@Estonia, Communications
Railroads:1,030 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:total:30,300 kmpaved or gravelled:29,200 kmunpaved:earth 1,100 km (1990)Inland waterways:500 km perennially navigablePipelines:natural gas 420 km (1992)Ports:coastal - Tallinn, Novotallin, Parnu; inland - NarvaMerchant marine:69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 406,405 GRT/537,016 DWT, bulk 6,cargo 50, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6,short-sea passenger 4Airports:total:29usable:18with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:10with runways 1,060-2,439 m:8note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:Estonia's telephone system is antiquated and supports about 400,000domestic telephone circuits, i.e. 25 telephones for each 100 persons;improvements are being made piecemeal, with emphasis on business needsand international connections; there are still about 150,000unfulfilled requests for telephone service; broadcast stations - 3 TV(provide Estonian programs as well Moscow Ostenkino's first and secondprograms); international traffic is carried to the other former USSRrepublics by land line or microwave and to other countries partly byleased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch, andpartly by a new Tallinn-Helsinki fiber optic submarine cable whichgives Estonia access to international circuits everywhere; substantialinvestment has been made in cellular systems which are operationalthroughout Estonia and also Latvia and which have access to theinternational packet switched digital network via Helsinki
@Estonia, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Maritime Border Guard, National Guard (Kaitseliit),Security Forces (internal and border troops), Coast GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 392,135; fit for military service 308,951; reachmilitary age (18) annually 11,789 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:124.4 million kroons, NA% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note -conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the currentexchange rate could produce misleading results
@Ethiopia, Geography
Location:Eastern Africa, between Somalia and SudanMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,127,127 sq kmland area:1,119,683 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries:total 5,311 km, Djibouti 337 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 830 km, Somalia1,626 km, Sudan 1,606 kmCoastline:none - landlockedMaritime claims:none - landlockedInternational disputes:southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a ProvisionalAdministrative Line; territorial dispute with Somalia over the OgadenClimate:tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variationTerrain:high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift ValleyNatural resources:small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potashLand use:arable land:12%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:41%forest and woodland:24%other:22%Irrigated land:1,620 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; faminenatural hazards:geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes,volcanic eruptions; frequent droughtsinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test BanNote:landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the dejure independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993
@Ethiopia, People
Population:54,927,108 (July 1994 est.)note:Ethiopian demographic data, except population and population growthrate, include EritreaPopulation growth rate:3.4% (1994 est.)Birth rate:45.01 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:13.89 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:2.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:106.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:52.67 yearsmale:51 yearsfemale:54.38 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.81 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Ethiopian(s)adjective:EthiopianEthnic divisions:Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%,Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%Religions:Muslim 45%-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%, animist 12%, other 5%Languages:Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic,English (major foreign language taught in schools)Literacy:age 10 and over can read and write (1984)total population:24%male:33%female:16%Labor force:18 millionby occupation:agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%,industry and construction 8% (1985)
@Ethiopia, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Ethiopialocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ityop'iyaDigraph:ETType:transitional governmentnote:on 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front(EPRDF) toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariamand took control in Addis Ababa; the Transitional Government ofEthiopia (TGE), announced a two-year transitional periodCapital:Addis AbabaAdministrative divisions:14 administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedaderakababi) Addis Ababa, Afar, Amhara, Benishangul, Gambela,Gurage-Hadiya-Kambata, Harer, Kefa, Omo, Oromo, Sidamo, Somali,Tigray, WolaytaIndependence:oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in theworld - at least 2,000 yearsNational holiday:National Day, 28 May (1991) (defeat of Mengistu regime)Constitution:to be redrafted by 1993Legal system:NASuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President MELES Zenawi (since 1 June 1991); election last held 10September 1987; next election planned after new constitution drafted;results - MENGISTU Haile-Mariam elected by the now defunct NationalAssembly, but resigned and left Ethiopia on 21 May 1991head of government:Prime Minister TAMIRAT Layne (since 6 June 1991)cabinet:Council of Ministers; designated by the chairman of the Council ofRepresentativesLegislative branch:unicameralConstituent Assembly:elections were held on 5 June 1994 (next to be held NA); results - NA;a major task of the new Assembly will be to ratify the constitution todrafted by the end of 1994Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), MELESZenawi; Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), Kuma DEMEKSAOther political or pressure groups:Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party(EPRP); numerous small, ethnic-based groups have formed sinceMengistu's resignation, including several Islamic militant groupsMember of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD,IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS,NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador BERHANE Gebre-Christoschancery:2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 234-2281 or 2282FAX:(202) 328-7950US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Marc A. BAASembassy:Entoto Street, Addis Ababamailing address:P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababatelephone:[251] (1) 550-666FAX:[251] (1) 552-191Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red; Ethiopiais the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of herflag were so often adopted by other African countries uponindependence that they became known as the pan-African colors
@Ethiopia, Economy
Overview:With the independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993, Ethiopia continuesto face difficult economic problems as one of the poorest and leastdeveloped countries in Africa. (The accompanying analysis and figurespredate the independence of Eritrea.) Its economy is based onsubsistence agriculture, which accounts for about 45% of GDP, 90% ofexports, and 80% of total employment; coffee generates 60% of exportearnings. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on inputs fromthe agricultural sector. Over 90% of large-scale industry, but lessthan 10% of agriculture, is state run; the government is consideringselling off a portion of state-owned plants. Favorable agriculturalweather largely explains the 4.5% growth in output in FY89, whereasdrought and deteriorating internal security conditions preventedgrowth in FY90. In 1991 the lack of law and order, particularly in thesouth, interfered with economic development and growth. In 1992,because of some easing of civil strife and aid from the outside world,the economy substantially improved.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $22.7 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:7.8% (FY93 est)National product per capita:$400 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):21% (1992 est)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$189 million (f.o.b., FY91)commodities:coffee, leather products, gold, petroleum productspartners:Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France, ItalyImports:$472 million (c.i.f., FY91)commodities:capital goods, consumer goods, fuelpartners:US, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, JapanExternal debt:$3.48 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate -3.3% (FY92); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity:capacity:330,000 kWproduction:650 million kWhconsumption per capita:10 kWh (1991)Industries:food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing,cementAgriculture:accounts for 47% of GDP and is the most important sector of theeconomy even though frequent droughts and poor cultivation practiceskeep farm output low; famines not uncommon; export crops of coffee andoilseeds grown partly on state farms; estimated 50% of agriculturalproduction at subsistence level; principal crops and livestock -cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes and othervegetables, hides and skins, cattle, sheep, goatsIllicit drugs:transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia anddestined for Europe and North America as well as cocaine destined forsouthern African markets; cultivates qat (chat) for local use andregional exportEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $504 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.4billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $8 million; Communist countries(1970-89), $2 billionCurrency:1 birr (Br) = 100 centsExchange rates:birr (Br) per US$1 - 5.0000 (fixed rate since 1992); fixed at 2.070before 1992Fiscal year:8 July - 7 July
@Ethiopia, Communications
Highways:total:24,127 kmpaved:3,289 kmunpaved:gravel 6,664 km; improved earth 1,652 km; unimproved earth 12,522 km(1993)Ports:none; landlockedMerchant marine:12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,627 GRT/88,909 DWT, cargo 8,livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 2, roll on/roll off cargo 1Airports:total:120usable:84with permanent-surface runways:10with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:15with runways 1,220-2,439 m:83Telecommunications:open-wire and radio relay system adequate for government use;open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya andDjibouti; broadcast stations - 4 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 100,000 TV sets;9,000,000 radios; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATand 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
@Ethiopia, Defense Forces
Branches:Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 13,229,078; fit for military service 6,867,582; reachmilitary age (18) annually 596,691 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Europa Island
Header Affiliation: (possession of France)
@Europa Island, Geography
Location: Southern Africa, in the southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique Map references: Africa Area: total area: 28 sq km land area: 28 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 22.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: NA Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% (heavily wooded) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: wildlife sanctuary
@Europa Island, People
Population: uninhabited
@Europa Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Europa Islandlocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ile EuropaDigraph:EUType:French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic;resident in ReunionCapital:none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence:none (possession of France)
@Europa Island, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
@Europa Island, Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 0 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,439-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: 1 meteorological station
@Europa Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Geography
Location:Southern South America, in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the southerncoast of ArgentinaMap references:Antarctic Region, South AmericaArea:total area:12,170 sq kmland area:12,170 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than Connecticutnote:includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200small islandsLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,288 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:100-m depthexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:administered by the UK, claimed by ArgentinaClimate:cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on morethan half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in Januaryand February, but does not accumulateTerrain:rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plainsNatural resources:fish, wildlifeLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:99%forest and woodland:0%other:1%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:NANote:deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growingseason
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), People
Population:2,261 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.43% (1994 est.)Birth rate:NADeath rate:NANet migration rate:NAInfant mortality rate:NALife expectancy at birth:NATotal fertility rate:NANationality:noun:Falkland Islander(s)adjective:Falkland IslandEthnic divisions:BritishReligions:primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, EvangelistChurch, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:1,100 (est.)by occupation:agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding)
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Government
Names:conventional long form:Colony of the Falkland Islandsconventional short form:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Digraph:FAType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:StanleyAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday:Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)Constitution:3 October 1985Legal system:English common lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government:Governor David Everard TATHAM (since August 1992)cabinet:Executive Council; 3 members elected by the Legislative Council, 2ex-officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), andthe governorLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Council:elections last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (10 total, 8 elected)number of seats by party NAJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:NAMember of:ICFTUDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theFalkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outerhalf of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raisingis the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whosecrew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing themotto DESIRE THE RIGHT
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectlyemploys most of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meetdomestic consumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown areprimarily those for providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipmentsof high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins.Rich stocks of fish in the surrounding waters are not presentlyexploited by the islanders. So far, efforts to establish a domesticfishing industry have been unsuccessful. In 1987 the government beganselling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within theFalklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees amount to morethan $40 million per year and are a primary source of income for thegovernment. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands DevelopmentCorporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by theabundant wildlife and trout fishing.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):7.4% (1980-87 average)Unemployment rate:NA%; labor shortageBudget:revenues:$62.7 millionexpenditures:$42.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90)Exports:at least $14.7 millioncommodities:wool, hides and skins, and meatpartners:UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.)Imports:at least $13.9 millioncommodities:food, clothing, fuels, and machinerypartners:UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:9,200 kWproduction:17 million kWhconsumption per capita:8,940 kWh (1992)Industries:wool and fish processingAgriculture:predominantly sheep farming; small dairy herds; some fodder andvegetable cropsEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1992-93), $87 millionCurrency:1 Falkland pound (#F) = 100 penceExchange rates:Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.6699 (January 1994), 0.6658 (1993),0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5604 (1990), 0.6099 (1989); note - theFalkland pound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Communications
Highways:total:510 kmpaved:30 kmunpaved:gravel 80 km; unimproved earth 400 kmPorts:StanleyAirports:total:5usable:5with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networksprovide effective service to almost all points on both islands; 590telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station with links through London to other countries
@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Defense Forces
Branches:British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force,Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Faroe Islands
Header Affiliation: (part of the Danish realm)
@Faroe Islands, Geography
Location:Nordic States, Northern Europe in the north Atlantic Ocean, locatedhalf way between Norway and IcelandMap references:Arctic RegionArea:total area:1,400 sq kmland area:1,400 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than eight times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:764 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windyTerrain:rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coastNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:98%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:NANote:archipelago of 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited islets;strategically located along important sea lanes in northeasternAtlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastallowlands
@Faroe Islands, People
Population: 48,427 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.83% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 17.97 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.56 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -2.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.1 years male: 74.71 years female: 81.62 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.47 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Faroese (singular and plural) adjective: Faroese Ethnic divisions: Scandinavian Religions: Evangelical Lutheran Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 17,585 by occupation: largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce
@Faroe Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Faroe Islandslocal long form:nonelocal short form:ForoyarDigraph:FOType:part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrativedivision of DenmarkCapital:TorshavnAdministrative divisions:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Independence:none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrativedivision of Denmark)National holiday:Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)Constitution:5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)Legal system:DanishSuffrage:20 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by HighCommissioner Bent KLINTE (since NA)head of government:Prime Minister Marita PETERSEN (since 18 January 1993)cabinet:Landsstyri; elected by the local legislatureLegislative branch:unicameralFaroese Parliament (Lgting):elections last held 17 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994);results - Social Democratic 27.4%, People's Party 21.9%, CooperationCoalition Party 18.9%, Republican Party 14.7%, Home Rule 8.8%,PFIP-CPP 5.9%, other 2.4%; seats - (32 total) two-party coalition 17(Social Democratic 10, People's Party 7), Cooperation Coalition Party6, Republican Party 4, Home Rule 3, PFIP-CPP 2Danish Parliament:elections last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) SocialDemocratic 1, People's Party 1; note - the Faroe Islands elects tworepresentatives to the Danish ParliamentJudicial branch:nonePolitical parties and leaders:three-party ruling coalition:Social Democratic Party, Marita PETERSEN; Republican Party, SignerHANSEN; Home Rule Party, Hilmar KASSopposition:Cooperation Coalition Party, Pauli ELLEFSEN; Progressive and FishingIndustry Party-Christian People's Party (PFIP-CPP), leader NA;Progress Party, leader NA; People's Party, Jogvan SUND-STEINMember of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)US diplomatic representation:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Flag:white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges ofthe flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist sidein the style of the DANNEBROG (Danish flag)
