@Dominican Republic, Economy
Overview:Rapid growth of free trade zones has led to a substantial expansion ofmanufacturing for export, especially of wearing apparel. Over the pastdecade, tourism has also increased in importance and is a major earnerof foreign exchange and a source of new jobs. Agriculture remains akey sector of the economy. The principal commercial crop is sugarcane,followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and tobacco. Domestic industry isbased on the processing of agricultural products, oil refining,minerals, and chemicals. Unemployment is officially reported at about30%, but there is considerable underemployment. Growth fell to amoderate 3% in 1993 because of power shortages in industry andpolitical uncertainty which slowed down foreign investment.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $23 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$3,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:30% (1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$1.4 billionexpenditures:$1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports:$769 million (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:ferronickel, sugar, gold, coffee, cocoapartners:US 56%, EC 22%, Puerto Rico 8% (1991)Imports:$2.2 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals andpharmaceuticalspartners:US 50%External debt:$4.7 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -0.1% (1991); accounts for 14% of GDPElectricity:capacity:2,283,000 kWproduction:5 billion kWhconsumption per capita:660 kWh (1992)Industries:tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles,cement, tobaccoAgriculture:accounts for 18% of GDP and employs 49% of labor force; sugarcane isthe most important commercial crop, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa,and tobacco; food crops - rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; animaloutput - cattle, hogs, dairy products, meat, eggs; not self-sufficientin foodIllicit drugs:transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $575 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $655millionCurrency:1 Dominican peso (RD$) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Dominican pesos (RD$) per US$1 - 12.841 (January 1994), 12.679 (1993),12.774 (1992), 12.692 (1991), 8.525 (1990), 6.340 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Dominican Republic, Communications
Railroads:1,655 km total in numerous segments; 4 different gauges from 0.558 mto 1.435 mHighways:total:12,000 kmpaved:5,800 kmunpaved:gravel or improved earth 5,600 km; unimproved earth 600 kmPipelines:crude oil 96 km; petroleum products 8 kmPorts:Santo Domingo, Haina, San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto PlataMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,587 GRT/1,165 DWTAirports:total:36usable:31with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:4with runways 1,220-2,439 m:8Telecommunications:relatively efficient domestic system based on islandwide microwaverelay network; 190,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 120 AM, no FM,18 TV, 6 shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Dominican Republic, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,114,606; fit for military service 1,333,049; reachmilitary age (18) annually 81,919 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $110 million, 0.7% of GDP (1993 est.)
@Ecuador, Geography
Location:Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equatorbetween Colombia and PeruMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:283,560 sq kmland area:276,840 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than Nevadanote:includes Galapagos IslandsLand boundaries:total 2,010 km, Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 kmCoastline:2,237 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:claims continental shelf between mainland and Galapagos Islandsterritorial sea:200 nmInternational disputes:three sections of the boundary with Peru are in disputeClimate:tropical along coast becoming cooler inlandTerrain:coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), andflat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)Natural resources:petroleum, fish, timberLand use:arable land:6%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:17%forest and woodland:51%other:23%Irrigated land:5,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollutionnatural hazards:subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity;periodic droughtsinternational agreements:party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes,Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, TropicalTimber, WetlandsNote:Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world
@Ecuador, People
Population:10,677,067 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.01% (1994 est.)Birth rate:25.82 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.67 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:39.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:69.98 yearsmale:67.46 yearsfemale:72.62 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.08 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Ecuadorian(s)adjective:EcuadorianEthnic divisions:mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 55%, Indian 25%, Spanish 10%, black10%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%Languages:Spanish (official), Indian languages (especially Quechua)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:88%male:90%female:86%Labor force:2.8 millionby occupation:agriculture 35%, manufacturing 21%, commerce 16%, services and otheractivities 28% (1982)
@Ecuador, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Ecuadorconventional short form:Ecuadorlocal long form:Republica del Ecuadorlocal short form:EcuadorDigraph:ECType:republicCapital:QuitoAdministrative divisions:21 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar,Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos,Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo,Pastaza, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-ChinchipeIndependence:24 May 1822 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 10 August (1809) (independence of Quito)Constitution:10 August 1979Legal system:based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons ages18-65, optional for other eligible votersExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Sixto DURAN BALLEN Cordovez (since 10 August 1992); VicePresident Alberto DAHIK Garzoni (since 10 August 1992); electionrunoff election held 5 July 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results -Sixto DURAN BALLEN elected as president and Alberto DAHIK elected asvice presidentcabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralNational Congress (Congreso Nacional):elections last held 17 May 1992 (next to be held 1 May 1994); results- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (77 total) PSC 20, PRE 15, PUR12, ID 7, PC 6, DP 5, PSE 3, MPD 3, PLRE 2, CFP 2, FRA 1, APRE 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Political parties and leaders:Center-Right parties:Social Christian Party (PSC), Jaime NEBOT Saadi, president; RepublicanUnity Party (PUR), President Sixto DURAN BALLEN, leader; ConservativeParty (PC), Vice President Alberto DAHIK, presidentCenter-Left parties:Democratic Left (ID), Andres VALLEJO Arcos, Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos,leaders; Popular Democracy (DP), Jamil MANUAD Witt, president;Ecuadorian Radical Liberal Party (PLRE), Carlos Luis PLAZA Aray,director; Radical Alfarista Front (FRA), Jaime ASPIAZU Seminario,directorPopulist parties:Roldista Party (PRE), Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director; Concentration ofPopular Forces (CFP), Rafael SANTELICES, director; PopularRevolutionary Action (APRE), Frank VARGAS Passos, leader; AssadBucaram Party (PAB), Avicena BUCARAM, leader; People, Change, andDemocracy (PCD), Raul AULESTIA, directorFar-Left parties:Popular Democratic Movement (MPD), Jorge Fausto MORENO, director;Ecuadorian Socialist Party (PSE), Leon ROLDOS, leader; Broad LeftistFront (FADI), Jose Xavier GARAYCOA, president; Ecuadorian NationalLiberation (LN), Alfredo CASTILLO, directorCommunists:Communist Party of Ecuador (PCE, pro-North Korea), Rene Leon MagueMOSWUERRA, secretary general (5,000 members); Communist Party ofEcuador/Marxist-Leninist (PCMLE, Maoist), leader NA (3,000 members)Member of:AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES,LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Edgar TERANchancery:2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 234-7200consulate(s) general:Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, SanDiego, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Peter F. ROMEROembassy:Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quitomailing address:P. O. Box 538, Unit 5309, Quito, or APO AA 34039-3420telephone:[593] (2) 562-890, 561-623 or 624FAX:[593] (2) 502-052consulate(s) general:GuayaquilFlag:three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and redwith the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; similarto the flag of Colombia that is shorter and does not bear a coat ofarms
