*Burundi, Economy
Exchange rates:Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 235.75 (January 1993), 208.30 (1992), 181.51(1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Burundi, Communications
Highways:5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improvedor unimproved earthInland waterways:Lake TanganyikaPorts:Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania andZaireAirports:total:5usable:4with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:4Telecommunications:sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity microwave radiorelay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Burundi, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,283,308; fit for military service 670,381; reach militaryage (16) annually 62,700 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989)
*Cambodia, Geography
Location:Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand and VietnamMap references: Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:181,040 km2land area:176,520 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than OklahomaLand boundaries:total 2,572 km, Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 kmCoastline:443 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are indispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not definedClimate:tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December toMarch); little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and northNatural resources:timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropowerpotentialLand use:arable land:16%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:76%other:4%Irrigated land:920 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle SapNote:buffer between Thailand and Vietnam
*Cambodia, People
Population:9,898,900 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:4.41% (1993 est.)Birth rate:45.52 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:16.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:15.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:111.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:49.06 yearsmale:47.6 yearsfemale:50.6 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:5.81 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Cambodian(s)adjective:CambodianEthnic divisions:Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%Religions:Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5%Languages:Khmer (official), FrenchLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:35%male:48%female:22%Labor force:2,500,000 to 3,000,000by occupation:agriculture 80% (1988 est.)
*Cambodia, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:CambodiaDigraph:CBType:transitional government currently administered by the Supreme NationalCouncil (SNC), a body set up under United Nations' auspices, in preparationfor an internationally supervised election in 1993 and includingrepresentatives from each of the country's four political factionsCapital:Phnom PenhAdministrative divisions:20 provinces (khet, singular and plural); Banteay Meanchey, Batdambang,Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal,Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, PreyVeng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, TakevIndependence:9 November 1949 (from France)Constitution:a new constitution will be drafted after the national election in 1993Legal system:NANational holiday:NGC:Independence Day, 17 April (1975)SOC:Liberation Day, 7 January (1979)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEUSAMPHAN; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) underCHEA SIM; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN;National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and CooperativeCambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH; Liberal DemocraticParty (LDP) under SAK SUTSAKHANSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:UN-supervised election for a 120-member constituent assembly based onproportional representation within each province is scheduled for 23-27 May1993; the assembly will draft and approve a constitution and then transformitself into a legislature that will create a new Cambodian GovernmentExecutive branch:a 12 member Supreme National Council (SNC), chaired by Prince NORODOMSIHANOUK, composed of representatives from each of the four politicalfactions; faction names and delegation leaders are: State of Cambodia (SOC)- HUN SEN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK or Khmer Rouge) - KHIEU SAMPHAN; KhmerPeople's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) - SON SANN; National United Frontfor an Independent, Peaceful, Neutral, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)- Prince NORODOM RANARIDDHLegislative branch:pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's unicameralNational Assembly is the only functioning national legislative bodyJudicial branch:Supreme People's Court pending a national election in 1993, the incumbentSOC faction's Supreme People's Court is the only functioning nationaljudicial body
*Cambodia, Government
Leaders: Chief of State:SNC - Chairman Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, under UN supervisionHead of Government:NGC - vacant, but will be determined following the national election in1993; SOC - Chairman of the Council of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January1985)Member of:AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:the Supreme National Council (SNC) represents Cambodia in internationalorganizationsUS diplomatic representation:US representative:Charles TWINNINGmission:27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penhmailing address:Box P, APO AP 96546telephone:(855) 23-26436 or (855) 23-26438FAX:(855) 23-26437Flag:SNC - blue background with white map of Cambodia in middle; SOC - two equalhorizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-toweredtemple representing Angkor Wat in the center
*Cambodia, Economy
Overview:Cambodia remains a desperately poor country whose economic recovery is heldhostage to continued political unrest and factional hostilities. Thecountry's immediate economic challenge is an acute financial crisis that isundermining monetary stability and preventing disbursement of foreigndevelopment assistance. Cambodia is still recovering from an abrupt shift in1990 to free-market economic mechanisms and a cutoff in aid from formerSoviet bloc countries; these changes have severely impacted on public sectorrevenues and performance. The country's infrastructure of roads, bridges,and power plants has been severely degraded, now having only 40-50% ofprewar capacity. The economy remains essentially rural, with 90% of thepopulation living in the countryside and dependent mainly on subsistenceagriculture. Statistical data on the economy continue to be sparse andunreliable.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$280 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):250-300% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $120 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of$NA (1992 est.)Exports:$59 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:natural rubber, rice, pepper, woodpartners:Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, IndiaImports:$170 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinerypartners:Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, IndiaExternal debt:$717 million (1990)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:35,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 9 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem miningAgriculture:mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice,rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products,sugar, flourEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-UScountries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8billionCurrency:1 riel (CR) = 100 sen
