@Germany, Economy
Overview: With the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989, prospects seemed bright for a fairly rapid incorporation of East Germany into the highly successful West German economy. The Federal Republic, however, continues to experience difficulties in integrating and modernizing eastern Germany, and the tremendous costs of unification pushed western Germany into its deepest recession since World War II. The western German economy shrank by 1.9% in 1993 as the Bundesbank maintained high interest rates to offset the inflationary effects of large government deficits and high wage settlements. Eastern Germany grew by 7.1% in 1993 but this was from a shrunken base. Despite government transfers to the east amounting to nearly $110 billion annually, a self-sustaining economy in the region is still some years away. The bright spots are eastern Germany's construction, transportation, telecommunications, and service sectors, which have experienced strong growth. Western Germany has an advanced market economy and is a world leader in exports. It has a highly urbanized and skilled population that enjoys excellent living standards, abundant leisure time, and comprehensive social welfare benefits. Western Germany is relatively poor in natural resources, coal being the most important mineral. Western Germany's world-class companies manufacture technologically advanced goods. The region's economy is mature: services and manufacturing account for the dominant share of economic activity, and raw materials and semimanufactured goods constitute a large portion of imports. In recent years, manufacturing has accounted for about 31% of GDP, with other sectors contributing lesser amounts. Gross fixed investment in 1993 accounted for about 20.5% of GDP. GDP in the western region is now $19,400 per capita, or 78% of US per capita GDP. Eastern Germany's economy appears to be changing from one anchored on manufacturing into a more service-oriented economy. The German government, however, is intent on maintaining a manufacturing base in the east and is considering a policy for subsidizing industrial cores in the region. Eastern Germany's share of all-German GDP is only 8% and eastern productivity is just 30% that of the west even though eastern wages are at roughly 70% of western levels. The privatization agency for eastern Germany, Treuhand, has privatized more than 90% of the 13,000 firms under its control and will likely wind down operations in 1994. Private investment in the region continues to be lackluster, resulting primarily from the deepening recession in western Germany and excessively high eastern wages. Eastern Germany has one of the world's largest reserves of low-grade lignite coal but little else in the way of mineral resources. The quality of statistics from eastern Germany is improving, yet many gaps remain; the federal government began producing all-German data for select economic statistics at the start of 1992. The most challenging economic problem is promoting eastern Germany's economic reconstruction - specifically, finding the right mix of fiscal, monetary, regulatory, and tax policies that will spur investment in eastern Germany - without destabilizing western Germany's economy or damaging relations with West European partners. The government hopes a "solidarity pact" among labor unions, business, state governments, and the SPD opposition will provide the right mix of wage restraints, investment incentives, and spending cuts to stimulate eastern recovery. Finally, the homogeneity of the German economic culture has been changed by the admission of large numbers of immigrants. National product: Germany: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.331 trillion (1993) western: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.218 trillion (1993) eastern: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $112.7 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: Germany: -1.2% (1993) western: -1.9% (1993) eastern: 7.1% (1993) National product per capita: Germany: $16,500 (1993) western: $19,400 (1993) eastern: $6,300 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): western: 4.2% (1993) eastern: 8.9% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: western: 8.1% (December 1993) eastern: 15.4% (December 1993) Budget: revenues: $918 billion expenditures: $972 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $392 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: manufactures 89.0% (including machines and machine tools, chemicals, motor vehicles, iron and steel products), agricultural products 5.4%, raw materials 2.2%, fuels 1.3% (1922) partners: EC 51.3% (France 11.1%, Netherlands 8.3%, Italy 8.2%, UK 7.9%, Belgium-Luxembourg 7.5%), EFTA 13.3%, US 6.8%, Eastern Europe 5.0%, OPEC 3.3% (1993) Imports: $374.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: manufactures 74.9%, agricultural products 10.3%, fuels 7.4%, raw materials 5.5% (1992) partners: EC 49.7 (France 11.0%, Netherlands 9.2%, Italy 8.8%, UK 6.6%, Belgium-Luxembourg 6.7%), EFTA 12.7%, US 5.9%, Japan 5.2%, Eastern Europe 4.8%, OPEC 2.6% (1993) External debt: $NA Industrial production: western: growth rate -7% (1993) eastern: growth rate $NA Electricity: capacity: 134,000,000 kW production: 580 billion kWh consumption per capita: 7,160 kWh (1992) Industries: western: among world's largest producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics; food and beverages eastern: metal fabrication, chemicals, brown coal, shipbuilding, machine building, food and beverages, textiles, petroleum refining Agriculture: western: accounts for about 2% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); diversified crop and livestock farming; principal crops and livestock include potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbage, cattle, pigs, poultry; net importer of food eastern: accounts for about 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principal crops - wheat, rye, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, fruit; livestock products include pork, beef, chicken, milk, hides and skins; net importer of food Illicit drugs: source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine for West European markets Economic aid: western-donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.5 billion eastern-donor: bilateral to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) $4 billion Currency: 1 deutsche mark (DM) = 100 pfennige Exchange rates: deutsche marks (DM) per US$1 - 1.7431 (January 1994), 1.6533 (1993), 1.5617 (1992), 1.6595 (1991), 1.6157 (1990), 1.8800 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year