@Ecuador, Economy
Overview:Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas.Growth has been uneven because of natural disasters, fluctuations inglobal oil prices, and government policies designed to curb inflation.Banana exports, second only to oil, have suffered as a result ofimport quotas of the European Union and banana blight. The newPresident Sixto DURAN-BALLEN, has a much more favorable attitudetoward foreign investment than did his predecessor. Ecuador hasimplemented trade agreements with Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, andVenezuela and has applied for GATT membership. At the end of 1991,Ecuador received a standby IMF loan of $105 million, which will permitthe country to proceed with the rescheduling of Paris Club debt. InSeptember 1992, the government launched a new, macroeconomic programthat gives more play to market forces. In 1993, the DURAN-BALLENadministration adopted a rigorous austerity program that resulted ineconomic stabilization, with inflation cut in half and internationalreserves boosted to a record $1.3 billion. Growth in 1993 was perhapsonly 2% due to falling export prices, notably oil, and slow progresson privatization.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $41.8 billionNational product real growth rate:2% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$4,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):31% (1993)Unemployment rate:8% (1992)Budget:revenues:$1.9 billionexpenditures:$1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:petroleum 42%, bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffeepartners:US 53.4%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countriesImports:$2.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:transport equipment, vehicles, machinery, chemicalspartners:US 32.7%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries, JapanExternal debt:$12.7 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 3.9% (1991); accounts for almost 30% of GDP, includingpetroleumElectricity:capacity:2,921,000 kWproduction:7.676 billion kWhconsumption per capita:700 kWh (1992)Industries:petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal works, paper products,wood products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, timberAgriculture:accounts for 18% of GDP and 35% of labor force (including fishing andforestry); leading producer and exporter of bananas and balsawood;other exports - coffee, cocoa, fish, shrimp; crop production - rice,potatoes, manioc, plantains, sugarcane; livestock sector - cattle,sheep, hogs, beef, pork, dairy products; net importer of foodgrains,dairy products, and sugarIllicit drugs:significant transit country for derivatives of coca originating inColombia, Bolivia, and Peru; minor illicit producer of coca; importerof precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics;important money-laundering hubEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $498 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.15billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $64 millionCurrency:1 sucre (S/) = 100 centavosExchange rates:sucres (S/) per US$1 - 1,947.1 (October 1993), 1,534.0 (1992),1,046.25 (1991), 767.8 (1990), 767.78 (1990), 526.35 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Ecuador, Communications
Railroads:965 km total; all 1.067-meter-gauge single trackHighways:total:28,000 kmpaved:3,600 kmunpaved:gravel or improved earth 17,400 km; unimproved earth 7,000 kmInland waterways:1,500 kmPipelines:crude oil 800 km; petroleum products 1,358 kmPorts:Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, EsmeraldasMerchant marine:40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 263,752 GRT/378,675 DWT, bulk 1,cargo 3, container 2, liquefied gas 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 3,refrigerated cargo 15, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports:total:211usable:208with permanent-surface runways:56with runway over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:21Telecommunications:domestic facilities generally adequate; 318,000 telephones; telephonedensity - 30 per 1,000 persons; broadcast stations - 272 AM, no FM, 33TV, 39 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Ecuador, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (Ejercito Ecuatoriano), Navy (Armada Ecuatoriana), Air Force(Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana), National PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,734,988; fit for military service 1,850,989; reachmilitary age (20) annually 111,707 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Egypt, Geography
Location:Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea,between Sudan and LibyaMap references:Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,001,450 sq kmland area:995,450 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than three times the size of New MexicoLand boundaries:total 2,689 km, Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 255 km, Libya 1,150 km, Sudan1,273 kmCoastline:2,450 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:not specifiedterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide withinternational boundary creating the "Hala'ib Triangle," a barren areaof 20,580 sq km; the dispute over this area escalated in 1993, thisarea continues to be in disputeClimate:desert; hot, dry summers with moderate wintersTerrain:vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and deltaNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone,gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zincLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:95%Irrigated land:25,850 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands;increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; desertification;oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats;other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, untreated sewage,and industrial effluents; water scarcity away from the Nile which isthe only perennial water source; rapid growth in populationoverstraining natural resourcesnatural hazards:periods of drought; subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides,volcanic activity; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs inspringinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, HazardousWastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling;signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote:controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa andremainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, shortest sealink between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean; size, and juxtapositionto Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics
@Egypt, People
Population:60,765,028 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.95% (1994 est.)Birth rate:28.69 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:8.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:76.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:60.79 yearsmale:58.91 yearsfemale:62.76 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.77 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Egyptian(s)adjective:EgyptianEthnic divisions:Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek,Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%Religions:Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94% (official estimate), Coptic Christian andother 6% (official estimate)Languages:Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educatedclassesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:48%male:63%female:34%Labor force:15 million (1992 est.)by occupation:government, public sector enterprises, and armed forces 36%,agriculture 34%, privately owned service and manufacturing enterprises20% (1984)note:shortage of skilled labor; 2,500,000 Egyptians work abroad, mostly inSaudi Arabia and the Gulf Arab states (1993 est.)
@Egypt, Government
Names:conventional long form:Arab Republic of Egyptconventional short form:Egyptlocal long form:Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyahlocal short form:noneformer:United Arab Republic (with Syria)Digraph:EGType:republicCapital:CairoAdministrative divisions:26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, AlBahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah,Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, AlQalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyu't,Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina, Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh,Qina, Shamal Sina, SuhajIndependence:28 February 1922 (from UK)National holiday:Anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July (1952)Constitution:11 September 1971Legal system:based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes;judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (overseesvalidity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state:President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (was made acting President on 6October 1981 upon the assassination of President SADAT and sworn in aspresident on 14 October 1981); national referendum held 4 October 1993validated Mubarak's nomination by the People's Assembly to a third6-year presidential termhead of government:Prime Minister Atef Mohammed Najib SEDKY (since 12 November 1986)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameralPeople's Assembly (Majlis al-Cha'b):elections last held 29 November 1990 (next to be held NA November1995); results - NDP 86.3%, NPUG 1.3%, independents 12.4%; seats -(454 total, 444 elected, 10 appointed by the president) NDP 383, NPUG6, independents 55; note - most opposition parties boycotted; NDPfigures include NDP members who ran as independents and otherNDP-affiliated independentsAdvisory Council (Majlis al-Shura):functions only in a consultative role; elections last held 8 June 1989(next to be held NA June 1995); results - NDP 100%; seats - (258total, 172 elected, 86 appointed by the president) NDP 172Judicial branch:Supreme Constitutional CourtPolitical parties and leaders:National Democratic Party (NDP), President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK,leader, is the dominant party; legal opposition parties are; New WafdParty (NWP), Fu'ad SIRAJ AL-DIN; Socialist Labor Party, IbrahimSHUKRI; National Progressive Unionist Grouping (NPUG), KhalidMUHYI-AL-DIN; Socialist Liberal Party (SLP), Mustafa Kamal MURAD;Democratic Unionist Party, Mohammed 'Abd-al-Mun'im TURK; Umma Party,Ahmad al-SABAHI; Misr al-Fatah Party (Young Egypt Party), Ali al-DinSALIH; Nasserist Arab Democratic Party, Dia' al-din DAWUD; DemocraticPeoples' Party, Anwar AFIFI; The Greens Party, Kamal KIRAHnote:formation of political parties must be approved by governmentOther political or pressure groups:the constitution bans religious-based political parties; nonetheless,the government tolerates limited political activity by the technicallyillegal Muslim Brotherhood, which constitutes Mubarak's chiefpolitical opposition; trade unions and professional associations areofficially sanctionedMember of:ABEDA, ACC, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AG (observer), AL, AMF,CAEU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAPEC,OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, UNRWA, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ahmed Maher El SAYEDchancery:2310 Decatur Place NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 232-5400consulate(s) general:Chicago, Houston, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Edward WALKERembassy:(North Gate) 8, Kamel El-Din Saleh Street, Garden City, Cairomailing address:APO AE 09839-4900telephone:[20] (2) 355-7371FAX:[20] (2) 357-3200Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with thenational emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing thehoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic)centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has aplain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria that has two greenstars and to the flag of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus anArabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band
@Egypt, Economy
Overview: Egypt has one of the largest public sectors of all the Third World economies, most industrial plants being owned by the government. Overregulation holds back technical modernization and foreign investment. Even so, the economy grew rapidly during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but in 1986 the collapse of world oil prices and an increasingly heavy burden of debt servicing led Egypt to begin negotiations with the IMF for balance-of-payments support. Egypt's first IMF standby arrangement concluded in mid-1987 was suspended in early 1988 because of the government's failure to adopt promised reforms. Egypt signed a follow-on program with the IMF and also negotiated a structural adjustment loan with the World Bank in 1991. In 1991-93 the government made solid progress on administrative reforms such as liberalizing exchange and interest rates but resisted implementing major structural reforms like streamlining the public sector. As a result, the economy has not gained momentum and unemployment has become a growing problem. Egypt probably will continue making uneven progress in implementing the successor programs with the IMF and World Bank it signed onto in late 1993. In 1992-93 tourism plunged 20% or so because of sporadic attacks by Islamic extremists on tourist groups. President MUBARAK has cited population growth as the main cause of the country's economic troubles. The addition of about 1.4 million people a year to the already huge population of 60 million exerts enormous pressure on the 5% of the land area available for agriculture. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $139 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0.3% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,400 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $16.8 billion expenditures: $19.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.4 billion (FY94 est.) Exports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., FY93 est.) commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals partners: EC, Eastern Europe, US, Japan Imports: $10.5 billion (c.i.f., FY93 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer goods, capital goods partners: EC, US, Japan, Eastern Europe External debt: $32 billion (March 1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -0.4% (FY92 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 14,175,000 kW production: 47 billion kWh consumption per capita: 830 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction, cement, metals Agriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP and employs more than one-third of labor force; dependent on irrigation water from the Nile; world's sixth-largest cotton exporter; other crops produced include rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruit, vegetables; not self-sufficient in food for a rapidly expanding population; livestock - cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats; annual fish catch about 140,000 metric tons Illicit drugs: a transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin and opium moving to Europe and the US; popular transit stop for Nigerian couriers; large domestic consumption of hashish from Lebanon and Syria Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $10.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.4 billion Currency: 1 Egyptian pound (#E) = 100 piasters Exchange rates: Egyptian pounds (#E) per US$1 - 3.369 (November 1993), 3.345 (November 1992), 2.7072 (1990), 2.5171 (1989), 2.2233 (1988), 1.5183 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
@Egypt, Communications
Railroads:5,110 km total; 4,763 km 1,435-meter standard gauge, 347 km0.750-meter gauge; 951 km double track; 25 km electrifiedHighways:total:45,500 kmpaved:18,300 kmunpaved:gravel 12,503 km; earth 14,697 kmInland waterways:3,500 km (including the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway,and numerous smaller canals in the delta); Suez Canal, 193.5 km long(including approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1meters of waterPipelines:crude oil 1,171 km; petroleum products 596 km; natural gas 460 kmPorts:Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, Bur Safajah, DamiettaMerchant marine:171 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,08,208 GRT/1,617,890 DWT,bulk 16, cargo 88, container 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 27,refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 15, short-sea passenger 7Airports:total:92usable:82with permanent-surface runways:66with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:45with runways 1,220-2,439 m:23Telecommunications:large system by Third World standards but inadequate for presentrequirements and undergoing extensive upgrading; 600,000 telephones(est.) - 11 telephones per 1,000 persons; principal centers atAlexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia Suez, and Tanta are connectedby coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; international traffic iscarried by satellite - one earth station for each of Atlantic OceanINTELSAT, Indian Ocean INTELSAT, ARABSAT and INMARSAT; by 5 coaxialsubmarine cables, microwave troposcatter (to Sudan), and microwaveradio relay (to Libya, Israel, and Jordan); broadcast stations - 39AM, 6 FM, and 41 TV
@Egypt, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense CommandManpower availability:males age 15-49 15,335,889; fit for military service 9,961,128; reachmilitary age (20) annually 625,748 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.05 billion, 6% of GDP (FY92/93)
@El Salvador, Geography
Location:Middle America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean between Guatemalaand HondurasMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zonesof the WorldArea:total area:21,040 sq kmland area:20,720 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than MassachusettsLand boundaries:total 545 km, Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 kmCoastline:307 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:200 nm; overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nmInternational disputes:land boundary dispute with Honduras mostly resolved by 11 September1992 International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision; ICJ referred themaritime boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca to an earlier agreement inthis century and advised that some tripartite resolution among ElSalvador, Honduras and Nicaragua likely would be requiredClimate:tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November toApril)Terrain:mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateauNatural resources:hydropower, geothermal power, petroleumLand use:arable land:27%permanent crops:8%meadows and pastures:29%forest and woodland:6%other:30%Irrigated land:1,200 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soilsfrom disposal of toxic wastesnatural hazards:known as the Land of Volcanoes, subject to frequent and sometimes verydestructive earthquakes and volcanic activityinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban,Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity,Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline onCaribbean Sea
@El Salvador, People
Population:5,752,511 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.04% (1994 est.)Birth rate:32.81 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-6.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:40.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:66.99 yearsmale:64.41 yearsfemale:69.71 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.78 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Salvadoran(s)adjective:SalvadoranEthnic divisions:mestizo 94%, Indian 5%, white 1%Religions:Roman Catholic 75%note:Roman Catholic about 75%; there is extensive activity by Protestantgroups throughout the country; by the end of 1992, there were anestimated 1 million Protestant evangelicals in El SalvadorLanguages:Spanish, Nahua (among some Indians)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:73%male:76%female:70%Labor force:1.7 million (1982 est.)by occupation:agriculture 40%, commerce 16%, manufacturing 15%, government 13%,financial services 9%, transportation 6%, other 1%note:shortage of skilled labor and a large pool of unskilled labor, butmanpower training programs improving situation (1984 est.)