*Cambodia, Economy
Exchange rates:riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,800 (September 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560(1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Cambodia, Communications
Railroads:612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government ownedHighways:13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, orimproved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepairInland waterways:3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable tocraft drawing 1.8 metersPorts:Kampong Saom, Phnom PenhAirports:total:15usable:9with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:4Telecommunications:service barely adequate for government requirements and virtuallynonexistent for general public; international service limited to Vietnam andother adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
*Cambodia, Defense Forces
Branches:SOC:Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF)Communist resistance forces:National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)non-Communist resistance forces:Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI) which is sometimes anglicized asNational Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC), Khmer People's NationalLiberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,883,679; fit for military service 1,033,168; reachmilitary age (18) annually 74,585 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Cameroon, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Equatorial Guineaand NigeriaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:475,440 km2land area:469,440 km2comparative area:slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 4,591 km, Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 kmCoastline:402 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:50 nmInternational disputes:demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which hasled to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratificationby Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission, created withNigeria to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries, has not yetconvenedClimate:varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in northTerrain:diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center,mountains in west, plains in northNatural resources:petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potentialLand use:arable land:13%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:54%other:13%Irrigated land:280 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases; deforestation;overgrazing; desertificationNote:sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa
*Cameroon, People
Population:12,755,873 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.9% (1993 est.)Birth rate:40.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:11.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:78.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population:56.66 yearsmale:54.65 yearsfemale:58.74 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:5.88 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Cameroonian(s)adjective:CameroonianEthnic divisions:Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%,Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-Africanless than 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16%Languages:24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:54%male:66%female:43%Labor force:NAby occupation:agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2% (1983)note:50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985)
*Cameroon, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cameroonconventional short form:Cameroonformer:French CameroonDigraph:CMType:unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition partieslegalized 1990)Capital:YaoundeAdministrative divisions:10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-OuestIndependence:1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)Constitution:20 May 1972Legal system:based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:National Day, 20 May (1972)Political parties and leaders:Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), Paul BIYA, president, isgovernment-controlled and was formerly the only party, but oppositionparties were legalized in 1990major opposition parties:National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP)major oppositon parties:Social Democratic Front (SDF)major opposition parties:Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of Cameroonian Populations (UPC)Other political or pressure groups:NASuffrage:20 years of age; universalElections:National Assembly:last held 1 March 1992 (next scheduled for March 1997); results - (180seats) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6President:last held 11 October 1992; results - President Paul BIYA reelected withabout 40% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud; SDF candidateJohn FRU NDI got 36% of the vote; UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI got 19%of the voteExecutive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)
*Cameroon, Government
Head of Government:Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992)Member of:ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77,GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Paul PONDIchancery:2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-8790 through 8794US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Harriet ISOMembassy:Rue Nachtigal, Yaoundemailing address:B. P. 817, Yaoundetelephone:[237] 234-014FAX:[237] 230-753consulate:DoualaFlag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with ayellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popularpan-African colors of Ethiopia
*Cameroon, Economy