@Germany, Communications
Railroads:western:31,443 km total; 27,421 km government owned, 1.435-meter standardgauge (12,491 km double track, 11,501 km electrified); 4,022 kmnongovernment owned, including 3,598 km 1.435-meter standard gauge(214 km electrified) and 424 km 1.000-meter gauge (186 km electrified)eastern:14,025 km total; 13,750 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 275 km1.000-meter or other narrow gauge; 3,830 (est.) km 1.435-meterstandard gauge double-track; 3,475 km overhead electrified (1988)Highways:total:625,600 km (1991 est.); western - 501,000 km (1990 est.); eastern -124,600 km (1988 est.)paved:543,200 km, including 10,814 km of expressways; western - 495,900 km,including 8,959 km of expressways; eastern - 47,300 km, including1,855 km of expresswaysunpaved:82,400 km; western - 5,000 km earth; eastern - 77,400 km gravel andearthInland waterways:western:5,222 km, of which almost 70% are usable by craft of 1,000-metric-toncapacity or larger; major rivers include the Rhine and Elbe; KielCanal is an important connection between the Baltic Sea and North Seaeastern:2,319 km (1988)Pipelines:crude oil 3,644 km; petroleum products 3,946 km; natural gas 97,564 km(1988)Ports:coastal - Bremerhaven, Brunsbuttel, Cuxhaven, Emden, Bremen, Hamburg,Kiel, Lubeck, Wilhelmshaven, Rostock, Wismar, Stralsund, Sassnitz;inland - 31 major on Rhine and Elbe riversMerchant marine:485 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,541,441 GRT/5,835,511 DWT,barge carrier 7, bulk 11, cargo 241, chemical tanker 20, combinationbulk 6, combination ore/oil 5, container 132, liquefied gas tanker 16,oil tanker 7, passenger 3, railcar carrier 5, refrigerated cargo 7,roll-on/roll-off cargo 20, short-sea passenger 5note:the German register includes ships of the former East and West GermanyAirports:total:590usable:583with permanent-surface runways:308with runways over 3,659 m:5with runways 2,440-3,659 m:85with runways 1,220-2,439 m:97Telecommunications:western:highly developed, modern telecommunication service to all parts of thecountry; fully adequate in all respects; 40,300,000 telephones;intensively developed, highly redundant cable and microwave radiorelay networks, all completely automatic; broadcast stations - 80 AM,470 FM, 225 (6,000 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine coaxial cables;satellite earth stations - 12 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT antennas, 2Indian Ocean INTELSAT antennas, EUTELSAT, and domestic systems; 2 HFradiocommunication centers; tropospheric linkseastern:badly needs modernization; 3,970,000 telephones; broadcast stations -23 AM, 17 FM, 21 TV (15 Soviet TV repeaters); 6,181,860 TVs; 6,700,000radios; 1 satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT andIntersputnik systems
@Germany, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 20,253,482; fit for military service 17,506,468; reachmilitary age (18) annually 418,124 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $37.3 billion, 2% of GDP (1993)
@Ghana, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Coted'Ivoire and TogoMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:238,540 sq kmland area:230,020 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than OregonLand boundaries:total 2,093 km, Burkina 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 kmCoastline:539 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot andhumid in southwest; hot and dry in northTerrain:mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central areaNatural resources:gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubberLand use:arable land:5%permanent crops:7%meadows and pastures:15%forest and woodland:37%other:36%Irrigated land:80 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:recent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities;deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitatdestruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; limitedsupply of safe drinking waternatural hazards:dry, dusty, harmattan winds occur from January to Marchinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity,Climate Change, Marine Life ConservationNote:Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake; northeasterlyharmattan wind (January to March)
@Ghana, People
Population:17,225,185 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.09% (1994 est.)Birth rate:44.13 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:12.27 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:83.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:55.52 yearsmale:53.58 yearsfemale:57.52 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.15 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Ghanaian(s)adjective:GhanaianEthnic divisions:black African 99.8% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe13%, Ga 8%), European and other 0.2%Religions:indigenous beliefs 38%, Muslim 30%, Christian 24%, other 8%Languages:English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba,Ewe, and Ga)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:60%male:70%female:51%Labor force:3.7 millionby occupation:agriculture and fishing 54.7%, industry 18.7%, sales and clerical15.2%, services, transportation, and communications 7.7%, professional3.7%note:48% of population of working age (1983)