@El Salvador, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of El Salvadorconventional short form:El Salvadorlocal long form:Republica de El Salvadorlocal short form:El SalvadorDigraph:ESType:republicCapital:San SalvadorAdministrative divisions:14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan,Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union,Morazan, San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate,UsulutanIndependence:15 September 1821 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Constitution:20 December 1983Legal system:based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicialreview of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsoryICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Armando CALDERON SOL (since 1 June 1994); Vice PresidentEnrique BORGO Bustamante (since 1 June 1994) election last held 20March 1994 (next to be held March 1999); results - Armando CALDERONSOL (ARENA) 49.03%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 24.09%, FidelCHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 16.39%, other 10.49%; because no candidate receiveda majority, run off election was held 24 April 1994; results - ArmandoCALDERON SOL (ARENA) 68.35%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 31.65%cabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa):elections last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held March 1997);results - ARENA 46.4%, FMLN 25.0%, PDC 21.4%, PCN 4.8%, other 2.4%;seats - (84 total) ARENA 39, FMLN 21, PDC 18, PCN 4, other 2Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Political parties and leaders:National Republican Alliance (ARENA); Farabundo Marti NationalLiberation Front (FMLN) has five factions - Popular Liberation Forces(FPL), Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN), Popular Expressionof Renewal (ERP), Salvadoran Communist Party (PCES), andCentral American Workers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC); ChristianDemocratic Party (PDC); National Conciliation Party (PCN); DemocraticConvergence (CD), a coalition of three parties - the Social DemocraticParty (PSD), Democratic Nationalist Union (UDN), and the PopularSocial Christian Movement (MPSC); Authentic Christian Movement (MAC)note:new party leaders not yet designated at time of publicationOther political or pressure groups:labor organizations:Salvadoran Communal Union (UCS), peasant association; GeneralConfederation of Workers (CGT), moderate; United Workers Front (FUT)business organizations:Productive Alliance (AP), conservative; National Federation ofSalvadoran Small Businessmen (FENAPES), conservativeMember of:BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA(observer), LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ana Cristina SOLchancery:2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-9671 or 9672consulate(s) general:Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and SanFranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Alan H. FLANIGANembassy:Final Boulevard, Station Antigua Cuscatlan, San Salvadormailing address:Unit 3116, San Salvador; APO AA 34023telephone:[503] 78-4444FAX:[503] 78-6011Flag:three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with thenational coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of armsfeatures a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE ELSALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua,which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band - itfeatures a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA ontop and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also similar to the flag ofHonduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centeredin the white band
@El Salvador, Economy
Overview:The agricultural sector accounts for 24% of GDP, employs about 40% ofthe labor force, and contributes about 66% to total exports. Coffee isthe major commercial crop, accounting for 45% of export earnings. Themanufacturing sector, based largely on food and beverage processing,accounts for 19% of GDP and 15% of employment. In 1992-93 thegovernment made substantial progress toward privatization andderegulation of the economy. Growth in national output in 1990-93exceeded growth in population for the first time since 1987, andinflation in 1993 of 12% was down from 17% in 1992National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $14.2 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$2,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):12% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:6.7% (1993)Budget:revenues:$846 millionexpenditures:$890 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$730 million (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:coffee, sugarcane, shrimppartners:US, Guatemala, Costa Rica, GermanyImports:$1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:raw materials, consumer goods, capital goodspartners:US, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, GermanyExternal debt:$2.6 billion (December 1992)Industrial production:growth rate 7.6% (1993)Electricity:capacity:713,800 kWproduction:2.19 billion kWhconsumption per capita:390 kWh (1992)Industries:food processing, beverages, petroleum, nonmetallic products, tobacco,chemicals, textiles, furnitureAgriculture:accounts for 24% of GDP and 40% of labor force (including fishing andforestry); coffee most important commercial crop; other products -sugarcane, corn, rice, beans, oilseeds, beef, dairy products, shrimp;not self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaine; marijuana produced for localconsumptionEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $2.95 billion (plus $250million for 1992-96); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOFbilateral commitments (1970-89), $525 millionCurrency:1 Salvadoran colon (C) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Salvadoran colones (C) per US$1 - 8.720 (January 1994), 8.670 (1993),8.4500 (1992), 8.080 (1991), 8.0300 (1990), fixed rate of 5.000(1986-1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@El Salvador, Communications
Railroads:602 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; some sections abandoned,unusable, or operating at reduced capacityHighways:total:10,000 kmpaved:1,500 kmunpaved:gravel 4,100 km; improved, unimproved earth 4,400 kmInland waterways:Rio Lempa partially navigablePorts:Acajutla, CutucoAirports:total:107usable:76with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:6Telecommunications:nationwide trunk microwave radio relay system; connection into CentralAmerican Microwave System; 116,000 telephones (21 telephones per 1,000persons); broadcast stations - 77 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 2 shortwave; 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@El Salvador, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,351,641; fit for military service 866,010; reachmilitary age (18) annually 74,181 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $104 million, 1.1% of GDP (1994 est.)