Overview:Because of its offshore oil resources, Cameroon has one of the highestincomes per capita in tropical Africa. Still, it faces many of the seriousproblems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as politicalinstability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climatefor business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led rapideconomic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee,cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, andinefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-92, with supportfrom the IMF and World Bank, the government has begun to introduce reformsdesigned to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture,and recapitalize the nation's banks. Nationwide strikes organized byopposition parties in 1991, however, undermined these efforts.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1990 est.)National product per capita:$1,040 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $2.4 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $422 million (FY90 est.)Exports:$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum products 51%, coffee, beans, cocoa, aluminum products, timberpartners:EC (particularly France) about 50%, US, African countriesImports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transport equipmentpartners:EC about 60%, France 41%, Germany 9%, African countries, Japan, US 4%External debt:$6 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDPElectricity:755,000 kW capacity; 2,190 million kWh produced, 190 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods,textiles, sawmillsAgriculture:the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority ofthe population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degreeof self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops includecoffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock,root starchesEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $479 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $4.75 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125million
*Cameroon, Economy
Currency: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)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Cameroon, Communications
Railroads:1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gaugeHighways:about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km paved, 32,318 km gravel andimproved earth, and 30,000 km of unimproved earthInland waterways:2,090 km; of decreasing importancePorts: DoualaMerchant marine:2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWTAirports:total:59usable:51with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:6with runways 1,220-2,439 m:51Telecommunications:good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and microwave radio relay;26,000 telephones, 2 telephones per 1,000 persons, available only tobusiness and government; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1 TV; 2 AtlanticOcean INTELSAT earth stations
*Cameroon, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Gendarmerie,Presidential GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,844,280; fit for military service 1,432,563; reachmilitary age (18) annually 125,453 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $219 million, less than 2% of GDP (1990 est.)
*Canada, Geography
Location:Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North PacificOcean north of the USMap references:Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:9,976,140 km2land area:9,220,970 km2comparative area:slightly larger than USLand boundaries:total 8,893 km, US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)Coastline:243,791 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:maritime boundary disputes with the US; Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focusof maritime boundary dispute between Canada and FranceClimate:varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in northTerrain:mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeastNatural resources:nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber,wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gasLand use:arable land:5%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:35%other:57%Irrigated land:8,400 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:80% of population concentrated within 160 km of US border; continuouspermafrost in north a serious obstacle to developmentNote:second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location betweenRussia and US via north polar route
*Canada, People
Population:27,769,993 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.28% (1993 est.)Birth rate:14.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:7.35 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:5.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.98 yearsmale: 74.54 yearsfemale:81.6 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.84 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Canadian(s)adjective:CanadianEthnic divisions:British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenousIndian and Eskimo 1.5%Religions:Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10%, other 28%Languages:English (official), French (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1981)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:13.38 millionby occupation:services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%, other 4%(1988)
*Canada, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:CanadaDigraph:CAType:confederation with parliamentary democracyCapital:OttawaAdministrative divisions:10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New, Brunswick,Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario,, Prince Edward Island, Quebec,Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*, Independence:1 July 1867 (from UK)Constitution:amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982;charter of rights and unwritten customsLegal system: based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system basedon French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:Canada Day, 1 July (1867)Political parties and leaders:Progressive Conservative Party, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal Party, JeanCHRETIEN; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN; Reform Party, PrestonMANNING; Bloc Quebecois, Lucien BOUCHARDSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:House of Commons:last held 21 November 1988 (next to be held by November 1993); results -Progressive Conservative Party 43%, Liberal Party 32%, New Democratic Party20%, other 5%; seats - (295 total) Progressive Conservative Party 159,Liberal Party 80, New Democratic Party 44, Bloc Quebecois 9, independents 3Executive branch:British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate(Senat) and a lower house or House of Commons (Chambre des Communes)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor GeneralRaymond John HNATYSHYN (since 29 January 1990)Head of Government:Prime Minister Kim CAMBELL was chosen to replace Brian MULRONEY on 13 June1993
*Canada, Government
Member of:ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB(non-regional), COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state),FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, ONUSAL,PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WIPO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador John DE CHASTELAINchancery:501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001telephone:(202) 682-1740FAX:(202) 682-7726consulates general:Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and SeattleUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador-designate Governor James J. BLANCHARDembassy:100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawamailing address:P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430telephone:(613) 238-5335 or (613) 238-4470FAX:(613) 238-5720consulates general:Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and VancouverFlag:three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), andred with a red maple leaf centered in the white band
*Canada, Economy