@Faroe Islands, Economy
Overview:The Faroese, who have long enjoyed the affluent living standards ofthe Danes and other Scandinavians, now must cope with the decline ofthe all-important fishing industry and one of the world's heaviest percapita external debts of nearly $30,000. When the nations of the worldextended their fishing zones to 200 nautical miles in the early 1970s,the Faroese no longer could continue their traditional long-distancefishing and subsequently depleted their own nearby fishing areas. Thegovernment's tight controls on fish stocks and its austerity measureshave caused a recession, and subsidy cuts will force nationalizationin the fishing industry, which has already been plagued withbankruptcies. Copenhagen has threatened to withhold its annual subsidyof $130 million - roughly one-third of the islands' budget revenues -unless the Faroese make significant efforts to balance their budget.To this extent the Faroe government is expected to continue its toughpolicies, including introducing a 20% value-added tax (VAT) in 1993,and has agreed to an IMF economic-political stabilization plan. Inaddition to its annual subsidy, the Danish government has bailed outthe second largest Faroe bank to the tune of $140 million sinceOctober 1992.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $662 million (1989 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1989 est.)National product per capita:$14,000 (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1988)Unemployment rate:2.5% (1993 est)Budget:revenues:$425 millionexpenditures:$480 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$386 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:fish and fish products 88%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment(ships) (1989)partners:Denmark 20%, Germany 18.3%, UK 14.2%, France 11.2%, Spain 7.9%, US4.5%Imports:$322 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 24.4%, manufactures 24%, food andlivestock 19%, fuels 12%, chemicals 6.5%partners:Denmark 43.8%, Norway 19.8%, Sweden 4.9%, Germany 4.2%, US 1.3%External debt:$1.3 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:80,000 kWproduction:280 million kWhconsumption per capita:5,760 kWh (1992)Industries:fishing, shipbuilding, handicraftsAgriculture:accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 27% of labor force; principalcrops - potatoes and vegetables; livestock - sheep; annual fish catchabout 360,000 metric tonsEconomic aid:recipient:receives an annual subsidy from Denmark of about $130 millionCurrency: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:1 April - 31 March
@Faroe Islands, Communications
Highways:total:200 kmpaved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:Torshavn, TvoroyriMerchant marine:7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 19,943 GRT/18,399 DWT, cargo 5,roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1note:a subset of the Danish registerAirports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:good international communications; fair domestic facilities; 27,900telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 (10 repeaters) FM, 3 (29repeaters) TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables
@Faroe Islands, Defense Forces
Branches:small Police Force, no organized native military forcesNote:defense is the responsibility of Denmark
@Fiji, Geography
Location: Oceania, Melanesia, 2,500 km north of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 18,270 sq km land area: 18,270 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 1,129 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin Natural resources: timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 65% other: 19% Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion natural hazards: cyclonic storms can occur from November to January international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection Note: includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited
@Fiji, People
Population:764,382 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.05% (1994 est.)Birth rate:24.18 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-7.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:18.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:65.14 yearsmale:62.88 yearsfemale:67.51 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.92 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Fijian(s)adjective:FijianEthnic divisions:Fijian 49%, Indian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseasChinese, and other 5%Religions:Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim8%, other 2%note:Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslimminority (1986)Languages:English (official), Fijian, HindustaniLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.)total population:86%male:90%female:81%Labor force:235,000by occupation:subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15%(1987)
@Fiji, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Fijiconventional short form:FijiDigraph:FJType:republicnote:military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fijia republic on 6 October 1987Capital:SuvaAdministrative divisions:4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*,WesternIndependence:10 October 1970 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 10 October (1970)Constitution:10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new Constitution wasproposed on 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990; the1990 Constitution is under review; the review will be complete by 1997Legal system:based on British systemSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state:President Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (since 12 January 1994); First VicePresident Ratu Sir Josaia TAIVAIQIA (since 12 January 1994); SecondVice President Ratu Inoke TAKIVEIKATA (since 12 January 1994); note -President GANILAU died on 15 December 1993 and Vice President MARAbecame acting president; MARA was elected president by the GreatCouncil of Chiefs on 12 