@Ghana, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Ghanaconventional short form:Ghanaformer:Gold CoastDigraph:GHType:constitutional democracyCapital:AccraAdministrative divisions:10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra,Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, WesternIndependence:6 March 1957 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 6 March (1957)Constitution:new constitution approved 28 April 1992Legal system:based on English common law and customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:universal at 18Executive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Jerry John RAWLINGS (since 3 November 1992) election lastheld 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA)cabinet:Cabinet; president nominates members subject to approval by theParliamentLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly:elections last held 29 December 1992 (next to be held NA)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:National Democratic Congress, Jerry John Rawlings; New PatrioticParty, Albert Adu BOAHEN; People's Heritage Party, Alex Erskine;various other smaller partiesMember of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ekwow SPIO-GARBRAHchancery:3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 686-4520FAX:(202) 686-4527consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Kenneth L. BROWNembassy:Ring Road East, East of Danquah Circle, Accramailing address:P. O. Box 194, Accratelephone:[233] (21) 775348, 775349, 775297 or 775298FAX:[233] (21) 776008Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with alarge black five-pointed star centered in the gold band; uses thepopular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag ofBolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band
@Ghana, Economy
Overview:Supported by substantial international assistance, Ghana has beenimplementing a steady economic rebuilding program since 1983,including moves toward privatization and relaxation of governmentcontrols. The agriculture sector consists largely of small traditionalfarm holdings, rain-fed for the most part. Heavily dependent on cocoa,gold, and timber exports, economic growth so far has not spreadsubstantially to other areas of the economy. The costs of sendingpeacekeeping forces to Liberia and preparing for the transition to ademocratic government have boosted government expenditures andundercut structural adjustment reforms. Ghana opened a stock exchangein 1990 and plans to float 5% of its stake in Ashanti GoldfieldsCorporation, which would make the exchange the largest in sub-SaharanAfrica outside of South Africa.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $25 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:3.9% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$1,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):10% (1992)Unemployment rate:10% (1991)Budget:revenues:$1 billionexpenditures:$905 million, including capital expenditures of $200 million (1991est.)Exports:$1 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:cocoa 40%, gold, timber, tuna, bauxite, and aluminumpartners:Germany 31%, US 12%, UK 11%, Netherlands 6%, Japan 5% (1991)Imports:$1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:petroleum 16%, consumer goods, foods, intermediate goods, capitalequipmentpartners:UK 22%, US 11%, Germany 9%, Japan 6%External debt:$4.6 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate in manufacturing (1992); accounts for almost 15% of GDPElectricity:capacity:1,180,000 kWproduction:4.49 billion kWhconsumption per capita:290 kWh (1991)Industries:mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum, food processingAgriculture:accounts for 43% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); the majorcash crop is cocoa; other principal crops - rice, coffee, cassava,peanuts, corn, shea nuts, timber; normally self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; transithub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin destined for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $455 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.6billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $78 million; Communistcountries (1970-89) $106 millionCurrency:1 new cedi (C) = 100 pesewasExchange rates:new cedis per US$1 - 713.00 (October 1993), 437.09 (1992), 367.83(1991), 326.33 (1990), 270.00 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Ghana, Communications
Railroads:953 km, all 1.067-meter gauge; 32 km double track; railroadsundergoing major renovationHighways:total:32,250 kmpaved:concrete, bituminous 6,084 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 26,166 kmInland waterways:Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers provide 168 km of perennial navigationfor launches and lighters; Lake Volta provides 1,125 km of arterialand feeder waterwaysPipelines:nonePorts:Tema, TakoradiMerchant marine:5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 46,289 GRT/61,606 DWT, cargo 4,refrigerated cargo 1Airports:total:11usable:11with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:6Telecommunications:poor to fair system handled primarily by microwave radio relay links;42,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 4 (8 translators)TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Ghana, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, Civil DefenseManpower availability:males age 15-49 3,867,183; fit for military service 2,159,769; reachmilitary age (18) annually 170,283 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $30 million, less than 1% of GDP (1989est.)