Overview:As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resemblesthe US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern ofproduction. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing,mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely ruraleconomy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canadaregistered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations,averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force,and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. However,the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speakingareas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation; foregninvestors have become edgy.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $537.1 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:0.9% (1992)National product per capita:$19,600 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.5% (1992)Unemployment rate:11.5% (December 1992)Budget:revenues $111.8 billion; expenditures $138.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY90 est.)Exports:$124.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas,aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipmentpartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, ChinaImports:$118 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods,electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and partspartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South KoreaExternal debt:$247 billion (1987)Industrial production:growth rate 1% (1992); accounts for 34% of GDPElectricity:109,340,000 kW capacity; 493,000 million kWh produced, 17,900 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products,transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and naturalgasAgriculture:accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers andexporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agriculturalimports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercialfisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% isexported
*Canada, Economy
Illicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use ofhydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities ofhigh-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroinand cocaine entering the US marketEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billionCurrency:1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.2776 (January 1993), 1.2087 (1992),1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Canada, Communications
Railroads:146,444 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems -Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passengerservice - VIA (government operated); 158 km is electrifiedHighways:884,272 km total; 712,936 km surfaced (250,023 km paved), 171,336 km earthInland waterways:3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence SeawayPipelines:crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 kmPorts:Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's(Newfoundland), Toronto, VancouverMerchant marine:63 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 454,582 GRT/646,329 DWT; includes 1passenger, 3 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 8 cargo, 2 railcarcarrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 24 oiltanker, 4 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 9 bulk; note - does notinclude ships used exclusively in the Great LakesAirports:total:1,420useable:1,142with permanent-surface runways:457with runways over 3,659 m:4with runways 2,440-3,659 m:30with runways 1,220-2,439 m:330Telecommunications:excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones;broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxialsubmarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems
*Canada, Defense Forces
Branches:Canadian Armed Forces (including Land Forces Command, Maritime Command, AirCommand, Communications Command, Training Command), Royal Canadian MountedPolice (RCMP)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 7,444,767; fit for military service 6,440,927; reachmilitary age (17) annually 191,884 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $11.3 billion, 2% of GDP (FY92/93)
*Cape Verde, Geography
Location:in the southeastern North Atlantic Ocean, 500 km west of Senegal in WesternAfricaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:4,030 km2land area:4,030 km2 comparative area:slightly larger than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:965 kmMaritime claims:measured from claimed archipelagic baselinesexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erraticTerrain:steep, rugged, rocky, volcanicNatural resources:salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fishLand use:arable land:9%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:0%other:85%Irrigated land:20 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility;volcanically and seismically active; deforestation; overgrazingNote:strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-southsea routes; important communications station; important sea and airrefueling site
*Cape Verde, People
Population:410,535 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.03% (1993 est.)Birth rate:47.02 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.43 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-7.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate: 59.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:62.18 yearsmale:60.3 yearsfemale:64.15 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.41 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Cape Verdean(s)adjective:Cape VerdeanEthnic divisions:Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%Religions:Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefsLanguages:Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African wordsLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1989)total population:66%male:NAfemale:NALabor force:102,000 (1985 est.)by occupation:agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981)note:51% of population of working age (1985)
*Cape Verde, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cape Verdeconventional short form:Cape Verdelocal long form:Republica de Cabo Verdelocal short form:Cabo VerdeDigraph:CVType:republicCapital:PraiaAdministrative divisions: 14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo,Maio,Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz,Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, TarrafalIndependence:5 July 1975 (from Portugal)Constitution:7 September 1980; amended 12 February 1981, December 1988, and 28 September1990 (legalized opposition parties)Legal system:NANational holiday:Independence Day, 5 July (1975)Political parties and leaders:Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder andchairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro VeronaRodrigues PIRES, chairmanSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:People's National Assembly:last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note - thismultiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rulePresident:last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results -Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (MPD) received 72.6% of voteExecutive branch:president, prime minister, deputy minister, secretaries of state, Council ofMinisters (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular)Judicial branch:Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia)Leaders:Chief of State:President Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (since 22 March 1991)Head of Government:Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13 January1991)
