $495 million; expenditures $786 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1991)Exports:$304.8 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:cotton, gold, animal productspartners:EC 45%, Taiwan 15%, Cote d'Ivoire 15% (1987)Imports:$593 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:machinery, food products, petroleumpartners:EC 51%, Africa 25%, US 6% (1987)External debt:$865 million (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 5.7% (1990 est.), accounts for about 23% of GDP (1989)Electricity:120,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles,gold mining and extractionAgriculture:accounts for about 30% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts, sesame,cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; notself-sufficient in food grainsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $113 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11(1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Burkina, Communications
Railroads:620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Cote d'Ivoire border and 100 kmOuagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single trackHighways:16,500 km total; 1,300 km paved, 7,400 km improved, 7,800 km unimproved(1985)Airports:total:48usable:38with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:8Telecommunications:all services only fair; microwave radio relay, wire, and radio communicationstations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
*Burkina, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's MilitiaManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,947,935; fit for military service 995,532 (1993 est.); noconscriptionDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Burma, Geography
Location:Southeast Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and ThailandMap references:Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:678,500 km2land area:657,740 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:total 5,876 km, Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235km, Thailand 1,800 kmCoastline:1,930 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or to the edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, Juneto September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lowerhumidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)Terrain:central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlandsNatural resources:petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, somemarble, limestone, precious stones, natural gasLand use:arable land:15%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:49%other:34%Irrigated land:10,180 km2 (1989)Environment:subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslidescommon during rainy season (June to September); deforestationNote:strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes
*Burma, People
Population:43,455,953 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.88% (1993 est.)Birth rate:28.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:10.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:65.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:59.5 yearsmale:57.5 yearsfemale:61.63 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Burmese (singular and plural)adjective:BurmeseEthnic divisions:Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%,other 5%Religions:Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%,animist beliefs 1%, other 2%Languages:Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languagesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:81%male:89%female:72%Labor force:16.007 million (1992)by occupation:agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1%(FY89 est.)
*Burma, Government
Names:conventional long form:Union of Burmaconventional short form:Burmalocal long form:Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union ofMyanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)local short form:Myanma Naingngandawformer:Socialist Republic of the Union of BurmaDigraph:BMType:military regimeCapital:Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon)Administrative divisions:7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular -, pyine); Chin State,Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State, Kayah State,, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine,State, Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan, State, Tenasserim*, Independence:4 January 1948 (from UK)Constitution:3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); National Conventionstarted on 9 January 1993 to draft chapter headings for a new constitutionLegal system:has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 4 January (1948)Political parties and leaders:National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League forDemocracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE; National Coalition of Union of Burma (NCGUB),SEIN WIN (which consists of individuals legitimately elected to parliament,but not recognized by military regime) fled to border area and joined withinsurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel governmentOther political or pressure groups:Kachin Independence Army (KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen NationalUnion (KNU - the only non-drug group); several Shan factions, including theMong Tai Army (MTA)Suffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:People's Assembly:last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats- (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79Executive branch:chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, State Law and OrderRestoration CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) was dissolved after the coupof 18 September 1988Judicial branch: none; Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18September 1988
*Burma, Government
Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE(since 23 April 1992)Member of:AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador U THAUNGchancery:2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-9044 through 9046consulate general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.embassy:581 Merchant Street, Rangoonmailing address:GPO Box 521, AMEMB Box B, APO AP 96546telephone:[95] (1) 82055, 82181FAX:[95] (1) 80409Flag:red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all inwhite, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk ofrice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions
*Burma, Economy
Overview:Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $660. Thenation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in exportearnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports.For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world priceshas been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold thisposition. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, whichgenerates about 40% of GDP and provides employment for 65% of the workforce. Burma has been largely isolated from international economic forcesand has been trying to encourage foreign investment, so far with littlesuccess.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $28 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:1.3% (1992)National product per capita:$660 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):50% (1992)Unemployment rate:9.6% (FY89 est.) in urban areasBudget:revenues $8.1 billion; expenditures $11.6 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$535.1 million (FY92)commodities:teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gemspartners:China, India, Thailand, SingaporeImports:$907.0 million (FY92)commodities:machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food productspartners:Japan, China, SingaporeExternal debt:$4 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 2.6% (FY90 est.); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:1,100,000 kW capacity; 2,800 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products;petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron; constructionmaterials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizerAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient infood; principal crops - paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses;world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% ofexport revenuesIllicit drugs:world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer ofcannabis for the international drug trade; opium production has nearlydoubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
