@Cuba, Economy
Overview:Cuba's heavily statist economy remains in a severe depression as aresult of the loss of massive amounts of economic aid from the formerSoviet Bloc. In 1989-93, GDP declined by about 40% and importcapability fell by about 80%. Reduced imports of fuel, spare parts,and chemicals combined with rainy weather to cut the production ofsugar - the country's top export - from 7 million tons in 1992 to 4.3million tons in 1993, causing a loss of more than $400 million inexport revenue. The government implemented several measures designedto stem the economic decline, e.g., legalizing the use of foreigncurrency by Cuban citizens in August 1993 in an attempt to increaseremittances of foreign exchange from abroad. Authorities in September1993 began permitting self-employment in over 100 mostly serviceoccupations. Also in September the government broke up many statefarms into smaller, more autonomous cooperative units in an attempt toincrease worker incentives and boost depressed food production levels.Fuel shortages persisted throughout 1993; draft animals and bicyclescontinued to replace motor-driven vehicles, and the use of electricityby households and factories was cut from already low levels. With thehelp of foreign investment, tourism has been one bright spot in theeconomy, with arrivals and earnings reaching record highs in 1993.Government officials have expressed guarded optimism for 1994, as thecountry struggles to achieve sustainable economic growth at amuch-reduced standard of living.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $13.7 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-10% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$1,250 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$12.46 billionexpenditures:$14.45 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports:$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:sugar, nickel, shellfish, tobacco, medical products, citrus, coffeepartners:Russia 28%, Canada 9%, China 5%, Ukraine 5%, Japan 4%, Spain 4% (1993est.)Imports:$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:petroleum, food, machinery, chemicalspartners:Venezuela 20%, China 9%, Spain 9%, Mexico 7%, Italy 4%, Canada 7%,France 8% (1993 est.)External debt:$6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:3,889,000 kWproduction:16.248 billion kWhconsumption per capita:1,500 kWh (1992)Industries:sugar milling and refining, petroleum refining, food and tobaccoprocessing, textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals(particularly nickel), cement, fertilizers, consumer goods,agricultural machineryAgriculture:accounts for 11% of GNP (including fishing and forestry); keycommercial crops - sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits; otherproducts - coffee, rice, potatoes, meat, beans; world's largest sugarexporter; not self-sufficient in food (excluding sugar); sector hurtby growing shortages of fuels and partsIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaine bound for the USEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $710 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18.5 billionCurrency:1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Cuban pesos (Cu$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (non-convertible, official rate,linked to the US dollar)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Cuba, Communications
Railroads:12,795 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,053 km of1.435-meter gauge track, including 151.7 km electrified; in addition,sugar plantation lines consist of 7,742 km of 0.914-meter and1.435-meter gauge trackHighways:total:26,477 kmpaved:14,477 kmunpaved:gravel or earth 12,000 km (1989)Inland waterways:240 kmPorts:Cienfuegos, La Habana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7secondary, 35 minorMerchant marine:64 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 444,038 GRT/627,741 DWT, bulk 2,cargo 36, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 4, oil tanker 10, passengercargo 1, refrigerated cargo 10note:Cuba beneficially owns an additional 34 ships (1,000 GRT and over)totaling 529,090 DWT under the registry of Panama, Cyprus, and MaltaAirports:total:187usable:167with permanent-surface runways:73with runways over 3,659 m:3with runways 2,440-3,659 m:12with runways 1,220-2,439 m:19Telecommunications:among the world's least developed telephone systems; 229,000telephones; telephone density - 20.7 per 1,000 persons; broadcaststations - 150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios; 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Cuba, Defense Forces
Branches:Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) - including ground forces,Revolutionary Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force (DAAFAR),Territorial Militia Troops (MTT), Youth Labor Army (EJT), and InteriorMinistry Border Guard TroopsManpower availability:males age 15-49 3,064,898; females age 15-49 3,088,810; males fit formilitary service 1,907,396; females fit for military service1,927,306; males reach military age (17) annually 81,536 (1994 est.);females reach military age (17) annually 78,612 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - approx. $600 million, 4% of GSP (grosssocial product) in 1993 was for defenseNote:Moscow, for decades the key military supporter and supplier of Cuba,cut off military aid by 1993
@Cyprus, Geography
Location:Middle East, in the eastern Mediterreanean Sea, 97 km west of Syriaand 64 km west of TurkeyMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:9,250 sq kmland area:9,240 sq kmcomparative area:about 0.7 times the size of ConnecticutLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:648 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:1974 hostilities divided the island into two de facto autonomousareas, a Greek area controlled by the Cypriot Government (60% of theisland's land area) and a Turkish-Cypriot area (35% of the island),that are separated by a narrow UN buffer zone; in addition, there aretwo UK sovereign base areas (about 5% of the island's land area)Climate:temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet wintersTerrain:central plain with mountains to north and southNatural resources:copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earthpigmentLand use:arable land:40%permanent crops:7%meadows and pastures:10%forest and woodland:18%other:25%Irrigated land:350 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonaldisparity in rainfall, and most potable resources concentrated in theTurkish Cypriot area); water pollution from sewage and industrialwastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats fromurbanizationnatural hazards:moderate earthquake activityinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, butnot ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change
@Cyprus, People
Population: 730,084 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.91% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.69 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.22 years male: 73.97 years female: 78.58 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.32 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Cypriot(s) adjective: Cypriot Ethnic divisions: Greek 78%, Turkish 18%, other 4% Religions: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, and other 4% Languages: Greek, Turkish, English Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1987 est.) total population: 94% male: 98% female: 91% Labor force: Greek area: 285,500 by occupation: services 57%, industry 29%, agriculture 14% (1992) Turkish area: 75,000 by occupation: services 52%, industry 22%, agriculture 26% (1992)