@Equatorial Guinea, Geography
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Cameroon and Gabon Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 28,050 sq km land area: 28,050 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total 539 km, Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km Coastline: 296 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Gabon because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay Climate: tropical; always hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic Natural resources: timber, petroleum, small unexploited deposits of gold, manganese, uranium Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 51% other: 33% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: desertification natural hazards: subject to violent windstorms international agreements: party to - Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: insular and continental regions rather widely separated
@Equatorial Guinea, People
Population:409,550 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.59% (1994 est.)Birth rate:40.65 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:14.73 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:102.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:52.09 yearsmale:49.97 yearsfemale:54.27 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:5.28 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)adjective:Equatorial Guinean or EquatoguineanEthnic divisions:Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni (primarily Fang),Europeans less than 1,000, mostly SpanishReligions:nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practicesLanguages:Spanish (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, IboLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:50%male:64%female:37%Labor force:172,000 (1986 est.)by occupation:agriculture 66%, services 23%, industry 11% (1980)note:labor shortages on plantations; 58% of population of working age(1985)
@Equatorial Guinea, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Equatorial Guineaconventional short form:Equatorial Guinealocal long form:Republica de Guinea Ecuatoriallocal short form:Guinea Ecuatorialformer:Spanish GuineaDigraph:EKType:republic in transition to multiparty democracyCapital:MalaboAdministrative divisions:7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte,Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-NzasIndependence:12 October 1968 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 12 October (1968)Constitution:new constitution 17 November 1991Legal system:partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal customSuffrage:universal adult at age NAExecutive branch:chief of state:President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3August 1979) election last held 25 June 1989 (next to be held 25 June1996); results - President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMAMBASOGO was reelected without oppositionhead of government:Prime Minister Silvestre SIALE BILEKA (since 17 January 1992); VicePrime Minister Anatolio NDONG MBA (since November 1993);cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralHouse of People's Representatives:(Camara de Representantes del Pueblo) elections last held 21 November1993; seats - (82 total) PDGE 72, various opposition parties 10Judicial branch:Supreme TribunalPolitical parties and leaders:ruling - Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Brig. Gen.(Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, party leader; ProgressiveDemocratic Alliance (ADP), Antonio-Ebang Mbele Abang, president;Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea (APGE),Casiano Masi Edu, leader;Liberal Democratic Convention (CLD), Alfonso Nsue MOKUY, president;Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS),Santiago Obama Ndong,president; Social Democratic and Popular Convergence (CSDP), SecundinoOyono Agueng Ada, general secretary; Party of the Social DemocraticCoalition (PCSD), Buenaventura Moswi M'Asumu, general coordinater;Liberal Party (PL), leaders unknown; Party of Progress (PP), SeveroMOTO Nsa, president; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Benjamin-GabrielBalingha Balinga Alene, general secretary; Socialist Party ofEquatorial Guinea (PSGE), Tomas MICHEBE Fernandez, general secretary;National Democratic Union (UDENA), Jose MECHEBA Ikaka, president;Democratic Social Union (UDS), Jesus Nze Obama Avomo, generalsecretary; Popular Union (UP), Juan Bitui, presidentMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC,ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador DAMASO Obiang Ndongchancery:(temporary) 57 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553telephone:(914) 738-9584 or 667-6913FAX:(914) 667-6838US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador John E. BENNETTembassy:Calle de Los Ministros, Malabomailing address:P.O. Box 597, Malabotelephone:[240] (9) 2185, 2406, 2507FAX:[240] (9) 2164Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with ablue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of armscentered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellowsix-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshoreislands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and belowwhich is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace,Justice)
@Equatorial Guinea, Economy
Overview:Agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for about half of GDP andnearly all exports. Subsistence farming predominates. Althoughpre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production forhard currency earnings, the deterioration of the rural economy undersuccessive brutal regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-ledgrowth. A number of AID programs sponsored by the World Bank and theinternational donor community have failed to revitalize exportagriculture. There is little industry; businesses for the most partare owned by government officials and their family members. Commerceaccounts for about 8% of GDP and the construction, public works, andservice sectors for about 38%. Undeveloped natural resources includetitanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Oilexploration, taking place under concessions offered to US, French, andSpanish firms, has been moderately successful. Increased productionfrom recently discovered natural gas fields will provide a greatershare of exports by 1995.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $280 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NANational product per capita:$700 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.6% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$32.5 millionexpenditures:$35.9 million, including capital expenditures of $3 million (1992est.)Exports:$52.8 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:coffee, timber, cocoa beanspartners:Spain 55.2%, Nigeria 11.4%, Cameroon 9.1% (1992)Imports:$63.6 million (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinerypartners:Cameroon 23.1%, Spain 21.8%, France 14.1%, US 4.3%External debt:$260 million (1992 est)Industrial production:growth rate -6.5% (1992 est.); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity:capacity:23,000 kWproduction:60 million kWhconsumption per capita:160 kWh (1991)Industries:fishing, sawmillingAgriculture:accounts for almost 50% of GDP, cash crops - timber and coffee fromRio Muni, cocoa from Bioko; food crops - rice, yams, cassava, bananas,oil palm nuts, manioc, livestockEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY81-89), $14 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $130million; Communist countries (1970-89), $55 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05(January 1994), 273,16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26(1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 perFrench franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Equatorial Guinea, Communications