*Burma, Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $424 millionCurrency:1 kyat (K) = 100 pyasExchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.0963 (January 1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990),6.7049 (1989), 6.46 (1988), 6.6535 (1987); unofficial - 105Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Burma, Communications
Railroads:3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 kmnarrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double trackHighways:27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel,6,100 km unimproved earthInland waterways:12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vesselsPipelines:crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 kmPorts:Rangoon, Moulmein, BasseinMerchant marine:62 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 940,264 GRT/1,315,156 DWT; includes 3passenger-cargo, 18 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 vehicle carrier, 2container, 2 oil tanker, 3 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 23 bulk, 1combination bulkAirports:total:83usable:78with permanent-surface runways:26with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:38Telecommunications:meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business andgovernment; international service is good; 53,000 telephones (1986);radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; broadcaststations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Burma, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 11,004,419; females age 15-49 10,945,899; males fit formilitary service 5,894,514; females fit for military service 5,847,958;males reach military age (18) annually 435,030; females reach military age(18) annually 420,487 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for militaryserviceDefense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP (1992)
*Burundi, Geography
Location:Central Africa, between Tanzania and ZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:27,830 km2land area:25,650 km2comparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:total 974 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplandsTerrain:mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plainsNatural resources:nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yetexploited), vanadiumLand use:arable land:43%permanent crops:8%meadows and pastures:35%forest and woodland:2%other:12%Irrigated land:720 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestationNote:landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed
*Burundi, People
Population:5,985,308 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.34% (1993 est.)Birth rate:44.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:21.25 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:115.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:40.75 yearsmale:38.79 yearsfemale:42.76 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.76 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Burundian(s)adjective:BurundiEthnic divisions:Africans:Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1% (other Africansinclude about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians)non-Africans:Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000Religions:Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%,Muslim 1%Languages:Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and inthe Bujumbura area)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:50%male:61%female:40%Labor force:1.9 million (1983 est.)by occupation:agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services1.5%note:52% of population of working age (1985)
*Burundi, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Burundiconventional short form:Burundilocal long form:Republika y'u Burundilocal short form:BurundiDigraph:BYType:republicCapital:BujumburaAdministrative divisions:15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi,Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, RuyigiIndependence:1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)Constitution:13 March 1992 draft provides for establishment of plural political systemLegal system:based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 1 July (1962)Political parties and leaders:only party - National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), Nicolas MAYUGI,secretary general;note:although Burundi is still officially a one-party state, at least fourpolitical parties were formed in 1991 and set the precedent forconstitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU),Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party of Burundi(PSB), Royalist Parliamentary Party (PRP) - the most significant oppositionparty is FRODEBU, led by Melchior NDADAYE; the Party for the Liberation ofthe Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early 1980s, is anethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule; the governmenthas long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnic politics andfomenting violence against the state; PALIPEHUTU's exclusivist charter makesit an unlikely candidate for legalization under the new constitution thatwill require party membership open to all ethnic groupsSuffrage:universal adult at age NAElections:National Assembly:note - The National Unity Charter outlining the principles forconstitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February1991; new elections to the National Assembly are to take place 29 June 1993;presidential elections are to take place 1 June 1993Executive branch:president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unityand Progress (UPRONA), prime minister
*Burundi, Government
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved followingthe coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unityand Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for NationalSalvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition toconstitutional governmentJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State:President Major Pierre BUYOYA (since 9 September 1987)Head of Government:Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Julien KAVAKUREchancery:Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 342-2574US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRYembassy:Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumburamailing address:B. P. 1720, Bujumburatelephone:[257] (223) 454FAX:[257] (222) 926Flag:divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and greenpanels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at thecenter bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in atriangular design (one star above, two stars below)
*Burundi, Economy
Overview:A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economicdevelopment, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basicindustries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accountsfor an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability topay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of theclimate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reformagenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundiis trying to diversify its agricultural exports and attract foreigninvestment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatizedvia public auction in September 1991.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.23 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:5% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$205 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):9% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $318 million; expenditures $326 million, including capitalexpenditures of $150 million (1991 est.)Exports:$91.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:coffee 81%, tea, hides, and skinspartners:EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2%Imports:$246 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goodspartners:EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3%External debt:$1 billion (1990 est.)Industrial production:real growth rate 11.0% (1991 est.); accounts for about 5% of GDPElectricity:55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports;public works construction; food processingAgriculture:accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming;marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton,tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock- meat, milk, hides and skinsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175millionCurrency:1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes