Overview:The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and naturalresources make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world.Its economy is burdened by the ravages of civil war, conflict with Libya,drought, and food shortages. In 1986 real GDP returned to its 1977 level,with cotton, the major cash crop, accounting for 48% of exports. Over 80% ofthe work force is employed in subsistence farming and fishing. Industry isbased almost entirely on the processing of agricultural products, includingcotton, sugarcane, and cattle. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, withits economy in trouble and many regions suffering from shortages. Oilcompanies are exploring areas north of Lake Chad and in the Doba basin inthe south. Good crop weather led to 8.4% growth in 1991.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:8.4% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$215 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2%-3% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $115 million; expenditures $412 million, including capitalexpenditures of $218 million (1991 est.)Exports:$193.9 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fishpartners:France, Nigeria, CameroonImports:$294.1 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleumproducts 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note - excludes military equipmentpartners:US, France, Nigeria, CameroonExternal debt:$492 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDPElectricity:40,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate),soap, cigarettesAgriculture:accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton mostimportant cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice,potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficientin food in years of adequate rainfallEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
*Chad, Economy
Exchange 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:calendar year
*Chad, Communications
Highways:31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainderunimproved earthInland waterways:2,000 km navigableAirports:total:69usable:55with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:4with runways 1,220-2,439 m:24Telecommunications:fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; broadcaststations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative;1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
*Chad, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), Republican GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,246,617; fit for military service 647,908; reach militaryage (20) annually 52,870 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $58 million, 5.6% of GDP (1989)
*Chile, Geography
Location:Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean between Argentinaand PeruMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:756,950 km2land area:748,800 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than twice the size of Montananote:includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y GomezLand boundaries:total 6,171 km, Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 kmCoastline: 6,435 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Boliviahas wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacamaarea was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca waterrights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory)partially overlaps Argentine and British claimsClimate:temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in southTerrain:low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in eastNatural resources:copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenumLand use:arable land:7%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:16%forest and woodland:21%other:56%Irrigated land:12,650 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to severe earthquakes, active volcanism, tsunami; Atacama Desert oneof world's driest regions; desertificationNote:strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)
*Chile, People
Population:13,739,759 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.54% (1993 est.)Birth rate:20.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:5.55 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:15.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:74.15 yearsmale:71.16 yearsfemale:77.29 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.51 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Chilean(s)adjective:ChileanEthnic divisions:European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2%Religions:Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, JewishLanguages:SpanishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:93%male:94%female:93%Labor force:4.728 millionby occupation:services 38.3% (includes government 12%), industry and commerce 33.8%,agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%, mining 2.3%, construction 6.4%(1990)
*Chile, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Chileconventional short form:Chilelocal long form:Republica de Chilelocal short form:ChileDigraph:CIType:republicCapital:SantiagoAdministrative divisions:13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanezdel Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, LibertadorGeneral Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena,Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaisonote:the US does not recognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence:18 September 1810 (from Spain)Constitution:11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989Legal system:based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codesinfluenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative actsin the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionNational holiday:Independence Day, 18 September (1810)Political parties and leaders:Concertation of Parties for Democracy consists mainly of four parties: PDC,PPD, PR, PS; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle;Party for Democracy (PPD), Sergio BITAR; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZMarquez; Sociaistl Party (PS), German CORREA; Independent Democratic Union(UDI), Jovino NOVOA; National Renovation (RN), Andree ALLAMAND;Center-Center Union (UCC), Francisco Juner ERRAZURIZ; Communist Party ofChile (PCCh), Volodia TEITELBOIM; Allende Leftist Democratic Movement(MIDA), Mario PALESTROOther political or pressure groups:revitalized university student federations at all major universitiesdominated by opposition political groups; labor - United Labor Central (CUT)includes trade unionists from the country's five largest laborconfederations; Roman Catholic ChurchSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryElections:Chamber of Deputies:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) Concertation of Parties forDemocracy 71 (PDC 38, PPD 17, PR 5, other 11), RN 29, UDI 11, right-wingindependents 9President:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -Patricio AYLWIN (PDC) 55.2%, Hernan BUCHI 29.4%, other 15.4%
*Chile, Government
Senate:last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Concertation ofParties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD 1), RN 6, UDI 2,right-wing independents 8Executive branch:president, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of an upper houseor Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Camara deDiputados)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Patricio AYLWIN Azocar (since 11 March 1990)Member of:CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM,UNMOGIP, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Patricio SILVA Echeniquechancery:1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036telephone:(202) 785-1746consulates general:Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Curtis W. KAMMANembassy:Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiagomailing address:APO AA 34033telephone:[56] (2) 671-0133FAX:[56] (2) 699-1141Flag:two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue squarethe same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band;the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was basedon the US flag