Highways:total:2,760 km (2,460 km on Rio Muni and 300 km on Bioko)paved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:Malabo, BataMerchant marine:2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,412 GRT/6,699 DWT, cargo 1,passenger-cargo 1Airports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:poor system with adequate government services; internationalcommunications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries;2,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 IndianOcean INTELSAT earth station
@Equatorial Guinea, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 86,957; fit for military service 44,174Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Eritrea, Geography
Location:Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea between Djibouti and SudanMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:121,320 sq kmland area:121,320 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:total 1,630 km, Djibouti 113 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 kmCoastline:1,151 km (land and island coastline is 2,234 km)Maritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in thecentral highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semiarid inwestern hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-Septemberexcept on coast desertTerrain:dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands,descending on the east to a coastal desert plan, on the northwest tohilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plainsNatural resources:gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, probably oil, fishLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:2% (coffee)meadows and pastures:40%forest and woodland:5%other:50%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:famine; deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss ofinfrastructure from civil warfarenatural hazards:frequent droughtsinternational agreements:NANote:strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanesand close to Arabian oilfields, Eritrea retained the entire coastlineof Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopiaon 27 April 1993
@Eritrea, People
Population:3,782,543 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.41% (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Eritrean(s)adjective:EritreanEthnic divisions:ethnic Tigrays 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (Red Sea coastdwellers) 3%Religions:Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, ProtestantLanguages:Tigre and Kunama, Cushitic dialects, Tigre, Nora Bana, ArabicLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NA
@Eritrea, Government
Names:conventional long form:State of Eritreaconventional short form:Eritrealocal long form:nonelocal short form:noneformer:Eritrea Autonomous Region in EthiopiaDigraph:ERType:transitional governmentnote:on 29 May 1991 ISSAIAS Afeworke, secretary general of the EritreanPeople's Liberation Front (EPLF), announced the formation of theProvisional Government in Eritrea (PGE), in preparation for the 23-25April 1993 referendum on independence for the autonomous region ofEritrea; the result was a landslide vote for independence that wasannounced on 27 April 1993Capital:Asmara (formerly Asmera)Administrative divisions:7 provinces; Akale Guzay, Baraka, Denakil, Hamasen, Samhar, Seraye,Sahil (1993)Independence:27 May 1993 (from Ethiopia; formerly the Eritrea Autonomous Region)National holiday:National Day (independence from Ethiopia), 24 May (1993)Constitution:transitional "constitution" decreed 19 May 1993Legal system:NASuffrage:NAExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President ISSAIAS Afeworke (since 22 May 1993)cabinet:State Council; the collective executive authoritynote:election to be held before 20 May 1997Legislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly:EPLF Central Committee serves as the country's legislative body untilmultinational elections are held (before 20 May 1997)Judicial branch:JudiciaryPolitical parties and leaders:Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) (Christian Muslim), ISSAIASAferworke, PETROS Solomon; Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) (Muslim),ABDULLAH Muhammed; Eritrean Liberation Front - United Organization(ELF-UO), Mohammed Said NAWUD; Eritrean Liberation Front -Revolutionary Council (ELF-RC), Ahmed NASSEROther political or pressure groups:Eritrean Islamic Jihad (EIJ); Islamic Militant GroupMember of:OAU, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ILO, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), ITU, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador-designate Hagos GEBREHIWOTchancery:Suite 400, 910 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20006telephone:(202) 429-1991FAX:(202) 429-9004US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert G. HOUDEKembassy:34 Zera Yacob St., Asmaramailing address:P.O. Box 211, Asmaratelephone:[291] (1) 123-720FAX:[291] (1) 127-584Flag:red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flaginto two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower oneis blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered onthe hoist side of the red triangle
@Eritrea, Economy
Overview:With independence from Ethiopia on 27 April 1993, Eritrea faces thebitter economic problems of a small, desperately poor African country.Most of the population will continue to depend on subsistence farming.Domestic output is substantially augmented by worker remittances fromabroad. Government revenues come from custom duties and income andsales taxes. Eritrea has inherited the entire coastline of Ethiopiaand has long-term prospects for revenues from the development ofoffshore oil, offshore fishing and tourism. For the time being,Ethiopia will be largely dependent on Eritrean ports for its foreigntrade.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.7 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$NAcommodities:NApartners:NAImports:$NAcommodities:NApartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:NA kWproduction:NA kWhconsumption per capita:NA kWhIndustries:food processing, beverages, clothing and textilesAgriculture:products - sorghum, livestock (including goats), fish, lentils,vegetables, maize, cotton, tobacco, coffee, sisal (for making rope)Economic aid:$NACurrency:1 birr (Br) = 100 cents; at present, Ethiopian currency usedExchange rates:1 birr (Br) per US$1 - 5.000 (fixed rate since 1992)Fiscal year:NA
@Eritrea, Communications
Railroads:307 km total; 307 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge(nonoperational) linking Ak'ordat and Asmara (formerly Asmera) withthe port of Massawa (formerly Mits'iwa; 1993 est.)Highways:total:3,845 kmpaved:807 kmunpaved:gravel 840 km; improved earth 402 km; unimproved earth 1,796 kmPorts:Assab (formerly Aseb), Massawa (formerly Mits'iwa)Merchant marine:noneAirports:total:5usable:5with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:NA
@Eritrea, Defense Forces
Branches:Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Estonia, Geography
Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Russia Map references: Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 45,100 sq km land area: 43,200 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combined note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea Land boundaries: total 557 km, Latvia 267 km, Russia 290 km Coastline: 1,393 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers Terrain: marshy, lowlands Natural resources: shale oil, peat, phosphorite, amber Land use: arable land: 22% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 11% forest and woodland: 31% other: 36% Irrigated land: 110 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and ground water with petroleum products, chemicals at military bases natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Population: 1,616,882 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.52% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.98 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.96 years male: 64.98 years female: 75.19 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian Ethnic divisions: Estonian 61.5%, Russian 30.3%, Ukrainian 3.17%, Byelorussian 1.8%, Finn 1.1%, other 2.13% (1989) Religions: Lutheran Languages: Estonian (official), Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, other Literacy: age 9-49 can read and write (1989) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% Labor force: 750,000 (1992) by occupation: industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38% (1990)
@Estonia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Estoniaconventional short form:Estonialocal long form:Eesti Vabariiklocal short form:Eestiformer:Estonian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:ENType:republicCapital:TallinnAdministrative divisions:15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond) and 6 municipalities*:Harju maakond (Tallinn), Hiiu maakond (Kardla), Ida-Viru maakond(Johvi), Jarva maakond (Paide), Jogeva maakond (Jogeva),Kohtla-Jarve*, Laane maakond (Haapsalu), Laane-Viru maakond (Rakvere),Narva*, Parnu*, Parnu maakond (Parnu), Polva maakond (Polva), Raplamaakond (Rapla), Saare maakond (Kuessaare), Sillamae*, Tallinn*,Tartu*, Tartu maakond (Tartu), Valga maakond (Valga), Viljandi maakond(Viljandi), Voru maakond (Voru)note:county centers are in parenthesesIndependence:6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday:Independence Day, 24 February (1918)Constitution:adopted 28 June 1992Legal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992); election last held 20September 1992; (next to be held NA 1997); results - no candidatereceived majority; newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (21October 1992)head of government:Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since 21 October 1992)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister, authorized bythe legislatureLegislative branch:unicameralParliament (Riigikogu):elections last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results -Fatherland 21%, Safe Haven 14%, Popular Front 13%, M 10%, ENIP 8%, ERP7%, ERL 7%, EP 2%, other 18%; seats - (101 total) Fatherland 29, SafeHaven 18, Popular Front 15, M 12, ENIP 10, ERP 8, ERL 8, EP 1Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:National Coalition Party 'Pro Patria' (Isamaa of Fatherland), MartLAAR, president, made up of 4 parties: Christian Democratic Party(KDE), Aivar KALA, chairman; Christian Democratic Union (KDL), IllarHALLASTE, chairman; Conservative People's Party (KR), Enn TARTO,chairman; Republican Coalition Party (VK), Leo STARKOV, chairman;Moderates (M), made up of two parties: Estonian Social DemocraticParty (ESDB), Marju LAURISTIN, chairman; Estonian Rural Center Pary(EMK), Ivar RAIG, chairman; Estonian National Independence Party(ENIP), Tunne KELAM, chairman; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),Paul-Eerik RUMMO, chairman; Safe Haven, made up of three parties:Estonian Coalition Party (EK), Tiit VAHI, chairman; Estonian RuralUnion (EM), Arvo SIRENDI, chairman; Estonian Democratic JusticeUnion/Estonian Pensioners' League (EDO/EPU), Harri KARTNER, chairman;Estonian Centrist Party (EK), Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman; EstonianDemocratic Labor Party (EDT), Vaino VALJAS, chairman; Estonian GreenParty (ERL), Tonu OJA; Estonian Royalist Party (ERP), Kalle KULBOK,chairman; Entrepreneurs' Party (EP), Tiit MADE; Estonian Citizen(EKL), Juri TOOMEPUU, chairmanMember of:BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Toomas Hendrik ILVESchancery:1030 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, Suite 1000telephone:(202) 789-0320FAX:(202) 789-0471consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert C. FRASUREembassy:Kentmanni 20, Tallin EE 0001mailing address:use embassy street addresstelephone:011-[372] (6) 312-021 through 024FAX:[372] (6) 312-025Flag:pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three equalhorizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white
@Estonia, Economy
Overview:Bolstered by a widespread national desire to reintegrate into WesternEurope, the Estonian government has pursued a program of marketreforms and rough stabilization measures, which is rapidlytransforming the economy. Two years after independence - and one yearafter the introduction of the kroon - Estonians are beginning to reaptangible benefits; inflation is low; production declines appear tohave bottomed out; and living standards are rising. Economicrestructuring is clearly underway with the once-dominantenergy-intensive heavy industrial sectors giving way tolabor-intensive light industry and the underdeveloped service sector.The private sector is growing rapidly; the share of the stateenterprises in retail trade has steadily declined and by June 1993accounted for only 12.5% of total turnover, and 70,000 new jobs havereportedly been created as a result of new business start-ups.Estonia's foreign trade has shifted rapidly from East to West with theWestern industrialized countries now accounting for two-thirds offoreign trade.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.8 billion (1993 estimate fromthe UN International Comparison Program, as extended to 1991 andpublished in the World Bank's World Development Report 1993; and asextrapolated to 1993 using official Estonian statistics, which arevery uncertain because of major economic changes since 1990)National product real growth rate:-5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$5,480 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.6% per month (1993 average)Unemployment rate:3.5% (May 1993); but large number of underemployed workersBudget:revenues:$223 millionexpenditures:$142 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$765 million (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:textile 14%, food products 11%, vehicles 11%, metals 11% (1993)partners:Russia, Finland, Latvia, Germany, UkraineImports:$865 million (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:machinery 18%, fuels 15%, vehicles 14%, textiles 10% (1993)partners:Finland, Russia, Sweden, Germany, NetherlandsExternal debt:$650 million (end of 1991)Industrial production:growth rate -27% (1993)Electricity:capacity:3,700,000 kWproduction:22.9 billion kWhconsumption per capita:14,245 kWh (1992)Industries:accounts for 42% of labor force; oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates,electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles,paper, shoes, apparelAgriculture:employs 20% of work force; very efficient by Soviet standards; netexports of meat, fish, dairy products, and potatoes; imports offeedgrains for livestock; fruits and vegetablesIllicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asiaand Latin America to Western Europe; limited illicit opium producer;mostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 millionCurrency:1 Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 cents (introduced in August 1992)Exchange rates:kroons (EEK) per US$1 - 13.9 (January 1994), 13.2 (1993); note -kroons are tied to the German Deutschmark at a fixed rate of 8 to 1Fiscal year:calendar year