*Cape Verde, Government
Member of:ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN (CapeVerde assumed a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council on 1 January1992), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVAchancery:3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 965-6820 consulate general:BostonUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph SEGARSembassy:Rua Hoji Ya Henda 81, Praiamailing address:C. P. 201, Praiatelephone:[238] 61-56-16 or 61-56-17FAX:[238] 61-13-55Flag:a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted; previous flagconsisted of two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with avertical red band on the hoist side; in the upper portion of the red band isa black five-pointed star framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell;uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag ofGuinea-Bissau, which is longer and has an unadorned black star centered inthe red band
*Cape Verde, Economy
Overview:Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, aserious, long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is serviceoriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 60%of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas,agriculture's share of GDP is only 16%; the fishing sector accounts for 4%.About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobsterand tuna, is not fully exploited. In 1988 fishing represented only 3.5% ofGDP. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittancesfrom emigrants and foreign aid. Economic reforms launched by the newdemocratic government in February 1991 are aimed at developing the privatesector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $310 million (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:4% (1990 est.)National product per capita:$800 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.7% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1988)Budget:revenues $104 million; expenditures $133 million, including capitalexpenditures of $72 million (1991 est.)Exports:$5.7 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:fish, bananas, hides and skinspartners: Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.)Imports:$120 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipmentpartners:Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%, Netherlands, US(1990 est.)External debt:$156 million (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 4% of GDPElectricity:15,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, constructionmaterials, food and beverage productionAgriculture:accounts for 20% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming;bananas are the only export crop; other crops - corn, beans, sweet potatoes,coffee; growth potential of agricultural sector limited by poor soils andscanty rainfall; annual food imports required; fish catch provides for bothdomestic consumption and small exportsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-90), $93 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $586 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $36million
*Cape Verde, Economy
Currency:1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 75.47 (January 1993), 73.10 (1992),71.41 (1991), 64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Cape Verde, Communications
Ports:Mindelo, PraiaMerchant marine:7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWTAirports:total:6usable:6with permanent-surface runways:6 with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:interisland microwave radio relay system, high-frequency radio to Senegaland Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 1TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Cape Verde, Defense Forces
Branches:People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) (including Army and Navy),Security ServiceManpower availability:males age 15-49 75,431; fit for military service 44,358 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Cayman Islands, Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*Cayman Islands, Geography
Location:in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearly halfway between Cuba and HondurasMap references:Central America and the CaribbeanArea:total area:260 km2land area:260 km2comparative area:slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:160 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relativelydry winters (November to April)Terrain:low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefsNatural resources:fish, climate and beaches that foster tourismLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:8%forest and woodland:23%other:69%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:within the Caribbean hurricane beltNote:important location between Cuba and Central America
*Cayman Islands, People
Population:30,440 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:4.35% (1993 est.)Birth rate:15.32 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.1 yearsmale:75.37 yearsfemale:78.81 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.48 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Caymanian(s)adjective:CaymanianEthnic divisions: mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%Religions:United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, RomanCatholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominationsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)total population:98%male:98%female:98%Labor force:8,061by occupation:service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance andinvestment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)
*Cayman Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Cayman IslandsDigraph:CJType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:George TownAdministrative divisions:8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, WestEnd, WesternIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:1959, revised 1972Legal system:British common law and local statutesNational holiday:Constitution Day (first Monday in July)Political parties and leaders:no formal political partiesSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Legislative Assembly:last held November 1992 (next to be held November 1996); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)Executive branch:British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative AssemblyJudicial branch:Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of AppealLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Governor and President of the Executive Council Michael GORE (since NA May1992)Member of:CARICOM (observer), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOCDiplomatic representation in US:as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US arerepresented by the UKFlag:blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theCaymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of theflag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield withthree stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottombearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