@Cyprus, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cyprusconventional short form:CyprusDigraph:CYType:republicnote:a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the islandbegan after the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separationwas further solidified following the Turkish invasion of the island inJuly 1974, which gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in thenorth; Greek Cypriots control the only internationally recognizedgovernment; on 15 November 1983 Turkish Cypriot President RaufDENKTASH declared independence and the formation of a "TurkishRepublic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), which has been recognized only byTurkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of intercommunaldifferences and creation of a new federal system of governmentCapital:NicosiaAdministrative divisions:6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, PaphosIndependence:16 August 1960 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 1 October (15 November (1983) is celebrated asIndependence Day in the Turkish area)Constitution:16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revisedconstitution to govern the island and to better relations betweenGreek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975Turkish Cypriots created their own Constitution and governing bodieswithin the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was renamed the"Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new Constitution forthe Turkish area passed by referendum in 5 May 1985Legal system:based on common law, with civil law modificationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Glafkos CLERIDES (since 28 February 1993); election lastheld 14 February 1993 (next to be held February 1998); results -Glafkos CLERIDES 50.3%, George VASSILIOU 49.7%cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed jointly by the president andvice-presidentnote:Rauf R. DENKTASH has been president of the Turkish area since 13February 1975; Hakki ATUN has been prime minister of the Turkish areasince 1 January 1994; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in theTurkish areaLegislative branch:unicameralHouse of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon):elections last held 19 May 1991 (next to be held NA); results - DISY35.8%, AKEL (Communist) 30.6%, DIKO 19.5%, EDEK 10.9%; others 3.2%;seats - (56 total) DISY 20, AKEL (Communist) 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 7Turkish Area: Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi):elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (50 total) UBP (conservative) 17,DP 15, CTP 13, TKP 5Judicial branch:Supreme Court; note - there is also a Supreme Court in the TurkishareaPolitical parties and leaders:Greek Cypriot:Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL, Communist Party),Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS; Democratic Rally (DISY), John MATSIS;Democratic Party (DIKO), Spyros KYPRIANOU; United Democratic Union ofthe Center (EDEK), Vassos LYSSARIDIS; Socialist Democratic RenewalMovement (ADISOK), Mikhalis PAPAPETROU; Liberal Party, Nikos ROLANDIS;Free Democrats, George VASSILIOUTurkish area:National Unity Party (UBP), Dervis EROGLU; Communal Liberation Party(TKP), Mustafa AKINCI; Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozker OZGUR;New Cyprus Party (YKP), Alpay DURDURAN; Social Democratic Party (SDP),Ergun VEHBI; New Birth Party (YDP), Ali Ozkan ALTINISHIK; FreeDemocratic Party (HDP), Ismet KOTAK; National Struggle Party (MSP),Zorlu TORE; Unity and Sovereignty Party (USP), Arif Salih KIRDAG;Democratic Party (DP), Hakki ATUN; Fatherland Party (VP), Orhan UCOKnote:CTP, TKP, and YDP joined in the coalition Democratic Struggle Party(DMP) for the 22 April 1990 legislative election; the CTP and TKPboycotted the by-election of 13 October 1991, in which 12 seats wereat stake; the DMP was dissolved after the 1990 electionOther political or pressure groups:United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON, Communist controlled);Union of Cyprus Farmers (EKA, Communist controlled); Cyprus FarmersUnion (PEK, pro-West); Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation (PEO, Communistcontrolled); Confederation of Cypriot Workers (SEK, pro-West);Federation of Turkish Cypriot Labor Unions (Turk-Sen); Confederationof Revolutionary Labor Unions (Dev-Is)Member of:C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Andreas JACOVIDESchancery:2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 462-5772consulate(s) general:New Yorknote:Representative of the Turkish area in the US is Namik KORMAN, officeat 1667 K Street NW, Washington DC, telephone (202) 887-6198US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Richard BOUCHERembassy:corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Nicosiamailing address:APO AE 09836telephone:[357] (2) 476100FAX:[357] (2) 465944Flag:white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprusis derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossedolive branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize thehope for peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkishcommunitiesnote:the Turkish Cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top andbottom with a red crescent and red star on a white field
@Cyprus, Economy
Overview:The Greek Cypriot economy is small, diversified, and prosperous.Industry contributes 16% to GDP and employs 29% of the labor force,while the service sector contributes 60% to GDP and employs 57% of thelabor force. An average 6.8% rise in real GDP between 1986 and 1990was temporarily checked in 1991, because of the adverse effects of theGulf War on tourism. Economic growth surged again in 1992, bolsteredby strong foreign and domestic demand. As the economy gained momentum,however, it began to overheat; inflation reached 6.5%. The economy haslikely recorded a sharp drop in growth in 1993, due to the recessionin Western Europe, Cyprus' main trading partner, but probably willpick up again in 1994. The Turkish Cypriot economy has less thanone-third the per capita GDP in the south. Because it is recognizedonly by Turkey, it has had much difficulty arranging foreignfinancing, and foreign firms have hesitated to invest there. Theeconomy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, which employs morethan one-quarter of the workforce. Moreover, because the Turkish lirais legal tender, the Turkish Cypriot economy has suffered the samehigh inflation as mainland Turkey. To compensate for the economy'sweakness, Turkey provides direct and indirect aid to nearly everysector; financial support has reached about one-third of TurkishCypriot GDP.National product:Greek area:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6.7 billion (1992)Turkish area:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $550 million (1992)National product real growth rate:Greek area:8.2% (1992)Turkish area:7.3% (1992)National product per capita:Greek area:$11,390 (1992)Turkish area:$3,130 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):Greek area:6.5% (1992)Turkish area:63.4% (1992)Unemployment rate:Greek area:1.8% (1992)Turkish area:1.2% (1992)Budget:revenues:Greek area - $1.7 billionTurkish area - $273 millionexpenditures:Greek area - $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $350millionTurkish area - $360 million, including capital expenditures of $78million (1994)Exports:$1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoespartners:UK 19%, Greece 8%, Lebanon 2%, Egypt 7%Imports:$3.