@Gibraltar
Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@Gibraltar, Geography
Location:Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which linksthe North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, on the southerncoast of SpainMap references:Africa, EuropeArea:total area:6.5 sq kmland area:6.5 sq kmcomparative area:about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 1.2 km, Spain 1.2 kmCoastline:12 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:3 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:source of occasional friction between Spain and the UKClimate:Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summersTerrain:a narrow coastal lowland borders The RockNatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:natural freshwater sources are meager, so large concrete or naturalrock water catchments collect rain waternatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:NANote:strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the NorthAtlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
@Gibraltar, People
Population:31,684 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.58% (1994 est.)Birth rate:15.37 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:8.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-0.73 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:76.33 yearsmale:73.44 yearsfemale:79.19 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.33 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Gibraltarian(s)adjective:GibraltarEthnic divisions:Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, SpanishReligions:Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 11% (Church of England 8%, other 3%),Moslem 8%, Jewish 2%, none or other 5% (1981)Languages:English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian,Portuguese, RussianLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers)note:UK military establishments and civil government employ nearly 50% ofthe labor force
@Gibraltar, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:GibraltarDigraph:GIType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:GilbraltarAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday:Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March)Constitution:30 May 1969Legal system:English lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects resident six monthsor moreExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governorand Commander in Chief Gen. Sir John CHAPPLE (since NA March 1993)head of government:Chief Minister Joe BOSSANO (since 25 March 1988)Gibraltar Council:advises the governorcabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed from the elected members of theAssembly by the governor in consultation with the chief ministerLegislative branch:unicameralHouse of Assembly:elections last held on 16 January 1992 (next to be held January 1996);results - SL 73.3%; seats - (18 total, 15 elected) number of seats byparty NAJudicial branch:Supreme Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party (SL), Joe BOSSANO; Gibraltar LaborParty/Association for the Advancement of Civil Rights (GCL/AACR),leader NA; Gibraltar Social Democrats, Peter CARUANA; GibraltarNational Party, Joe GARCIAOther political or pressure groups:Housewives Association; Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar RepresentativesOrganizationMember of:INTERPOL (subbureau)Diplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with athree-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging fromthe castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band
@Gibraltar, Economy
Overview:The British military presence has been severely reduced and now onlycontributes about 11% to the local economy. The financial sectoraccounts for 15% of GDP; tourism and shipping services fees alsogenerate income. Because more than 70% of the economy is in the publicsector, changes in government spending have a major impact on thelevel of employment. Construction workers are particularly affectedwhen government expenditures are cut.National product:GNP - exchange rate conversion - $182 million (FY87)National product real growth rate:5% (FY87)National product per capita:$4,600 (FY87)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1988)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$136 millionexpenditures:$139 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY88)Exports:$82 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:(principally re-exports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%, other8%partners:UK, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, US, FRGImports:$258 million (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffspartners:UK, Spain, Japan, NetherlandsExternal debt:$318 million (1987)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:47,000 kWproduction:200 million kWhconsumption per capita:6,740 kWh (1992)Industries:tourism, banking and finance, construction, commerce; support to largeUK naval and air bases; transit trade and supply depot in the port;light manufacturing of tobacco, roasted coffee, ice, mineral waters,candy, beer, and canned fishAgriculture:noneEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $800,000; Western (non-US)countries and ODA bilateral commitments (1992-93), $2.5 millionCurrency:1 Gibraltar pound (#G) = 100 penceExchange rates:Gibraltar pounds (#G) per US$1 - 0.6699 (January 1994), 0.6658 (1993),0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989); note - theGibraltar pound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Gibraltar, Communications
Railroads:1.000-meter-gauge system in dockyard area onlyHighways:total:50 kmpaved:50 kmPipelines:nonePorts:GibraltarMerchant marine:29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 496,898 GRT/857,140 DWT, bulk 5,cargo 4, chemical tanker 2, container 1, oil tanker 16, refrigeratedcargo 1note:a flag of convenience registryAirports: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:adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate internationalradiocommunication and microwave facilities; 9,400 telephones;broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
@Gibraltar, Defense Forces
Branches:British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Glorioso Islands
Header Affiliation: (possession of France)
@Glorioso Islands, Geography
Location: Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean just north of Madagascar Map references: Africa Area: total area: 5 sq km land area: 5 sq km comparative area: about 8.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: NA Natural resources: guano, coconuts Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to periodic cyclones international agreements: NA
@Glorioso Islands, People
Population: uninhabited
@Glorioso Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Glorioso Islandslocal long form:nonelocal short form:Iles GlorieusesDigraph:GOType:French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic,resident in ReunionCapital:none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence:none (possession of France)
@Glorioso Islands, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
@Glorioso Islands, Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 0 with runsways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1
@Glorioso Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
@Greece, Geography
Location:Balkan State, Southern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea betweenTurkey and BulgariaMap references:Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:131,940 sq kmland area:130,800 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than AlabamaLand boundaries:total 1,210 km, Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, TheFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 228 kmCoastline:13,676 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationterritorial sea:6 nm, but Greece has threatened to claim 12 nmInternational disputes:air, continental shelf, and territorial water disputes with Turkey inAegean Sea; Cyprus question; dispute with The Former Yugoslav Republicof Macedonia over name and symbol implying territorial claimClimate:temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summersTerrain:mostly mountains with ranges extending into sea as peninsulas orchains of islandsNatural resources:bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marbleLand use:arable land:23%permanent crops:8%meadows and pastures:40%forest and woodland:20%other:9%Irrigated land:11,900 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:air pollution; water pollutionnatural hazards:subject to severe earthquakesinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, EnvironmentalModification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but notratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-VolatileOrganic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the SeaNote:strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach toTurkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago ofabout 2,000 islands
@Greece, People
Population: 10,564,630 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.84% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 10.5 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.32 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 7.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.71 years male: 75.2 years female: 80.35 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Greek(s) adjective: Greek Ethnic divisions: Greek 98%, other 2% note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7% Languages: Greek (official), English, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 93% male: 98% female: 89% Labor force: 4.083 million by occupation: services 48%, agriculture 24%, industry 28% (1993)
@Greece, Government
Names:conventional long form:Hellenic Republicconventional short form:Greecelocal long form:Elliniki Dhimokratialocal short form:Ellasformer:Kingdom of GreeceDigraph:GRType:presidential parliamentary government; monarchy rejected by referendum8 December 1974Capital:AthensAdministrative divisions:52 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos); Aitolia kai Akarnania,Akhaia, Argolis, Arkadhia, Arta, Attiki, Dhodhekanisos, Dhrama,Evritania, Evros, Evvoia, Florina, Fokis, Fthiotis, Grevena, Ilia,Imathia, Ioannina, Iraklion, Kardhitsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia,Kerkira, Khalkidhiki, Khania, Khios, Kikladhes, Kilkis, Korinthia,Kozani, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lesvos, Levkas, Magnisia, Messinia,Pella, Pieria, Piraievs, Preveza, Rethimni, Rodhopi, Samos, Serrai,Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakinthos,autonomous region: Agion Oros (Mt. Athos)Independence:1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)National holiday:Independence Day, 25 March (1821) (proclamation of the war ofindependence)Constitution:11 June 1975Legal system:based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal,and administrative courtsSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state:President Konstantinos KARAMANLIS (since 5 May 1990); election lastheld 4 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - KonstantinosKARAMANLIS was elected by Parliamenthead of government:Prime Minister Andreas PAPANDREOU (since 10 October 