January 1994head of government:Prime Minister Sitiveni RABUKA (since 2 June 1992)Presidential Council:appointed by the governor generalGreat Council of Chiefs:(highest ranking members of the traditional chiefly system)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by prime minister from members of Parliament andresponsible to ParliamentLegislative branch:the bicameral Parliament was dissolved following the coup of 14 May1987Senate:nonelective body containing 34 seats, 24 reserved for Melanesians, 9for Indians and others, 1 for the island of RotumaHouse of Representatives:elections last held 18-25 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1997);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (70 total, with ethnicFijians allocated 37 seats, ethnic Indians 27 seats, and independentsand other 6 seats) number of seats by party SVT 31, NFP 20, FLP 7, FA5, GVP 4, independents 2, ANC 1Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Fijian Political Party (SVT - primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen.Sitivini RABUKA; National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian),Jai Ram REDDY; Christian Fijian Nationalist Party (CFNP), SakeasiBUTADROKA; Fiji Labor Party (FLP), Mahendra CHAUDHRY; All NationalCongress (ANC), Apisai TORA; General Voters Party (GVP), Max OLSSON;Fiji Conservative Party (FCP), Isireli VUIBAU; Conservative Party ofFiji (CPF), Jolale ULUDOLE and Viliame SAVU; Fiji Indian LiberalParty, Swami MAHARAJ; Fiji Indian Congress Party, Ishwari BAJPAI; FijiIndependent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four Corners Party, DavidTULVANUAVOU; Fijian Association (FA), Josevata KAMIKAMICAMember of:ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, PCA,SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOMUR,UNTAC, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Pita Kewa NACUVAchancery:Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 337-8320FAX:(202) 337-1996consulate(s):New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d'Affaires William ROPEembassy:31 Loftus Street, Suvamailing address:P. O. Box 218, Suvatelephone:[679] 314-466FAX:[679] 300-081Flag:light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrantand the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; theshield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by thecross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree,bananas, and a white dove
@Fiji, Economy
Overview:Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural, with a large subsistencesector. Sugar exports and tourism are the major sources of foreignexchange. Industry contributes 13% to GDP, with sugar processingaccounting for one-third of industrial activity. Roughly 250,000tourists visit each year. Political uncertainty and drought, however,contribute to substantial fluctuations in earnings from tourism andsugar. In 1992, growth was approximately 3%, based on growth intourism and a lessening of labor-management disputes in the sugar andgold-mining sectors. In 1993, the government's budgeted growth rate of3% was not achieved because of a decline in non-sugar agriculturaloutput and damage from Cyclone Kina.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:1% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$4,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.6% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:5.9% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues:$455 millionexpenditures:$546 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports:$417 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:sugar 40%, clothing, processed fish, gold, lumberpartners:EC 26%, Australia 15%, Pacific Islands 11%, Japan 6%Imports:$517 million (c.i.f., 1992 est)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, consumergoods, chemicalspartners:Australia 30%, NZ 17%, Japan 13%, EC 6%, US 6%External debt:$670 million (1994 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 7.5% (1992 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity:capacity:215,000 kWproduction:420 million kWhconsumption per capita:560 kWh (1992)Industries:sugar, tourism, copra, gold, silver, clothing, lumber, small cottageindustriesAgriculture:accounts for 23% of GDP; principal cash crop is sugarcane; coconuts,cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; small livestock sectorincludes cattle, pigs, horses, and goats; fish catch nearly 33,000tons (1989)Economic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1980-89), $815 millionCurrency:1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Fijian dollars (F$) per US$1 - 1.5239 (January 1994), 1.5418 (1993),1.5030 (1992), 1.4756 (1991), 1.4809 (1990), 1.4833 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Fiji, Communications
Railroads:644 km 0.610-meter narrow gauge, belonging to the government-ownedFiji Sugar CorporationHighways:total:3,300 kmpaved:1,590 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 1,290 km; unimproved earth 420km (1984)Inland waterways:203 km; 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton bargesPorts:Labasa, Lautoka, Savusavu, SuvaMerchant marine:8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 44,911 GRT/54,490 DWT, cargo 1,chemical tanker 2, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2Airports:total:25usable:22with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated)public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinterfacilities; regional radio center; important COMPAC cable link betweenUS-Canada and NZ-Australia; 53,228 telephones (71 telephones per 1,000persons); broadcast stations - 7 AM, 1 FM, no TV; 1 Pacific OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Fiji, Defense Forces
Branches:Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF; including a naval division,police)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 197,767; fit for military service 109,026; reachmilitary age (18) annually 8,154 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22.4 million, about 2% of GDP (FY91/92)
@Finland, Geography
Location:Nordic State, Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea between Swedenand RussiaMap references:Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:337,030 sq kmland area:305,470 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than MontanaLand boundaries:total 2,628 km, Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 kmCoastline:1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)Maritime claims:contiguous zone:6 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:12 nmterritorial sea:4 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild becauseof moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, andmore than 60,000 lakesTerrain:mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and lowhillsNatural resources:timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silverLand use:arable land:8%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:76%other:16%Irrigated land:620 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acidrain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals;habitat loss threatens wildlife populationsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, AntarcticTreaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, HazardousWastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban,Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands,Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol,Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capitalon European continent; population concentrated on small southwesterncoastal plain