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains,machinerypartners:UK 11%, Japan 11%, Italy 10%, Germany 9%, US 8%External debt:$1.6 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 4% (1993 est.); accounts for 16.0% of GDPElectricity:capacity:620,000 kWproduction:1.77 billion kWhconsumption per capita:2,530 kWh (1991)Industries:food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, woodproductsAgriculture:contributes 7% to GDP and employs 26% of labor force in the south;major crops - potatoes, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, citrusfruits; vegetables and fruit provide 25% of export revenuesIllicit drugs:transit point for heroin via air routes and container traffic toEurope, especially from Lebanon and TurkeyEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $292 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $250million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $62 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $24 millionCurrency:1 Cypriot pound (#C) = 100 cents; 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurusExchange rates:Cypriot pounds per $US1 - 0.5148 (December 1993), 0.4970 (1993),0.4502 (1992), 0.4615 (1991), 0.4572 (1990), 0.4933 (1989); Turkishliras (TL) per US$1 - 15,196.1 (January 1994), 10,983.3 (1993),6,872.4 (1992), 4,171.8 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Cyprus, Communications
Highways:total:10,780 kmpaved:5,170 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, earth 5,610 kmPorts:Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, PaphosMerchant marine:1,399 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,743,484 GRT/39,874,985DWT, bulk 469, cargo 496, chemical tanker 27, combination bulk 48,combination ore/oil 32, container 82, liquefied gas 3, multifunctionlarge load carrier 4, oil tanker 122, passenger 4, passenger-cargo 2,railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 67, roll-on/roll-off cargo 24,short-sea passenger 12, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 3note:a flag of convenience registry; Cuba owns 26 of these ships, Russiaowns 61, Latvia owns 7, Croatia owns 2, and Romania owns 4Airports:total:14usable:14with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:excellent in both the area controlled by the Cypriot Government (Greekarea), and in the Turkish-Cypriot administered area; 210,000telephones; largely open-wire and microwave radio relay; broadcaststations - 11 AM, 8 FM, 1 (34 repeaters) TV in Greek sector and 2 AM,6 FM and 1 TV in Turkish sector; international service by troposphericscatter, 3 submarine cables, and satellite earth stations - 1 AtlanticOcean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT earth stations
@Cyprus, Defense Forces
Branches:Greek area:Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; including air and naval elements),Greek Cypriot PoliceTurkish area:Turkish Cypriot Security ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 186,807; fit for military service 128,444; reachmilitary age (18) annually 5,233 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $407 million, 6.5% of GDP (1993)
@Czech Republic, Geography
Location:Central Europe, between Germany and SlovakiaMap references:Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of theWorldArea:total area:78,703 sq kmland area:78,645 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than South CarolinaLand boundaries:total 1,880 km, Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km,Slovakia 214 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:Liechtenstein claims l,606 square miles of Czech territory confiscatedfrom its royal family in 1918; Sudeten German claims for restitutionof property confiscated in connection with their expulsion after WorldWar II versus the Czech Republic claims that restitution does notproceed before February 1948 when the Communists seized power;unresolved property issues with Slovakia over redistribution ofproperty of the former Czechoslovak federal governmentClimate:temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid wintersTerrain:two main regions: Bohemia in the west, consisting of rolling plains,hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; and Moravia in theeast, consisting of very hilly countryNatural resources:hard coal, soft coal, kaolin, clay, graphiteLand use:arable land:NA%permanent crops:NA%meadows and pastures:NA%forest and woodland:NA%other:NA%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia centered aroundZeplica and in northern Moravia around Ostrava presents healthhazards; acid rain damaging forestsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, OzoneLayer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Antarctic-Environmental ProtocolNote:landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and mostsignificant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditionalmilitary corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube incentral Europe
@Czech Republic, People
Population:10,408,280 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.21% (1994 est.)Birth rate:13.23 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:11.14 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:9.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.08 yearsmale:69.38 yearsfemale:76.99 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Czech(s)adjective:CzechEthnic divisions:Czech 94.4%, Slovak 3%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%, Gypsy 0.3%,Hungarian 0.2%, other 1%Religions:atheist 39.8%, Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%,other 13.4%Languages:Czech, SlovakLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:5.389 millionby occupation:industry 37.9%, agriculture 8.1%, construction 8.8%, communicationsand other 45.2% (1990)
@Czech Republic, Government
Names:conventional long form:Czech Republicconventional short form:Czech Republiclocal long form:Ceska Republikalocal short form:CechyDigraph:EZType:parliamentary democracyCapital:PragueAdministrative divisions:8 regions (kraje, kraj - singular); Jihocesky, Jihomoravsky, Praha,Severocesky, Severomoravsky, Stredocesky, Vychodocesky, ZapadoceskyIndependence:1 January 1993 (from Czechoslovakia)National holiday:National Liberation Day, 9 May; Founding of the Republic, 28 OctoberConstitution:ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993Legal system:civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to bring it in linewith Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theorySuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Vaclav HAVEL (since 26 January 1993); election last held 26January 1993 (next to be held NA January 1998); results - Vaclav HAVELelected by the National Councilhead of government:Prime Minister Vaclav KLAUS (since NA June 1992); Deputy PrimeMinisters Ivan KOCARNIK, Josef LUX, Jan KALVODA (since NA June 1992)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the primeministerLegislative branch:bicameral National Council (Narodni rada)Senate:elections not yet held; seats (81 total)Chamber of Deputies:elections last held 5-6 