1993)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the primeministerLegislative branch:unicameralChamber of Deputies (Vouli ton Ellinon):elections last held 10 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October1997); results - PASOK 46.88%, ND 39.30%, Political Spring 4.87%, KKE4.54%, and Progressive Left Coalition 2.94%; seats - (300 total) PASOK170, ND 111, Political Spring 10, KKE 9Judicial branch:Supreme Judicial Court, Special Supreme TribunalPolitical parties and leaders:New Democracy (ND; conservative), Miltiades EVERT; PanhellenicSocialist Movement (PASOK), Andreas PAPANDREOU; Progressive LeftCoalition, Maria DAMANAKI; Democratic Renewal (DIANA), KonstantinosSTEFANOPOULOS; Communist Party (KKE), Aleka PAPARIGA;Ecologist-Alternative List, leader rotates; Political Spring, AntonisSAMARASMember of:Australian Group, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC,ECE, EIB, FAO, G-6, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO,ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS(observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,UNOMIG, UNOSOM, UPU, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Loucas TSILASchancery:2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 939-5800FAX:(202) 939-5824consulate(s) general:Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and SanFranciscoconsulate(s):New OrleansUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Thomas M.T. NILESembassy:91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, 10160 Athensmailing address:PSC 108, Athens; APO AE 09842telephone:[30] (1) 721-2951 or 721-8401FAX:[30] (1) 645-6282consulate(s) general:ThessalonikiFlag:nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there isa blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross;the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of thecountry
@Greece, Economy
Overview:Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the basic entrepreneurialsystem overlaid in 1981-89 by a socialist system that enlarged thepublic sector from 55% of GDP in 1981 to about 70% in 1989. Sincethen, the public sector has been reduced to about 60% of GDP. Tourismcontinues as a major source of foreign exchange, and agriculture isself-sufficient except for meat, dairy products, and animalfeedstuffs. Over the last decade, real GDP growth has averaged 1.6% ayear, compared with the European Union average of 2.2%. Inflation isfour times the EU average, and the national debt has reached 140% ofGDP, the highest in the EU. Prime Minister PAPANDREOU will probablyonly make limited progress correcting the economy's problems of highinflation, large budget deficit, and decaying infrastructure. Hiseconomic program suggests that although he will shun his expansionarypolicies of the 1980s, he will avoid tough measures needed to slowinflation or reduce the state's role in the economy. He has limitedthe previous government's privatization plans, for example, and hascalled for generous welfare spending and real wage increases. In 1994,the GDP growth rate is likely to remain low, and inflation probablywill accelerate, remaining the highest in the EU. PAPANDREOU'S failureto improve the country's economic performance will further strainrelations with the EU. Since Greece's accession to the then EC in1981, Athens' heavy reliance on EU aid - amounting to about 6% ofGreek GDP annually - and its poor use of Union funds have riledBrussels. Its ailing economy will continue to be a drag on Europeaneconomic and monetary union.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $93.2 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:1% (1993)National product per capita:$8,900 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):14.4% (1993)Unemployment rate:9.5% (1993)Budget:revenues:$28.3 billionexpenditures:$37.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.2 billion (1994)Exports:$6 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:manufactured goods 53%, foodstuffs 34%, fuels 5%partners:Germany 23%, Italy 18%, France 7%, UK 7%, US 4% (1992)Imports:$23.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:manufactured goods 72%, foodstuffs 15%, fuels 10%partners:Germany 20%, Italy 14%, France 8%, Netherlands 7%, Japan 6% (1992)External debt:$23.1 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate -1.3% (1992); accounts for 20% of GDPElectricity:capacity:10,500,000 kWproduction:36.4 billion kWhconsumption per capita:3,610 kWh (1992)Industries:food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products,tourism, mining, petroleumAgriculture:including fishing and forestry, accounts for 15% of GDP and 24% of thelabor force; principal products - wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets,olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; self-sufficient in foodexcept meat, dairy products, and animal feedstuffsIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis and limited opium; mostly for domesticproduction; serves as a gateway to Europe for traffickers smugglingcannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to theWest and precursor chemicals to the East; transshipment point forSouthwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan routeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $525 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.39billionCurrency:1 drachma (Dr) = 100 leptaExchange rates:drachmae (Dr) per US$1 - 250.28 (January 1994), 229.26 (1993), 190.62(1992), 182.27 (1991), 158.51 (1990), 162.42 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Greece, Communications
Railroads:2,479 km total; 1,565 km 1,435-mm standard gauge, of which 36 kmelectrified and 100 km double track; 892 km 1,000-mm gauge; 22 km750-mm narrow gauge; all government ownedHighways:total:38,938 kmpaved:16,090 kmunpaved:crushed stone, gravel 13,676 km; improved earth 5,632 km; unimprovedearth 3,540 kmInland waterways:80 km; system consists of three coastal canals; including the CorinthCanal (6 km) which crosses the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the Gulfof Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and shortens the sea voyage from theAdriatic to Piraievs (Piraeus) by 325 km; and three unconnected riversPipelines:crude oil 26 km; petroleum products 547 kmPorts:Piraievs (Piraeus), ThessalonikiMerchant marine:1,059 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 29,343,367 GRT/54,249,294DWT, bulk 453, cargo 117, chemical tanker 20, combination bulk 23,combination ore/oil 38, container 36, liquefied gas 6, livestockcarrier 1, oil tanker 251, passenger 15, passenger-cargo 2,refrigerated cargo 11, roll-on/roll-off cargo 17, short-sea passenger65, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 1note:ethnic Greeks also own large numbers of ships under the registry ofLiberia, Panama, Cyprus, Malta, and The BahamasAirports:total:78usable:77with permanent-surface runways:63with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:20with runways 1,220-2,439 m:24Telecommunications:adequate, modern networks reach all areas; 4,080,000 telephones;microwave radio relay carries most traffic; extensive open-wirenetwork; submarine cables to off-shore islands; broadcast stations -29 AM, 17 (20 repeaters) FM, 361 TV; tropospheric links, 8 submarinecables; 1 satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT (1 AtlanticOcean and 1 Indian Ocean antenna), and EUTELSAT systems
@Greece, Defense Forces
Branches:Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, National Guard,PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,645,859; fit for military service 2,025,212; reachmilitary age (21) annually 74,484 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, 5.4% of GDP (1993)
@Greenland
Header Affiliation: (part of the Danish realm)
@Greenland, Geography
Location:Northern North America, in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Canadaand NorwayMap references:Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:2,175,600 sq kmland area:383,600 sq km (ice free)comparative area:slightly more than three times the size of TexasLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:44,087 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:dispute betwen Denmark and Norway over maritime boundary in ArcticOcean between Greenland and Jan Mayen has been settled by theInternational Court of Justice (ICJ)Climate:arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold wintersTerrain:flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous,barren, rocky coastNatural resources:zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, cryolite, uranium, fishLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:0%other:99%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:NANote:dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe;sparse population confined to small settlements along coast;continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island
@Greenland, People
Population: 57,040 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.94% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 18.6 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.43 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 26.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.91 years male: 62.55 years female: 71.28 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.29 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Greenlander(s) adjective: Greenlandic Ethnic divisions: Greenlander 86% (Eskimos and Greenland-born Caucasians), Danish 14% Religions: Evangelical Lutheran Languages: Eskimo dialects, Danish Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 22,800 by occupation: largely engaged in fishing, hunting, sheep breeding
@Greenland, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Greenlandlocal long form:nonelocal short form:Kalaallit NunaatDigraph:GLType:part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrativedivisionCapital:Nuuk (Godthab)Administrative divisions:3 municipalities (kommuner, singular - kommun); Nordgronland,Ostgronland, VestgronlandIndependence:none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrativedivision)National holiday:Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)Constitution:5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)Legal system:DanishSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by HighCommissioner Torben Hede PEDERSEN (since NA)head of government:Home Rule Chairman Lars Emil JOHANSEN (since 15 March 1991)cabinet:Landsstyre; formed from the Landsting on basis of strength of partiesLegislative branch:unicameralParliament (Landsting):elections last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held 5 March 1995);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) Siumut 11,Atassut Party 8, Inuit Ataqatigiit 5, Center Party 2, Polar Party 1Danish Folketing:last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994);Greenland elects two representatives to the Folketing; results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Siumut 1, Atassut 1Judicial branch:High Court (Landsret)Political parties and leaders:two-party ruling coalition; Siumut (a moderate socialist party thatadvocates more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy fromDenmark), Lars Emil JOHANSEN, chairman; Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA; aMarxist-Leninist party that favors complete independence from Denmarkrather than home rule), Arqaluk LYNGE; Atassut Party (a moreconservative party that favors continuing close relations withDenmark), leader NA; Polar Party (conservative-Greenland nationalist),Lars CHEMNITZ; Center Party (a new nonsocialist protest party), leaderNADiplomatic representation in US:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)US diplomatic representation:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Flag:two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large diskslightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk isred, the bottom half is white