*Chile, Economy
Overview:The government of President AYLWIN, which took power in 1990, retained theeconomic policies of PINOCHET, although the share of spending for socialwelfare has risen steadily. In 1991 growth in GDP recovered to 6% (led byconsumer spending) after only 2% growth in 1990. The pace accelerated in1992 as the result of strong investment and export growth, and GDP rose10.4%. Nonetheless, inflation fell further, to 12.7%, compared with 27.3% in1990 and 18.7% in 1991. The buoyant economy spurred a 25% growth in imports,and the trade surplus fell in 1992, although international reservesincreased. Inflationary pressures are not expected to ease much in 1993, andeconomic growth is likely to approach 7%.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $34.7 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate: 10.4% (1992)National product per capita:$2,550 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):12.7% (1992)Unemployment rate:4.9% (1992)Budget:revenues $10.9 billion; expenditures $10.9 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $1.2 billion (1993)Exports:$10 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:copper 41%, other metals and minerals 8.7%, wood products 7.1%, fish andfishmeal 9.8%, fruits 8.4% (1991)partners:EC 32%, US 18%, Japan 18%, Brazil 5% (1991)Imports:$9.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:capital goods 25.2%, spare parts 24.8%, raw materials 15.4%, petroleum 10%,foodstuffs 5.7%partners:US 21%, EC 18%, Brazil 9%, Japan 8% (1991)External debt:$16.9 billion (year end 1991)Industrial production:growth rate 14.56% (1992); accounts for 34% of GDPElectricity:5,769,000 kW capacity; 22,010 million kWh produced, 1,630 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, woodand wood products, transport equipment, cement, textilesAgriculture:accounts for about 9% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); majorexporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat, corn,grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products -beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1991 fish catch of 6.6million metric tons; net agricultural importerEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion;Communist countries (1970-89), $386 million
*Chile, Economy
Currency:1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 384.04 (January 1993), 362.59 (1992), 349.37(1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Chile, Communications
Railroads:7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter standardgauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; 1,865 km 1.676-meter gauge and 80 km1.000-meter gauge electrifiedHighways:79,025 km total; 9,913 km paved, 33,140 km gravel, 35,972 km improved andunimproved earth (1984)Inland waterways:725 kmPipelines:crude oil 755 km; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 kmPorts:Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio,Talcahuano, AricaMerchant marine:31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 445,330 GRT/756,018 DWT; includes 8cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 oil tanker, 3chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas tanker, 3 combination ore/oil, 8 bulk; note- in addition, 1 naval tanker and 1 military transport are sometimes usedcommerciallyAirports:total:396usable:351with permanent-surface runways:48with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:13with runways 1,220-2,439 m:57Telecommunications:modern telephone system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities;768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3domestic
*Chile, Defense Forces
Branches:Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, andMarines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police),Investigative PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 3.653 million; fit for military service 2,722,479; reachmilitary age (19) annually 119,434 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.)
*China, Header
Affiliation: (also see separate Taiwan entry)
*China, Geography
Location:East Asia, between India and MongoliaMap references:Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:9,596,960 km2land area:9,326,410 km2comparative area:slightly larger than the USLand boundaries:total 22,143.34 km, Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, HongKong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km,Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest)40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 kmCoastline:14,500 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Seaterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolvedisputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with Tajikistanunder dispute; a short section of the boundary with North Korea isindefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands withMalaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritimeboundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islandsoccupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claimsJapanese-administered Senkaku-shoto, as does Taiwan, (Senkaku Islands/DiaoyuTai)Climate:extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in northTerrain:mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hillsin eastNatural resources:coal, iron ore, petroleum, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese,molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, world'slargest hydropower potentialLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:31%forest and woodland:14%other:45%Irrigated land:478,220 km2 (1991 - Chinese statistic)
*China, Geography
Environment:frequent typhoons (about five times per year along southern and easterncoasts), damaging floods, tsunamis, earthquakes; deforestation; soilerosion; industrial pollution; water pollution; air pollution;desertificationNote:world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada)
*China, People
Population:1,177,584,537 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.1% (1993 est.)Birth rate:18.29 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:7.34 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:52.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:67.74 yearsmale:66.78 yearsfemale:68.8 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.85 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Chinese (singular and plural)adjective:ChineseEthnic divisions:Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol,Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%Religions:Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism, Muslim 2-3%, Christian 1% (est.)note:officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclecticLanguages:Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect), Yue(Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese),Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic divisions entry)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:73%male:84%female:62%Labor force:567.4 millionby occupation:agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction andmining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 est.)