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (200 total) Civic DemocraticParty/Christian Democratic Party 76, Left Bloc 35, Czech SocialDemocratic Party 16, Liberal Social Union 16, Christian DemocraticUnion/Czech People's Party 15, Assembly for the Republic/RepublicanParty 14, Civic Democratic Alliance 14, Movement for Self-GoverningDemocracy for Moravia and Silesia 14Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Constitutional CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Vaclav KLAUS, chairman; ChristianDemocratic Union-Czech People's Party (KDU-CSL), Josef LUX, chairman;Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA), Jan KALVODA, chairman; ChristianDemocratic Party (KDS), Ivan PILIP, chairman; Czech Social DemocraticParty, Milos ZEMAN, chairman; Czech-Moravian Center Party, Jan KYCER,chairman; Liberal Social Union (LSU), Frantisek TRNKA; Communist Partyof Bohemia/Moravia (KSCM), Miroslav GREBENICEK, chairman; Associationfor the Republic - Republican Party, Miroslav SLADEK, chairman; LeftBloc, Marie STIBOROVA, chairmanOther political or pressure groups:Left Bloc; Liberal Party; Czech-Moravian Chamber of Trade UnionsMember of:BIS, CCC, CE (guest), CEI, CERN, COCOM (cooperating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE,FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IFCTU, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG,PCA, UN (as of 8 January 1993), UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNOMIG, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Michael ZANTOVSKYchancery:3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 363-6315 or 6316FAX:(202) 966-8540US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Adrian A. BASORAembassy:Trziste 15, 11801, Prague 1mailing address:Unit 25402; APO AE 09213telephone:[42] (2) 251-0847FAX:[42] (2) 531-193Flag:two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blueisosceles triangle based on the hoist side (almost identical to theflag of the former Czechoslovakia)
@Czech Republic, Economy
Overview:The dissolution of Czechoslovakia into two independent nation states -the Czech Republic and Slovakia - on 1 January 1993 has complicatedthe task of moving toward a more open and decentralized economy. Theold Czechoslovakia, even though highly industrialized by East Europeanstandards, suffered from an aging capital plant, lagging technology,and a deficiency in energy and many raw materials. In January 1991,approximately one year after the end of communist control of EasternEurope, the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic launched a sweepingprogram to convert its almost entirely state-owned and controlledeconomy to a market system. In 1991-92 these measures resulted inprivatization of some medium- and small-scale economic activity andthe setting of more than 90% of prices by the market - but at a costin inflation, unemployment, and lower output. For Czechoslovakia as awhole inflation in 1991 was roughly 50% and output fell 15%. In 1992,in the Czech lands, inflation dropped to an estimated 12.5% and GDPwas down a more moderate 5%. In 1993, Czech aggregate output remainedunchanged, prices rose about 19%, and unemployment hovered above 3%;exports to Slovakia fell roughly 30%. An estimated 40% of the economywas privately owned. In 1994, Prague expects 2% to 3% growth in GDP,roughly 9% inflation, and 5% unemployment. Economic growth in 1994 isless important than continued economic restructuring; a mere 1% growthwould be noteworthy if restructuring is accompanied by risingunemployment and enterprise bankruptcies.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $75 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:0% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$7,200 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):19% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:3.3% (1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$11.9 billionexpenditures:$11.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports:$12.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals,fuels, minerals, and metalspartners:Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, France, US, UK,CIS republicsImports:$12.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, fuels and lubricants, manfacturedgoods, raw materials, chemicals, agricultural productspartners:Slovakia, CIS republics, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland,Hungary, UK, ItalyExternal debt:$8.6 billion (October 1993)Industrial production:growth rate -5.5% (December 1993 over December 1992)Electricity:capacity:16,500,000 kWproduction:62.2 billion kWhconsumption per capita:6,030 kWh (1992)Industries:fuels, ferrous metallurgy, machinery and equipment, coal, motorvehicles, glass, armamentsAgriculture:largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop andlivestock production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops,fruit, hogs, cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest productsIllicit drugs:transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin Americancocaine to Western EuropeEconomic aid:donor:the former Czechoslovakia was a donor - $4.2 billion in bilateral aidto non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89)Currency:1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleruExchange rates:koruny (Kcs) per US$1 - 30.122 (January 1994), 29.153 (1993), 28.26(1992), 29.53 (1991), 17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989)note:values before 1993 reflect Czechoslovak exchange ratesFiscal year:calendar year
@Czech Republic, Communications
Railroads:9,434 km total (1988)Highways:total:55,890 km (1988)paved:NAunpaved:NAInland waterways:NA km; the Elbe (Labe) is the principal riverPipelines:natural gas 5,400 kmPorts:coastal outlets are in Poland (Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin), Croatia(Rijeka), Slovenia (Koper), Germany (Hamburg, Rostock); principalriver ports are Prague on the Vltava, Decin on the Elbe (Labe)Merchant marine:18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 225,934 GRT/350,330 DWT, bulk 7,cargo 11Airports:total:155usable:123with permanent-surface runways:27with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:17with runways 1,060-2,439 m:52note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:NA
@Czech Republic, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad UnitsManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,747,126; fit for military service 2,091,532; reachmilitary age (18) annually 93,342 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:23 billion koruny, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion ofdefense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange ratecould produce misleading results
@Denmark, Geography