@Finland, People
Population:5,068,931 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.34% (1994 est.)Birth rate:12.41 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.84 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.93 yearsmale:72.18 yearsfemale:79.86 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.79 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Finn(s)adjective:FinnishEthnic divisions:Finn, Swede, Lapp, Gypsy, TatarReligions:Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%Languages:Finnish 93.5% (official), Swedish 6.3% (official), small Lapp- andRussian-speaking minoritiesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population:100%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:2.533 millionby occupation:public services 30.4%, industry 20.9%, commerce 15.0%, finance,insurance, and business services 10.2%, agriculture and forestry 8.6%,transport and communications 7.7%, construction 7.2%
@Finland, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Finlandconventional short form:Finlandlocal long form:Suomen Tasavaltalocal short form:SuomiDigraph:FIType:republicCapital:HelsinkiAdministrative divisions:12 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Ahvenanmaa, Hame,Keski-Suomi, Kuopio, Kymi, Lappi, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pohjois-Karjala,Turku ja Pori, Uusimaa, VaasaIndependence:6 December 1917 (from Soviet Union)National holiday:Independence Day, 6 December (1917)Constitution:17 July 1919Legal system:civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may requestlegislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Martti AHTISAARI (since 1 March 1994); election last held 31January - 6 February 1994 (next to be held January 2000); results -Martti AHTISAARI 54%, Elisabeth REHN 46%head of government:Prime Minister Esko AHO (since 26 April 1991); Deputy Prime MinisterPertti SALOLAINEN (since at least January 1992)cabinet:Council of State (Valtioneuvosto); appointed by the president,responsible to ParliamentLegislative branch:unicameralParliament (Eduskunta):elections last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1995);results - Center Party 24.8%, Social Democratic Party 22.1%, NationalCoalition (Conservative) Party 19.3%, Leftist Alliance (Communist)10.1%, Green League 6.8%, Swedish People's Party 5.5%, Rural 4.8%,Finnish Christian League 3.1%, Liberal People's Party 0.8%; seats -(200 total) Center Party 55, Social Democratic Party 48, NationalCoalition (Conservative) Party 40, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 19,Swedish People's Party 12, Green League 10, Finnish Christian League8, Rural 7, Liberal People's Party 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Korkein Oikeus)Political parties and leaders:government coalition:Center Party, Esko AHO; National Coalition (conservative) Party, PertiSALOLAINEN; Swedish People's Party, (Johan) Ole NORRBACK; FinnishChristian League, Toimi KANKAANNIEMIother parties:Social Democratic Party, Paavo LIPPONEN, acting chairman; LeftistAlliance (Communist) People's Democratic League and DemocraticAlternative, Claes ANDERSON; Green League, Pekka SAURI; Rural Party,Tina MAKELA; Liberal People's Party, Kalle MAATTAOther political or pressure groups:Finnish Communist Party-Unity, Yrjo HAKANEN; Constitutional RightistParty; Finnish Pensioners Party; Communist Workers Party, TimoLAHDENMAKIMember of:AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN,COCOM (cooperating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA (associate), 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, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN,UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP,UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jukka VALTASAARIchancery:3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016telephone:(202) 363-2430FAX:(202) 363-8233consulate(s) general:Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador John H. KELLYembassy:Itainen Puistotie 14A, SF-00140, Helsinkimailing address:APO AE 09723telephone:[358] (0) 171931FAX:[358] (0) 174681Flag:white with a blue cross that extends to the edges of the flag; thevertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the styleof the DANNEBROG (Danish flag)
@Finland, Economy
Overview: Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free market economy, with per capita output two-thirds of the US figure. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, and engineering industries. Trade is important, with the export of goods representing about 30% of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. The economy, which experienced an average of 4.9% annual growth between 1987 and 1989, sank into deep recession in 1991 as growth contracted by 6.5%. The recession - which continued in 1992 with growth contracting by 4.1% - has been caused by economic overheating, depressed foreign markets, and the dismantling of the barter system between Finland and the former Soviet Union under which Soviet oil and gas had been exchanged for Finnish manufactured goods. The Finnish Government has proposed efforts to increase industrial competitiveness and efficiency by an increase in exports to Western markets, cuts in public expenditures, partial privatization of state enterprises, and changes in monetary policy. In June 1991 Helsinki had tied the markka to the European Union's (EU) European Currency Unit (ECU) to promote stability. Ongoing speculation resulting from a lack of confidence in the government's policies forced Helsinki to devalue the markka by about 12% in November 1991 and to indefinitely break the link in September 1992. The devaluations have boosted the competitiveness of Finnish exports to the extent the recession bottomed out in 1993 with renewed economic growth expected in 1994. Unemployment probably will remain a serious problem during the next few years, with the majority of Finnish firms facing a weak domestic market and the troubled German and Swedish export markets. Declining revenues, increased transfer payments, and extensive funding to bail out the banking system pushed the central government's budget deficit to nearly 13% in 1993. Helsinki continues to harmonize its economic policies with those of the EU during Finland's current EU membership bid. In early 1995, Finland is expected to join the European Union (formerly the European Community), thus broadening European economic unity. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $81.1 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: -2.6% (1993) National product per capita: $16,100 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (1992) Unemployment rate: 22% (1993) Budget: revenues: $26.8 billion expenditures: $40.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $23.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: timber, paper and pulp, ships, machinery, clothing and footwear partners: EC 53.2% (Germany 15.6%, UK 10.7%), EFTA 19.5% (Sweden 12.8%), US 5.9%, Japan 1.3%, Russia 2.8% (1992) Imports: $18 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, fodder grains partners: EC 47.2% (Germany 16.9%, UK 8.7%), EFTA 19.0% (Sweden 11.7%), US 6.1%, Japan 5.5%, Russia 7.1% (1992) External debt: $30 billion (December 1993) Industrial production: growth rate 7.6% (1992 est.) Electricity: capacity: 13,500,000 kW production: 55.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 11,050 kWh (1992) Industries: metal products, shipbuilding, forestry and wood processing (pulp, paper), copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing Agriculture: accounts for 5% of GDP (including forestry); livestock production, especially dairy cattle, predominates; forestry is an important export earner and a secondary occupation for the rural population; main crops - cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; 85% self-sufficient, but short of foodgrains and fodder grains; annual fish catch about 160,000 metric tons Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.7 billion Currency: 1 markka (FMk) or Finmark = 100 pennia Exchange rates: markkaa (FMk) per US$1 - 5.6920 (January 1994), 5.7123 (1993), 4.4794 (1992), 4.0440 (1991), 3.8235 (1990), 4.2912 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year
@Finland, Communications
Railroads:5,924 km total; Finnish State Railways (VR) operate a total of 5,863km 1,524-mm gauge, of which 480 km are multiple track and 1,710 km areelectrifiedHighways:total:76,631 km (1991)paved:bituminous concrete, bituminous treated soil 46,745 kmunpaved:gravel 29,886 kmInland waterways:6,675 km total (including Saimaa Canal); 3,700 km suitable forsteamersPipelines:natural gas 580 kmPorts:Helsinki, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, TurkuMerchant marine:93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,040,905 GRT/1,143,276 DWT,bulk 7, cargo 20, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas 3, oil tanker 15,passenger 3, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 30,short-sea passenger 9Airports:total:160usable:157with permanent-surface runways:66with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:26with runways 1,220-2,439 m:20Telecommunications:good service from cable and microwave radio relay network; 3,140,000telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 105 FM, 235 TV; 1 submarinecable; INTELSAT satellite transmission service via Swedish earthstation and a receive-only INTELSAT earth station near Helsinki
@Finland, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Coast Guard)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,323,322; fit for military service 1,089,300; reachmilitary age (17) annually 33,594 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, about 1.5% of GDP (1993)
@France, Geography
Location:Western Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Spain andGermanyMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:547,030 sq kmland area:545,630 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than twice the size of Coloradonote:includes Corsica and the rest of metropolitan France, but excludes theoverseas administrative divisionsLand boundaries:total 2,892.4 km, Andorra 60 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573kmCoastline:3,427 km (mainland 2,783 km, Corsica 644 km)Maritime claims:contiguous zone:12-24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands,Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island; Comoros claims Mayotte;Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; Seychelles claims Tromelin Island;Suriname claims part of French Guiana; Mexico claims ClippertonIsland; territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land); Saint Pierreand Miquelon is focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada andFranceClimate:generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hotsummers along the MediterraneanTerrain:mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west;remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in eastNatural resources:coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potashLand use:arable land:32%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:23%forest and woodland:27%other:16%Irrigated land:11,600 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial andvehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agriculturalrunoffnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty,Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping,Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - AirPollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote:largest West European nation; occasional warm tropical wind known asmistral
@France, People
Population:57,840,445 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.47% (1994 est.)Birth rate:13.13 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.3 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78.19 yearsmale:74.27 yearsfemale:82.3 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)adjective:FrenchEthnic divisions:Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese,Basque minoritiesReligions:Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim (North Africanworkers) 1%, unaffiliated 6%Languages:French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages(Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:24.17 millionby occupation:services 61.5%, industry 31.3%, agriculture 7.2% (1987)
@France, Government