*China, Government
Names:conventional long form:People's Republic of Chinaconventional short form:Chinalocal long form:Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguolocal short form:Zhong GuoAbbreviation:PRCDigraph:CHType:Communist stateCapital:BeijingAdministrative divisions:23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu,, singular andplural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural);, Anhui, Beijing Shi**, Fujian, Gansu,,Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan,, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi,Jilin, Liaoning,Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi,, Sichuan, TianjinShi**, Xinjiang*, Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang, note:China considers Taiwan its 23rd provinceIndependence: 221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC; Qing or Ch'ingDynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912; People's Republicestablished 1 October 1949)Constitution:most recent promulgated 4 December 1982Legal system:a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentarycivil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil,administrative, criminal, and commercial lawNational holiday:National Day, 1 October (1949)Political parties and leaders:Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the CentralCommittee (since 24 June 1989); eight registered small parties controlled byCCPOther political or pressure groups:such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions, usuallywithin the party and government organization, that vary by issueSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:National People's Congress:last held March 1993 (next to be held March 1998); results - CCP is the onlyparty but there are also independents; seats - (2,977 total) (elected atcounty or xian level)President:last held 27 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - JIANG Zemin wasnominally elected by the Eighth National People's CongressExecutive branch:president, vice president, premier, four vice premiers, State Council
*China, Government
Legislative branch:unicameral National People's Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui)Judicial branch:Supreme People's CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993); Vice President RONG Yiren(since 27 March 1993)Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto):DENG Xiaoping (since NA 1977)Head of Government:Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since 9April 1988) Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier ZOUJiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier QIAN Qichen (since 29 March 1993);Vice Premier LI Lanqing (29 March 1993)Member of:AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM(observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UN SecurityCouncil, UNTAC, UNTSO, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador LI Daoyuchancery:2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 328-2500 through 2502consulates general:Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador J. Stapleton ROYembassy:Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijingmailing address:100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002telephone:[86] (1) 532-3831FAX:[86] (1) 532-3178consulates general:Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, ShenyangFlag:red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellowfive-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of theflag) in the upper hoist-side corner
*China, Economy
Overview:Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move theeconomy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a moreproductive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within theframework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities haveswitched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place ofthe old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials andplant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scaleenterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreigneconomic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifyingresult has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture inthe early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastalareas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment andmodern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic andexport goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On thedarker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system theworst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and ofcapitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus hasperiodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals andthereby lessening the credibility of the reform process. In 1991, and againin 1992, output rose substantially, particularly in the favored coastalareas. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authorityby rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which isessential to the nation's long-term economic viability.National product: GNP $NANational product real growth rate:12.8% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):5.4% (1992)Unemployment rate:2.3% in urban areas (1992)Budget:deficit $16.3 billion (1992)Exports:$85.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum,mineralspartners:Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, US, Germany, South Korea, Russia (1992)Imports:$80.6 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel,textile yarn, fertilizerpartners:Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, US, Taiwan, Germany, Russia (1992)External debt:$69.3 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 20.8% (1992)Electricity:158,690,000 kW capacity; 740,000 million kWh produced, 630 kWh per capita(1992)
*China, Economy
Industries:iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum,cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processingAgriculture:accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice,potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial cropsinclude cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestockproducts; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 13.35 millionmetric tons (including fresh water and pond raised) (1991)Illicit drugs:illicit producer of opium in at least 18 provinces and administrativeregions; bulk of production is in Yunnan Province; transshipment point forheroin produced in the Golden TriangleEconomic aid:donor - to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments,including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODAand OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billionCurrency:1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiaoExchange rates:yuan (Y) per US$1 - 5.7640 (January 1993), 5.5146 (1992), 5.3234 (1991),4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*China, Communications
Railroads:total about 64,000 km; 54,000 km of common carrier lines, of which 53,400 kmare 1.435-meter gauge (standard) and 600 km are 1.000-meter gauge (narrow);11,200 km of standard gauge common carrier route are double tracked and6,900 km are electrified (1990); an additional 10,000 km of varying gauges(0.762 to 1.067-meter) are dedicated industrial linesHighways:about 1,029,000 km (1990) total; 170,000 km (est.) paved roads, 648,000 km(est.) gravel/improved earth roads, 211,000 km (est.) unimproved earth roadsand tracksInland waterways:138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 9,700 km (1990); petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 kmPorts:Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang,Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, ShantouMerchant marine:1,478 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,029,320 GRT/21,120,522 DWT;includes 25 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 18 passenger-cargo, 6cargo/training, 811 cargo, 11 refrigerated cargo, 81 container, 18roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction/barge carrier, 177 oil tanker, 11chemical tanker, 263 bulk, 3 liquefied gas, 1 vehicle carrier, 9 combinationbulk, 1 barge carrier; note - China beneficially owns an additional 227ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 6,187,117 DWT that operateunder Panamanian, British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian, Vanuatu, Cypriot,Saint Vincent, Bahamian, and Romanian registryAirports:total:330usable:330with permanent-surface runways:260with runways over 3,500 m:fewer than 10with runways 2,440-3,659 m:90with runways 1,220-2,439 m:200Telecommunications:domestic and international services are increasingly available for privateuse; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal cities,industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones (December1989); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 repeaters) TV;more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earthstations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT,and 55 domestic
*China, Defense Forces
Branches:People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 343,361,925; fit for military service 190,665,512; reachmilitary age (18) annually 10,844,047 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP
*Christmas Island, Header
Affiliation: (territory of Australia)
*Christmas Island, Geography
Location:in the Indian Ocean, between Australia and IndonesiaMap references:Southeast AsiaArea:total area:135 km2land area:135 km2comparative area:about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:138.9 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:12 nmexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade windsTerrain:steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateauNatural resources:phosphateLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:almost completely surrounded by a reefNote:located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean
*Christmas Island, People
Population:1,685 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:-2.44% (1993 est.)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate:NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate:NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth:total population:NA yearsmale:NA yearsfemale:NA yearsTotal fertility rate:NA children born/womanNationality:noun:Christmas Islander(s)adjective:Christmas IslandEthnic divisions:Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%, no indigenous populationReligions:Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Churchof England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%,Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981)Languages:EnglishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NAby occupation:all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of ChristmasIsland, Ltd.
*Christmas Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territory of Christmas Islandconventional short form:Christmas IslandDigraph:KTType:territory of AustraliaCapital:The SettlementAdministrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Independence:none (territory of Australia)Constitution:Christmas Island Act of 1958Legal system:under the authority of the governor general of AustraliaNational holiday:NAPolitical parties and leaders:noneExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, AdvisoryCouncil (cabinet)Legislative branch:noneJudicial branch:noneLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Administrator M. J. GRIMES (since NA)Member of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (territory of Australia)US diplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)Flag:the flag of Australia is used
*Christmas Island, Economy
Overview:Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but inDecember 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longereconomically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and alsoto build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening dateduring the first half of 1992.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:phosphatepartners:Australia, NZImports:$NAcommodities:consumer goodspartners:principally AustraliaExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:11,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 17,800 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:phosphate extraction (near depletion)Agriculture:NAEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Christmas Island, Communications
Highways:adequate road systemPorts:Flying Fish CoveAirports:total:1useable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439:1Telecommunications:4,000 radios (1982); broadcasting stations - 1 AM, 1 TV
*Christmas Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
*Clipperton Island, Header
Affiliation: (possession of France)
*Clipperton Island, Geography
Location:in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of MexicoMap references:WorldArea:total area:7 km2land area:7 km2comparative area:about 12 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:11.1 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claimed by MexicoClimate:tropicalTerrain:coral atollNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100% (all coral)Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:reef about 8 km in circumference
*Clipperton Island, People
Population: uninhabited
*Clipperton Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Clipperton Islandlocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ile Clippertonformer:sometimes called Ile de la PassionDigraph: IPType:French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by HighCommissioner of the RepublicCapital:none; administered by France from French PolynesiaIndependence:none (possession of France)
*Clipperton Island, Economy
Overview:The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station.