*Cayman Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of exportearnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimedat the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America.About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported.The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $670 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:4.4% (1991)National product per capita:$23,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:7% (1992)Budget:revenues $141.5 million; expenditures $160.7 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1991)Exports:$1.5 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.)commodities:turtle products, manufactured consumer goodspartners:mostly USImports:$136 million (c.i.f., 1987 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, manufactured goodspartners: US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, JapanExternal debt:$15 million (1986)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:74,000 kW capacity; 256 million kWh produced, 8,780 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials,furniture makingAgriculture:minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farmingEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35 millionCurrency:1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 1.20 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Cayman Islands, Communications
Highways:160 km of main roadsPorts:George Town, Cayman BracMerchant marine:29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 307,738 GRT/468,659 DWT; includes 1passenger-cargo, 8 cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 oil tanker, 2 chemicaltanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 4 bulk, 2 combination bulk; note - a flagof convenience registryAirports: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:2Telecommunications:35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and accessinternational services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV
*Cayman Islands, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)Note:defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Central African Republic, Geography
Location:Central Africa, between Chad and ZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:622,980 km2land area:622,980 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:total 5,203 km, Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165km, Zaire 1,577 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summersTerrain:vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast andsouthwestNatural resources:diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oilLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:64%other:28%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; poaching hasdiminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertificationNote:landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa
*Central African Republic, People
Population:3,073,979 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.23% (1993 est.)Birth rate:42.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:20.49 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:138.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:42.94 yearsmale:41.46 yearsfemale:44.45 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:5.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Central African(s)adjective:Central AfricanEthnic divisions:Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%, Europeans6,500 (including 3,600 French)Religions:indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%,other 11%note:animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majorityLanguages:French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), Arabic,Hunsa, SwahiliLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:27%male:33%female:15%Labor force:775,413 (1986 est.)by occupation:agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%note:about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985)
*Central African Republic, Government
Names:conventional long form:Central African Republicconventional short form:nonelocal long form:Republique Centrafricainelocal short form:noneformer:Central African EmpireAbbreviation:CARDigraph:CTType:republic; one-party presidential regime since 1986Capital:BanguiAdministrative divisions:14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures*, (prefectureseconomiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto,, Haute-Sangha,Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere,Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga, Independence:13 August 1960 (from France)Constitution:21 November 1986Legal system:based on French lawNational holiday:National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic)Political parties and leaders:Central African Democratic Party (RDC), the government party, LaurentGOMINA-PAMPALI; Council of Moderates Coalition includes; Union of the Peoplefor Economic and Social Development (UPDS), Katossy SIMANI; LiberalRepublican Party (PARELI), Augustin M'BOE; Central African SocialistMovement (MSCA), Michel BENGUE; Concerted Democratic Forces (CFD), acoalition of 13 parties, including; Alliance for Democracy and Progress(ADP), Francois PEHOUA; Central African Republican party (PRC), RuthROLLAND; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE; Civic Forum(FC), Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA; Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), NestorKOMBOT-NAGUEMONSuffrage:21 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 25 October 1992; widespread irregularities at some polls led todismissal of results by Supreme Court; elections are rescheduled for 17October 1993National Assembly: last held 25 October 1992; widespread irregularities at some polls led todismissal of results by Supreme Court; elections are rescheduled for 17October 1993Executive branch:president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
*Central African Republic, Government
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) advised by the Economicand Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sittogether this is known as the Congress (Congres)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Leaders:Chief of State:President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981)Head of Government:Prime Minister Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE (since 2 March 1993)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jean-Pierre SOHAHONG-KOMBETchancery:1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 483-7800 or 7801US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert E. GRIBBINembassy:Avenue David Dacko, Banguimailing address:B. P. 924, Banguitelephone:[236] 61-02-00, 61-25-78, 61-43-33, 61-02-10FAX:[236] 61-44-94Flag:four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with avertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on thehoist side of the blue band
*Central African Republic, Economy