Location:Nordic State, Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea on a peninsulanorth of GermanyMap references:Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:43,070 sq kmland area:42,370 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than twice the size of Massachusettsnote:includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest ofmetropolitan Denmark, but excludes the Faroe Islands and GreenlandLand boundaries:total 68 km, Germany 68 kmCoastline:3,379 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:4 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Iceland, Ireland, and theUK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockallarea); dispute between Denmark and Norway over maritime boundary inArctic Ocean between Greenland and Jan Mayen has been settled by theInternational Court of JusticeClimate:temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summersTerrain:low and flat to gently rolling plainsNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestoneLand use:arable land:61%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:12%other:21%Irrigated land:4,300 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:air pollution; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastesnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, OzoneLayer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling;signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the SeaNote:controls Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas; aboutone-quarter of the population lives in Copenhagen
@Denmark, People
Population:5,187,821 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.23% (1994 est.)Birth rate:12.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:11.28 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.81 yearsmale:72.93 yearsfemale:78.86 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.68 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Dane(s)adjective:DanishEthnic divisions:Scandinavian, Eskimo, Faroese, GermanReligions:Evangelical Lutheran 91%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 2%,other 7% (1988)Languages:Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Eskimo dialect), German (smallminority)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:2,553,900by occupation:private services 37.1%, government services 30.4%, manufacturing andmining 20%, construction 6.3%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing5.6%, electricity/gas/water 0.6% (1991)
@Denmark, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Denmarkconventional short form:Denmarklocal long form:Kongeriget Danmarklocal short form:DanmarkDigraph:DAType:constitutional monarchyCapital:CopenhagenAdministrative divisions:metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt) and 1 city*(stad); Arhus, Bornholm, Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kbenhavn, Nordjylland,Ribe, Ringkbing, Roskilde, Snderjylland, Staden Kbenhavn*, Storstrm,Vejle, Vestsjaelland, Viborgnote:see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which arepart of the Danish realm and self-governing administrative divisionsIndependence:1849 (became a constitutional monarchy)National holiday:Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)Constitution:5 June 1953Legal system:civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; acceptscompulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen MARGRETHE II (since NA January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown PrinceFREDERIK, elder son of the Queen (born 26 May 1968)head of government:Prime Minister Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN (since NA January 1993)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the monarchLegislative branch:unicameralParliament (Folketing):elections last held 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December1994); results - Social Democratic Party 37.4%, Conservative Party16.0%, Liberal 15.8%, Socialist People's Party 8.3%, Progress Party6.4%, Center Democratic Party 5.1%, Radical Liberal Party 3.5%,Christian People's Party 2.3%, other 5.2%; seats - (179 total;includes 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands) SocialDemocratic 69, Conservative 30, Liberal 29, Socialist People's 15,Progress Party 12, Center Democratic 9, Radical Liberal 7, ChristianPeople's 4Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Social Democratic Party, Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN; Conservative Party,Torben RECHENDORFF; Liberal Party, Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN; SocialistPeople's Party, Holger K. NIELSEN; Progress Party, Johannes SORENSEN;Center Democratic Party, Mimi Stilling JAKOBSEN; Radical LiberalParty, Marianne JELVED; Christian People's Party, Jann SJURSEN; CommonCourse, Preben Moller HANSEN; Danish Workers' PartyMember of:AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN,COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC,NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,UNIKOM, UNOMIG, UNMOGIP, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Peter Pedersen DYVIGchancery:3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 234-4300FAX:(202) 328-1470consulate(s) general:Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Edward E. ELSONembassy:Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen Omailing address:APO AE 09716telephone:[45] (31) 42-31-44FAX:[45] (35) 43-0223Flag:red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; thevertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side, and thatdesign element of the DANNEBROG (Danish flag) was subsequently adoptedby the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden
@Denmark, Economy
Overview:This modern economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-datesmall-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfaremeasures, comfortable living standards, and high dependence on foreigntrade. Denmark's new center-left coalition government will concentrateon reducing the persistent high unemployment rate and the budgetdeficit as well as following the previous government's policies ofmaintaining low inflation and a current account surplus. In the faceof recent international market pressure on the Danish krone, thecoalition has also vowed to maintain a stable currency. The coalitionhopes to lower marginal income taxes while maintaining overall taxrevenues; boost industrial competitiveness through labor market andtax reforms and increased research and development funds; and improvewelfare services for the neediest while cutting paperwork and delays.Prime Minister RASMUSSEN's reforms will focus on adapting Denmark tothe criteria for European integration by 1999; although Copenhagen haswon from the European Union (EU) the right to opt out of the EuropeanMonetary Union (EMU) if a national referendum rejects it. Denmark is,in fact, one of the few EU countries likely to fit into the EMU ontime. Denmark is weathering the current worldwide slump better thanmany West European countries. As the EU's single market (formallyestablished on 1 January 1993) gets underway, Danish economic growthis expected to pickup to around 2% in 1994. Danish approval of theMaastricht treaty on EU political and economic union in May 1993 hasreversed the drop in investment, further boosting growth. The currentaccount surplus remains strong as limitations on wage increases andlow inflation - expected to be around 2% in 1994 - improve exportcompetitiveness. Although unemployment is high, it remains stablecompared to most European countries.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $95.6 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:0.5% (1993)National product per capita:$18,500 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.8% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:11.8% (1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$48 billionexpenditures:$55.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993)Exports:$36.7 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:meat and meat products, dairy products, transport equipment(shipbuilding), fish, chemicals, industrial machinerypartners:EC 54.3% (Germany 23.6%, UK 10.1%, France 5.7%), Sweden 10.5%, Norway5.8%, US 4.9%, Japan 3.6% (1992)Imports:$29.