*Clipperton Island, Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
*Clipperton Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Header
Affiliation: (territory of Australia)
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Geography
Location:in the Indian Ocean, 1,070 km southwest of Indonesia, about halfway betweenAustralia and Sri LankaMap references:Southeast AsiaArea:total area:14 km2land area:14 km2comparative area:about 24 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DCnote:includes the two main islands of West Island and Home IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline:2.6 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:pleasant, modified by the southeast trade wind for about nine months of theyear; moderate rain fallTerrain:flat, low-lying coral atollsNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, People
Population:593 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:-0.53% (1993 est.)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate:NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate:NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth:total population:NA yearsmale:NA yearsfemale:NA yearsTotal fertility rate:NA children born/womenNationality:noun:Cocos Islander(s)adjective:Cocos IslanderEthnic divisions:West Island:EuropeansHome Island:Cocos MalaysReligions:Sunni MuslimsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NA
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islandsconventional short form:Cocos (Keeling) IslandsDigraph:CKType:territory of AustraliaCapital:West IslandAdministrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Independence:none (territory of Australia)Constitution:Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955Legal system:based upon the laws of Australia and local lawsNational holiday:NAPolitical parties and leaders:NASuffrage:NAElections: NAExecutive branch:British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, chairman ofthe Islands CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral Islands CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA); Chairman of the Islands Council HajiWAHIN bin Bynie (since NA)Member of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (territory of Australia)US diplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)Flag:the flag of Australia is used
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Economy
Overview:Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra andfresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishingcontribute to the food supply, but additional food and most othernecessities must be imported from Australia.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Budget:revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:coprapartners:AustraliaImports:$NAcommodities:foodstuffspartners:AustraliaExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990)Industries:copra productsAgriculture:gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconutsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Communications
Ports:none; lagoon anchorage onlyAirports:total:1useable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile communicationsvia satellite with Australia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
*Colombia, Geography
Location:Northern South America, between Panama and VenezuelaMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of theWorldArea:total area:1,138,910 km2land area:1,038,700 km2comparative area:slightly less than three times the size of Montananote:includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla BankLand boundaries:total 7,408 km, Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900km, Venezuela 2,050 kmCoastline:3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)Maritime claims:continental shelf:not specifiedexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres yProvidencia and Quita Sueno BankClimate:tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlandsTerrain:flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes mountains, easternlowland plainsNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeraldsLand use:arable land:4%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:29%forest and woodland:49%other:16%Irrigated land:5,150 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; deforestation; soil damage fromoveruse of pesticides; periodic droughtsNote:only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean andCaribbean Sea
*Colombia, People
Population:34,942,767 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:1.83% (1993 est.)Birth rate:23.4 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:4.82 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.72 yearsmale:68.99 yearsfemale:74.53 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Colombian(s)adjective:ColombianEthnic divisions:mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian1%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%Languages:SpanishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:87%male:88%female:86%Labor force:12 million (1990)by occupation:services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)
*Colombia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Colombiaconventional short form:Colombia local long form:Republica de Colombialocal short form:ColombiaDigraph:COType:republic; executive branch dominates government structureCapital:BogotaAdministrative divisions:23 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 5 commissariats*, (comisarias, singular- comisaria), 4 intendancies** (intendencias, singular, - intendencia), and 1 special district***,(distrito especial); Amazonas*,, Antioquia, Arauca**, Atlantico, Bogota***, Bolivar, Boyaca,,Caldas, Caqueta,Casanare**, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia*, Guaviare*,, Huila, La Guajira,Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo**,, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres yProvidencia**, Santander, Sucre, Tolima,, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes*, Vichada*, note:the Constitution of 5 July 1991 states that the commissariats andintendancies are to become full departments and a capital district (distritocapital) of Santa Fe de Bogota is to be established by 1997Independence:20 July 1810 (from Spain)Constitution:5 July 1991Legal system:based on Spanish law; judicial review of executive and legislative acts;accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsNational holiday:Independence Day, 20 July (1810)Political parties and leaders:Liberal Party (PL), Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo, president; Social