Overview:Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the CAReconomy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agriculturalproducts accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industryfor 30%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR'slandlocked position, a poor transportation system, and a weak human resourcebase. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance, particularly fromFrance, plays a major role in providing capital for new investment.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:-3% (1990 est.)National product per capita:$440 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-3% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:30% (1988 est.) in BanguiBudget:revenues $175 million; expenditures $312 million, including capitalexpenditures of $122 million (1991 est.)Exports:$138 million (1991 est.)commodities:diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobaccopartners:France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, USImports:$205 million (1991 est.)commodities:food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motorvehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial productspartners:France, other EC countries, Japan, AlgeriaExternal debt:$859 million (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDPElectricity:40,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly ofbicycles and motorcyclesAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except forgrain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops -manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananasEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $52 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $1.6 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $38millionCurrency: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)
*Central African Republic, Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
*Central African Republic, Communications
Highways:22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000unimproved earthInland waterways:800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts;Oubangui is the most important riverAirports:total:66usable:51with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:20Telecommunications:fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, withlow-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; broadcast stations -1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Central African Republic, Defense Forces
Branches:Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, NationalGendarmerie, Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 685,575; fit for military service 358,836 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.)
*Chad, Geography
Location:Central Africa, between the Central African Republic and LibyaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea: total area:1.284 million km2land area:1,259,200 km2comparative area:slightly more than three times the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries:total 5,968 km, Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:Libya claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in the far north;demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which hasled to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratificationby Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and NigeriaClimate:tropical in south, desert in northTerrain:broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest,lowlands in southNatural resources:petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin,fish (Lake Chad)Land use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:36%forest and woodland:11%other:51%Irrigated land:100 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; drought and desertificationadversely affecting south; subject to plagues of locustsNote:landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel
*Chad, People
Population:5,350,971 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.13% (1993 est.)Birth rate:42.21 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate: 20.93 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:134 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:40.41 yearsmale:39.36 yearsfemale:41.5 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:5.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Chadian(s)adjective:ChadianEthnic divisions:north and center:Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi,Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba)south:non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa)nonindigenous 150,000, of whom 1,000 are FrenchReligions:Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23%Languages:French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), Sango (in south),more than 100 different languages and dialects are spokenLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic (1990)total population:30%male:42%female:18%Labor force:NAby occupation:agriculture 85% (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, andfishing)
*Chad, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Chadconventional short form:Chadlocal long form:Republique du Tchad local short form:TchadDigraph:CDType:republicCapital:N'DjamenaAdministrative divisions:14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine,Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental,Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, TandjileIndependence:11 August 1960 (from France)Constitution:22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1March 1991; national conference drafting new constitution to submit toreferendum January 1993Legal system:based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:11 AugustPolitical parties and leaders:Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY,chairmannote:President DEBY has promised political pluralism, a new constitution, andfree elections by September 1993; numerous dissident groups; 26 oppositionpolitical partiesOther political or pressure groups:NASuffrage:universal at age NAElections:National Consultative Council:last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990President:last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - President HisseinHABRE was elected without opposition; note - the government of thenPresident HABRE fell on 1 December 1990, and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3December 1990; national conference opened 15 January 1993; election tofollow by end of yearExecutive branch:president, Council of State (cabinet)Legislative branch:unicameral National Consultative Council (Conseil National Consultatif) wasdisbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of theRepublic, with 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991Judicial branch:Court of Appeal
*Chad, Government
Leaders:Chief of State:Col. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990)Head of Government:Prime Minister Joseph YODOYMAN (since NA August 1992)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Kombaria Loumaye MEKONYOchancery:2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 462-4009US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Richard W. BOGOSIANembassy:Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamenamailing address:B. P. 413, N'Djamenatelephone:[235] (51) 62-18, 40-09, or 51-62-11FAX:[235] 51-33-72Flag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar tothe flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has anational coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellowband; design was based on the flag of France
*Chad, Economy