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:petroleum, machinery and equipment, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs,textiles, paperpartners:EC 53.4% (Germany 23.1%, UK 8.2%, France 5.6%), Sweden 10.8%, Norway5.4%, US 5.7%, Japan 4.1% (1992)External debt:$40 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -2.5% (1993 est.)Electricity:capacity:11,215,000 kWproduction:34.17 billion kWhconsumption per capita:6,610 kWh (1992)Industries:food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing,chemical products, electronics, construction, furniture, and otherwood products, shipbuildingAgriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP and employs 5.6% of labor force (includesfishing and forestry); farm products account for nearly 15% of exportrevenues; principal products - meat, dairy, grain, potatoes, rape,sugar beets, fish; self-sufficient in food productionEconomic aid:donor:ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.9 billionCurrency:1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oereExchange rates:Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.771 (January 1994), 6.484 (1993),6.036 (1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Denmark, Communications
Railroads:2,770 km; Danish State Railways (DSB) operate 2,120 km (1,999 km railline and 121 km rail ferry services); 188 km electrified, 730 kmdouble tracked; 650 km of standard-gauge lines are privately owned andoperatedHighways:total:66,482 kmpaved:concrete, asphalt, stone block 64,551 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 1,931 kmInland waterways:417 kmPipelines:crude oil 110 km; petroleum products 578 km; natural gas 700 kmPorts:Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia; numerous secondary andminor portsMerchant marine:347 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,974,494 GRT/6,820,067 DWT,bulk 15, cargo 110, chemical tanker 24, combination bulk 1, container51, liquefied gas 36, livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 33, railcarcarrier 1, refrigerated cargo 21, roll-on/roll-off cargo 39, short-seapassenger 12note:Denmark has created its own internal register, called the DanishInternational Ship register (DIS); DIS ships do not have to meetDanish manning regulations, and they amount to a flag of conveniencewithin the Danish register; by the end of 1990, 308 of the Danish-flagships belonged to the DISAirports:total:118usable:109with permanent-surface runways:28with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:9with runways 1,220-2,439 m:7Telecommunications:excellent telephone, telegraph, and broadcast services; 4,509,000telephones; buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relaysupport trunk network; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 50 TV; 19submarine coaxial cables; 7 earth stations operating in INTELSAT,EUTELSAT, and INMARSAT
@Denmark, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, HomeGuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,360,050; fit for military service 1,168,940; reachmilitary age (20) annually 36,800 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.6 billion, 2% of GDP (1993)
@Djibouti, Geography
Location:Eastern Africa, at the entrance to the Red Sea between Eritrea andSomaliaMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:22,000 sq kmland area:21,980 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than MassachusettsLand boundaries:total 508 km, Eritrea 113 km, Ethiopia 337 km, Somalia 58 kmCoastline:314 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:desert; torrid, dryTerrain:coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountainsNatural resources:geothermal areasLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:9%forest and woodland:0%other:91%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:desertificationnatural hazards:prone to earthquakes, droughtsinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ship Pollution; signed,but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote:strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close toArabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; a vastwasteland
@Djibouti, People
Population: 412,599 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.71% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 42.94 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 15.8 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.23 years male: 47.42 years female: 51.1 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.21 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Djiboutian(s) adjective: Djiboutian Ethnic divisions: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5% Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6% Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 48% male: 63% female: 34% Labor force: NA by occupation: a small number of semiskilled laborers at the port and 3,000 railway workers note: 52% of population of working age (1983)
@Djibouti, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Djibouticonventional short form:Djiboutiformer:French Territory of the Afars and Issas French SomalilandDigraph:DJType:republicCapital:DjiboutiAdministrative divisions:5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); 'Ali Sabih, Dikhil,Djibouti, Obock, TadjouraIndependence:27 June 1977 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 27 June (1977)Constitution:multiparty constitution approved in referendum 4 September 1992Legal system:based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and IslamiclawSuffrage:universal adult at age NAExecutive branch:chief of state:President HASSAN GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977); election lastheld 7 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1999); results - President HassanGOULED Aptidon was reelectedhead of government:Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978)cabinet:Council of Ministers; responsible to the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralChamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes):elections last held 18 December 1992; results - RPP is the only party;seats - (65 total) RPP 65Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:ruling party:People's Progress Assembly (RPP), Hassan GOULED Aptidonother parties:Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Mohamed Jama ELABE; DemocraticNational Party (PND), ADEN Robleh AwalehOther political or pressure groups:Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) andaffiliates; Movement for Unity and Democracy (MUD)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user),INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD, UNIDO,UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Roble OLHAYEchancery:Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005telephone:(202) 331-0270FAX:(202) 331-0302US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Martin CHESESembassy:Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djiboutimailing address:B. P. 185, Djiboutitelephone:[253] 35-39-95FAX:[253] 35-39-40Flag:two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with awhite isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a redfive-pointed star in the center