ConservativeParty (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN),Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is headed by 19thof April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of smallleftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union(UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces ofColombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMEROOther political or pressure groups:three insurgent groups are active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forcesof Colombia (FARC), Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; National LiberationArmy (ELN), Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recently demobilizedPeople's Liberation Army (EPL), Francisco CARABALLOSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryElections:President:last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIATrujillo (Liberal) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement)24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative) 12%
*Colombia, Government
Senate:last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal 58, Conservative 22, AD/M-199, MSN 5, UP 1, other 7House of Representatives:last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal 87, Conservative 31, AD/M-1913, MSN 10, UP 3, other 17Executive branch:president, presidential designate, CabinetLegislative branch:bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of a nationally elected upper chamberor Senate (Senado) and a nationally elected lower chamber or House ofRepresentatives (Camara de Representantes)Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justical), Constitutional Court,Council of StateLeaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990)Member of:AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL,PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jaime GARCIA Parrachancery:2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 387-8338consulates general:Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan(Puerto Rico)consulates:Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, and TampaUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Morris D. BUSBYembassy:Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogotamailing address:P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038telephone:[57] (1) 285-1300 or 1688FAX:[57] (1) 288-5687consulate:BarranquillaFlag:three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similarto the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat ofarms superimposed in the center
*Colombia, Economy
Overview:Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth ratesremain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies havekept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapiddevelopment of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries in recentyears has helped to offset the decline in coffee prices - Colombia's majorexport. The collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in the summer of1989, a troublesome rural insurgency, energy rationing, and drug-relatedviolence have dampened growth. The level of violence, in Bogota inparticular, surged to higher levels in the first quarter of 1993, furtherdelaying the economic resurgence expected from government reforms. Thesereforms center on fiscal restraint, trade and investment liberalization,financial and labor reform, and privatization of state utilities andcommercial banks.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $51 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:3.3% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$1,500 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):25% (1992)Unemployment rate:10% (1992)Budget:revenues $5.0 billion; current expenditures $5.1 billion, capitalexpenditures $964 million (1991 est.)Exports:$7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:petroleum, coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowerspartners:US 44%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3% (1991)Imports:$5.5 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals,paper productspartners:US 36%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3% (1991)External debt:$17 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate -0.5% (1991); accounts for 20% of GDPElectricity:10,193,000 kW capacity; 36,000 million kWh produced, 1,050 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals,metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver,saltAgriculture:growth rate 3% (1991 est.) accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirdsand livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit awide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoabeans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becomingmore important
*Colombia, Economy
Illicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis, coca, and opium; about 37,500 hectares of cocaunder cultivation; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives intococaine; supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug marketsEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3 billion,Communist countries (1970-89), $399 millionCurrency:1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 820.08 (January 1993), 759.28 (1992),633.05 (1991), 502.26 (1990), 382.57 (1989), 299.17 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Colombia, Communications
Railroads:3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km1.435-meter gaugeHighways:75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfacesInland waterways:14,300 km, navigable by river boatsPipelines:crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; naturalgas liquids 125 kmPorts:Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta,TumacoMerchant marine:27 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 227,719 GRT/356,665 DWT; includes 9cargo, 3 oil tanker, 8 bulk, 7 containerAirports:total:1,233usable:1,059with permanent-surface:69with runways over 3,659 m:1 with runways 2,440-2,459 m:9with runways 1,220-2,439 m:200Telecommunications:nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast stations -413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stationsand 11 domestic satellite earth stations
*Colombia, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines), AirForce (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National Police (Policia Nacional)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 9,428,358; fit for military service 6,375,944; reachmilitary age (18) annually 356,993 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $630 million, 1.3% of GDP (1993 est.)