Names:conventional long form:French Republicconventional short form:Francelocal long form:Republique Francaiselocal short form:FranceDigraph:FRType:republicCapital:ParisAdministrative divisions:22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne,Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne,Corse, Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie, Ile-de-France,Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrenees,Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes,Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpesnote:the 22 regions are subdivided into 96 departments; see separateentries for the overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe,Martinique, Reunion) and the territorial collectivities (Mayotte,Saint Pierre and Miquelon)Dependent areas:Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Polynesia,French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Juan de NovaIsland, New Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futunanote:the US does not recognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence:486 (unified by Clovis)National holiday:National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution:28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962,amended to comply with provisions of EC Maastricht Treaty in 1992;amended to tighten immigration laws 1993Legal system:civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrativebut not legislative actsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981); election last held8 May 1988 (next to be held by May 1995); results - Second BallotFrancois MITTERRAND 54%, Jacques CHIRAC 46%head of government:Prime Minister Edouard BALLADUR (since 29 March 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on the suggestion ofthe prime ministerLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlement)Senate (Senat):elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held September 1995- nine-year term, elected by thirds every three years); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (321 total; 296 metropolitanFrance, 13 for overseas departments and territories, and 12 for Frenchnationals abroad) RPR 91, UDF 142 (UREI 51, UC 68, RDE 23), PS 66, PCF16, independents 2, other 4National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (577 total) RPR 247,UDF 213, PS 67, PCF 24, independents 26Judicial branch:Constitutional Court (Cour Constitutionnelle)Political parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Jacques CHIRAC; Union for FrenchDemocracy (UDF, federation of UREI, UC, RDE), Valery Giscardd'ESTAING; Republican Party (PR), Gerard LONGUET; Center for SocialDemocrats (CDS), Pierre MEHAIGNERIE; Radical (RAD), Yves GALLAND;Socialist Party (PS), Henri EMMAMUELLI, interim party leader; LeftRadical Movement (MRG), Jean-Francois HORY; Communist Party (PCF),Robert HUE; National Front (FN), Jean-Marie LE PEN; Union ofRepublican and Independents (UREI); Centrist Union (UC); DemocraticAssembly (RDE); The Greens, Antoine WAECHTER, Jean-Louis VIDAL, GuyCAMBOT; Generation Ecology (GE), Brice LALONDEOther political or pressure groups:Communist-controlled labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail -CGT) nearly 2.4 million members (claimed); Socialist-leaning laborunion (Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail or CFDT) about800,000 members (est.); independent labor union (Force Ouvriere) 1million members (est.); independent white-collar union (ConfederationGenerale des Cadres) 340,000 members (claimed); National Council ofFrench Employers (Conseil National du Patronat Francais - CNPF orPatronat)Member of:ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CCC, CDB(non-regional), CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE,ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, FZ, GATT, G-5, G-7, G-10, IADB, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC,NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNSecurity Council, UNTAC, UN Trusteeship Council, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jacques ANDREANIchancery:4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 944-6000consulate(s) general:Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, NewOrleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Pamela C. HARRIMANembassy:2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08mailing address:Unit 21551, Paris; APO AE 09777telephone:[33] (1) 4296-12-02 or 42-61-80-75FAX:[33] (1) 4266-9783consulate(s) general:Bordeaux, Marseille, StrasbourgFlag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; knownas the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and colors are similarto a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland,Cote d'Ivoire, and Luxembourg; the official flag for all Frenchdependent areas
@France, Economy
Overview:One of the world's most developed economies, France has substantialagricultural resources and a highly diversified modern industrialsector. Large tracts of fertile land, the application of moderntechnology, and subsidies have combined to make it the leadingagricultural producer in Western Europe. Largely self-sufficient inagricultural products, France is a major exporter of wheat and dairyproducts. The industrial sector generates about one-quarter of GDP,and the growing services sector has become crucial to the economy.Although French GDP contracted by 0.7% in 1993, the economy showedsigns of life by yearend. GDP growth, however, will remain sluggish in1994 - perhaps reaching only 1.0%. Rapidly increasing unemploymentwill still pose a major problem for the government. Paris remainscommitted to maintaining the franc-deutsche mark parity, which haskept French interest rates high despite France's low inflation.Although the pace of economic integration within the EuropeanCommunity has slowed down, integration presumably will remain a majorforce shaping the fortunes of the various economic sectors.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.05 trillion (1993)National product real growth rate:-0.7% (1993)National product per capita:$18,200 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.1% (1993)Unemployment rate:12.2% (May 1994)Budget:revenues:$220.5 billionexpenditures:$249.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $47 billion (1993budget)Exports:$270.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs,agricultural products, iron and steel products, textiles and clothingpartners:Germany 18.6%, Italy 11.0%, Spain 11.0%, Belgium-Luxembourg 9.1%, UK8.8%, Netherlands 7.9%, US 6.4%, Japan 2.0%, former USSR 0.7% (1991est.)Imports:$250.2 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:crude oil, machinery and equipment, agricultural products, chemicals,iron and steel productspartners:Germany 17.8%, Italy 10.9%, US 9.5%, Netherlands 8.9%, Spain 8.8%,Belgium-Luxembourg 8.5%, UK 7.5%, Japan 4.1%, former USSR 1.3% (1991est.)External debt:$300 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -4.3% (1993)Electricity:capacity:110 million kWproduction:426 billion kWhconsumption per capita:7,430 kWh (1992)Industries:steel, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft,electronics, mining, textiles, food processing, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); one of theworld's top five wheat producers; other principal products - beef,dairy products, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes;self-sufficient for most temperate-zone foods; shortages include fatsand oils and tropical produce, but overall net exporter of farmproducts; fish catch of 850,000 metric tons ranks among world's top 20countries and is all used domesticallyEconomic aid:donor:ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.1 billionCurrency:1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993),5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year