@Djibouti, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on service activities connected with thecountry's strategic location and status as a free trade zone innortheast Africa. Djibouti provides services as both a transit portfor the region and an international transshipment and refuelingcenter. It has few natural resources and little industry. The nationis, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance (an importantsupplement to GDP) to help support its balance of payments and tofinance development projects. An unemployment rate of over 30%continues to be a major problem. Per capita consumption dropped anestimated 35% over the last five years because of recession, civilwar, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants andrefugees).National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $500 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-1% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$1,200 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):6% (1992)Unemployment rate:over 30% (1989)Budget:revenues:$170 millionexpenditures:$203 million, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1991est.)Exports:$158 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:hides and skins, coffee (in transit)partners:Africa 47%, Middle East 40%, Western Europe 12%Imports:$334 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum productspartners:Western Europe 48%, Asia 25%, Africa 8%External debt:$355 million (December 1990)Industrial production:growth rate 3% (1991 est.); manufacturing accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity:capacity:115,000 kWproduction:200 million kWhconsumption per capita:580 kWh (1991)Industries:limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products andmineral-water bottlingAgriculture:accounts for only 2% of GDP; scanty rainfall limits crop production tomostly fruit and vegetables; half of population pastoral nomadsherding goats, sheep, and camels; imports bulk of food needsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $39 million; Western(non-US) countries, including ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $1.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $149 million;Communist countries (1970-89), $35 millionCurrency:1 Djiboutian franc (DF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Djiboutian francs (DF) per US$1 - 177.721 (fixed rate since 1973)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Djibouti, Communications
Railroads:the Ethiopian-Djibouti railroad extends for 97 km through DjiboutiHighways:total:2,900 kmpaved:280 kmunpaved:improved, unimproved earth 2,620 km (1982)Ports:DjiboutiMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,369 GRT/3,030 DWTAirports:total:13usable:11with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:4Telecommunications:telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti are adequate as are themicrowave radio relay connections to outlying areas of the country;international connections via submarine cable to Saudi Arabia and bysatellite to other countries; one ground station each for Indian OceanINTELSAT and ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV
@Djibouti, Defense Forces
Branches:Djibouti National Army (including Navy and Air Force), NationalSecurity Force (Force Nationale de Securite), National Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 99,811; fit for military service 58,346Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $26 million, NA% of GDP (1989)
@Dominica, Geography
Location: Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 750 sq km land area: 750 sq km comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 148 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Terrain: rugged mountains of volcanic origin Natural resources: timber Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 13% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 41% other: 34% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: flash floods are a constant threat; occasional hurricanes international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
@Dominica, People
Population:87,696 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.32% (1994 est.)Birth rate:20.46 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-2.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.96 yearsmale:74.12 yearsfemale:79.95 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.99 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Dominican(s)adjective:DominicanEthnic divisions:black, Carib IndiansReligions:Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%,Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 1%,other 5%Languages:English (official), French patoisLiteracy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)total population:94%male:94%female:94%Labor force:25,000by occupation:agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28% (1984)
@Dominica, Government
Names:conventional long form:Commonwealth of Dominicaconventional short form:DominicaDigraph:DOType:parliamentary democracyCapital:RoseauAdministrative divisions:10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John,Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, SaintPeterIndependence:3 November 1978 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 3 November (1978)Constitution:3 November 1978Legal system:based on English common lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO (since 25 October 1993) electionlast held 4 October 1993 (next to be held NA October 1998); results -President Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO was elected by the House ofAssembly to a five year termhead of government:Prime Minister (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES (since 21 July 1980, elected fora third term 28 May 1990)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the president on the advice of the primeministerLegislative branch:unicameralHouse of Assembly:elections last held 28 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (30 total; 9 appointed senatorsand 21 elected representatives) DFP 11, UWP 6, DLP 4Judicial branch:Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), Brian ALLEYNE; Dominica Labor Party(DLP), Rosie DOUGLAS; United Workers Party (UWP), Edison JAMESOther political or pressure groups:Dominica Liberation Movement (DLM), a small leftist groupMember of:ACCT, ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:Dominica has no chancery in the USconsulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown(Barbados), but travels frequently to DominicaFlag:green with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical partis yellow (hoist side), black, and white - the horizontal part isyellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of thecross is a red disk bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10 greenfive-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10administrative divisions (parishes)
@Dominica, Economy