*Comoros, Geography
Location:in the extreme northern Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the waybetween northern Madagascar and northern MozambiqueMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:2,170 km2land area:2,170 km2comparative area:slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:340 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims French-administered MayotteClimate:tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)Terrain:volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hillsNatural resources:negligibleLand use: arable land:35%permanent crops:8%meadows and pastures:7%forest and woodland:16%other:34%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; cyclones possible during rainyseasonNote:important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel
*Comoros, People
Population:511,651 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:3.54% (1993 est.)Birth rate:46.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:11.31 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:81.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:57.35 yearsmale:55.23 yearsfemale:59.55 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Comoran(s)adjective:ComoranEthnic divisions:Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, SakalavaReligions:Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14%Languages:Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili andArabic)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:48%male:56%female:40%Labor force:140,000 (1982)by occupation:agriculture 80%, government 3%note:51% of population of working age (1985)
*Comoros, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federal Islamic Republic of the Comorosconventional short form:Comoroslocal long form:Republique Federale Islamique des Comoreslocal short form:ComoresDigraph:CNType:independent republicCapital:MoroniAdministrative divisions:three islands; Njazidja (Grand Comore), Nzwani (Anjouan), and Mwali (Moheli)note:there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, andMutsamuduIndependence:6 July 1975 (from France)Constitution:7 June 1992Legal system:French and Muslim law in a new consolidated codeNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1975)Political parties and leaders:over 20 political parties are currently active, the most important of whichare; Comoran Union for Progress (UDZIMA), Omar TAMOU; Islands' Fraternityand Unity Party (CHUMA), Said Ali KEMAL; Comoran Party for Democracy andProgress (PCDP), Ali MROUDJAE; Realizing Freedom's Capability (UWEZO),Mouazair ABDALLAH; Democratic Front of the Comoros (FDR), Moustapha CHELKH;Dialogue Proposition Action (DPA/MWANGAZA), Said MCHAWGAMA; Rally for Changeand Democracy (RACHADE), Hassan HACHIM; Union for Democracy andDecentralization (UNDC), Mohamed Taki Halidi IBRAHAM; Maecha Bora, leaderNA; MDP/NGDC (expansion NA), leader NA; Comoran Popular Front (FPC), MohamedHASSANALI, Mohamed El Arif OUKACHA, Abdou MOUSTAKIM (Secretary General)Suffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Federal Assembly:last held November-December 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total) UNDC 7, CHUMA 3, ADP 2,MDP/NGDC 5, FDC 2, MAECHA BORA 2, FPC 2, RACHADE 1, UWEZO 1, MWANGAZA 1, 16other seats to smaller partiesPresident:last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said MohamedDJOHAR (UDZIMA) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%Executive branch:president, Council of Ministers (cabinet), prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
*Comoros, Government
Leaders:Chief of State and Head of Government:President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); Prime Minister IbrahimHALIDI (since 1 January 1992)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO,IMF, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMINchancery:(temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45thStreet, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017telephone:(212) 972-8010US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Kenneth N. PELTIERembassy:address NA, Moronimailing address:B. P. 1318, Moronitelephone:[269] 73-22-03, 73-29-22FAX:no service available at this timeFlag:green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the crescentpoints to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are four whitefive-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; thecrescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the fourstars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja,Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a territorial collectivity of France, butclaimed by the Comoros)
*Comoros, Economy
Overview:One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islandsthat have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasingpopulation, and few natural resources. The low educational level of thelabor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, highunemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technicalassistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is theleading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of thelabor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is notself-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at anannual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts forabout 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, andbalance-of-payments difficulties. Preliminary estimates for FY92 show amoderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism,and government investment outlays.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $260 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:2.7% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$540 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:over 16% (1988 est.)Budget:revenues $96 million; expenditures $88 million, including capitalexpenditures of $33 million (1991 est.)Exports:$16 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylangpartners:US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988)Imports:$41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goodspartners:Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988)External debt:$196 million (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -6.5% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:16,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1991)Industries: perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials,soft drinksAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence agricultureand fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export - vanilla, cloves,perfume essences, copra; principal food crops - coconuts, bananas, cassava;world's leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang (for perfumes) andsecond-largest producer of vanilla; large net food importer
*Comoros, Economy
Economic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435 million; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18millionCurrency:1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11(1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)); note - linked to theFrench franc at 50 to 1 French francFiscal year:calendar year
*Comoros, Communications
Highways:750 km total; about 210 km bituminous, remainder crushed stone or gravelPorts:Mutsamudu, MoroniAirports:total:4usable:4with permanent-surface runways:4with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:3Telecommunications:sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communication stationsfor interisland and external communications to Madagascar and Reunion; over1,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV
*Comoros, Defense Forces
Branches:Comoran Defense Force (FDC)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 108,867; fit for military service 65,106 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
*Congo, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Gabon and ZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:342,000 km2land area:341,500 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than MontanaLand boundaries:total 5,504 km, Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 kmCoastline:169 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:200 nmInternational disputes:long section with Zaire along the Congo River is indefinite (no division ofthe river or its islands has been made)Climate:tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October);constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climateastride the EquatorTerrain:coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basinNatural resources:petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, naturalgasLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:29%forest and woodland:62%other:7%Irrigated land:40 km2 (1989)Environment:deforestation; about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, PointeNoire, or along the railroad between them