Overview:The economy is dependent on agriculture and thus is highly vulnerableto climatic conditions. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP andemploys 40% of the labor force. Principal products include bananas,citrus, mangoes, root crops, and coconuts. Development of the touristindustry remains difficult because of the rugged coastline and thelack of an international airport.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $185 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:2.6% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$2,100 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.2% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:15% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$70 millionexpenditures:$84 million, including capital expenditures of $26 million (FY91 est.)Exports:$54.6 million (1992)commodities:bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, orangespartners:UK 50%, CARICOM countries, Italy, USImports:$97.5 million (1992)commodities:manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicalspartners:US 25%, CARICOM, UK, CanadaExternal debt:$92.8 million (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 4.2% (1992); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity:capacity:7,000 kWproduction:16 million kWhconsumption per capita:185 kWh (1992)Industries:soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoesAgriculture:accounts for 30% of GDP; principal crops - bananas, citrus, mangoes,root crops, coconuts; bananas provide the bulk of export earnings;forestry and fisheries potential not exploitedIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $120 millionCurrency:1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Dominica, Communications
Highways:total:750 kmpaved:370 kmunpaved:gravel or earth 380 kmPorts:Roseau, PortsmouthAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:4,600 telephones in fully automatic network; VHF and UHF link to SaintLucia; new SHF links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations- 3 AM, 2 FM, 1 cable TV
@Dominica, Defense Forces
Branches:Commonwealth of Dominica Police ForceDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Dominican Republic, Geography
Location:Caribbean, in the northern Caribbean Sea, about halfway between Cubaand Puerto RicoMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:48,730 sq kmland area:48,380 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than twice the size of New HampshireLand boundaries:total 275 km, Haiti 275 kmCoastline:1,288 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or the outer edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:6 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonalvariation in rainfallTerrain:rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersedNatural resources:nickel, bauxite, gold, silverLand use:arable land:23%permanent crops:7%meadows and pastures:43%forest and woodland:13%other:14%Irrigated land:2,250 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs;deforestationnatural hazards:subject to occasional hurricanes (July to October)international agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Marine LifeConservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, butnot ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds is theDominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti)
@Dominican Republic, People
Population: 7,826,075 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.8% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 24.87 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 51.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.35 years male: 66.22 years female: 70.6 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican Ethnic divisions: white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 83% male: 85% female: 82% Labor force: 2.3 million to 2.6 million by occupation: agriculture 49%, services 33%, industry 18% (1986)
@Dominican Republic, Government
Names:conventional long form:Dominican Republicconventional short form:nonelocal long form:Republica Dominicanalocal short form:noneDigraph:DRType:republicCapital:Santo DomingoAdministrative divisions:29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district*(distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*,Duarte, Elias Pina, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Independencia, LaAltagracia, La Romana, La Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, MonsenorNouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata,Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San Cristobal, San Juan, San PedroDe Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez, ValverdeIndependence:27 February 1844 (from Haiti)National holiday:Independence Day, 27 February (1844)Constitution:28 November 1966Legal system:based on French civil codesSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsory or married personsregardless of agenote:members of the armed forces and police cannot voteExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo (since 16 August 1986, fifthelected term began 16 August 1990); Vice President Carlos A. MORALESTroncoso (since 16 August 1986); election last held 16 May 1990 (nextto be held May 1994); results - Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 35.7%, JuanBOSCH Gavino (PLD) 34.4%, Jose Francisco PENA Gomez (PRD) 22.9%cabinet:Cabinet; nominated by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional)Senate (Senado):elections last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (30 total) PRSC 16, PLD 12, PRD 2Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados):elections last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) PLD 44, PRSC 41, PRD33, PRI 2Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Political parties and leaders:Major parties:Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC), Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo;Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Juan BOSCH Gavino; DominicanRevolutionary Party (PRD), Jose Franciso PENA Gomez; IndependentRevolutionary Party (PRI), Jacobo MAJLUTAMinor parties:National Veterans and Civilian Party (PNVC), Juan Rene BEAUCHAMPSJavier; Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic (PLRD), Andres Van DerHORST; Democratic Quisqueyan Party (PQD), Elias WESSIN Chavez;National Progressive Force (FNP), Marino VINICIO Castillo; PopularChristian Party (PPC), Rogelio DELGADO Bogaert; Dominican CommunistParty (PCD), Narciso ISA Conde; Dominican Workers' Party (PTD), IvanRODRIGUEZ; Anti-Imperialist Patriotic Union (UPA), Ignacio RODRIGUEZChiappini; Alliance for Democracy Party (APD), Maximilano RabelaisPUIG Miller, Nelsida MARMOLEJOS, Vicente BENGOAnote:in 1983 several leftist parties, including the PCD, joined to form theDominican Leftist Front (FID); however, they still retain individualparty structuresOther political or pressure groups:Collective of Popular Organzations (COP), leader NAMember of:ACP, CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (guest), OAS, OPANAL,PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jose del Carmen ARIZA Gomezchancery:1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-6280FAX:(202) 265-8057consulate(s) general:Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, NewOrleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (PuertoRico)consulate(s):Charlotte Amalie (Virgin Islands), Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville,Minneapolis, Mobile, Ponce (Puerto Rico), and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert S. PASTORINOembassy:corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, SantoDomingomailing address:Unit 5500, Santo Domingo; APO AA 34041-0008telephone:(809) 541-2171 and 541-8100FAX:(809) 686-7437Flag:a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flaginto four rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, thebottom ones are red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is atthe center of the cross