@Greenland, Economy
Overview:Greenland's economic situation at present is difficult. Unemploymentis increasing, and prospects for economic growth in the immediatefuture are dim. Following the closing of the Black Angel lead and zincmine in 1989, Greenland became almost completely dependent on fishingand fish processing, the sector accounting for 95% of exports.Prospects for fisheries are not bright, as the important shrimpcatches will at best stabilize and cod catches have dropped.Resumption of mining and hydrocarbon activities is not around thecorner, thus leaving only tourism with some potential for the nearfuture. The public sector in Greenland, i.e., the central governmentand its commercial entities and the municipalities, plays a dominantrole in Greenland accounting for about two-thirds of total employment.About half the government's revenues come from grants from the DanishGovernment.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $500 million (1988)National product real growth rate:-10% (1990)National product per capita:$9,000 (1988)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.6% (1991)Unemployment rate:9% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues:$381 millionexpenditures:$381 million, including capital expenditures of $36 million (1989)Exports:$340.6 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:fish and fish products 95%partners:Denmark 79%, Benelux 9%, Germany 5%Imports:$403 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:manufactured goods 28%, machinery and transport equipment 24%, foodand live animals 12.4%, petroleum products 12%partners:Denmark 65%, Norway 8.8%, US 4.6%, Germany 3.8%, Japan 3.8%, Sweden2.4%External debt:$480 million (1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:84,000 kWproduction:176 million kWhconsumption per capita:3,060 kWh (1992)Industries:fish processing (mainly shrimp), lead and zinc mining, handicrafts,some small shipyards, potential for platinum and gold miningAgriculture:sector dominated by fishing and sheep raising; crops limited to forageand small garden vegetables; 1988 fish catch of 133,500 metric tonsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oereExchange rates:Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.771 (January 1994), 6.484 (1993),6.036 (1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Greenland, Communications
Highways:total:150 kmpaved:60 kmunpaved:90 kmPorts:Kangerluarsoruseq (Faeringehavn), Paamiut (Frederikshaab), Nuuk(Godthaab), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Julianehaab, Maarmorilik, NorthStar BayAirports:total:11usable:8with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:adequate domestic and international service provided by cables andmicrowave radio relay; 17,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7(35 repeaters) FM, 4 (9 repeaters) TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Greenland, Defense Forces
Note: defense is responsibility of Denmark
@Grenada, Geography
Location:Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 150 im north ofTrinidad and TobagoMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zonesof the WorldArea:total area:340 sq kmland area:340 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:121 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; tempered by northeast trade windsTerrain:volcanic in origin with central mountainsNatural resources:timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harborsLand use:arable land:15%permanent crops:26%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:9%other:47%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June toNovemberinternational agreements:party to - Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but notratified - Climate ChangeNote:islands of the Grenadines group are divided politically with SaintVincent and the Grenadines
@Grenada, People
Population: 94,109 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.35% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 30.28 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.19 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -20.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.4 years male: 68 years female: 72.85 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.93 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Grenadian(s) adjective: Grenadian Ethnic divisions: black African Religions: Roman Catholic, Anglican, other Protestant sects Languages: English (official), French patois Literacy: age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98% Labor force: 36,000 by occupation: services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%, manufacturing 5%, other 32% (1985)
@Grenada, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:GrenadaDigraph:GJType:parliamentary democracyCapital:Saint George'sAdministrative divisions:6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit Martinique*, SaintAndrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, SaintPatrickIndependence:7 February 1974 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 7 February (1974)Constitution:19 December 1973Legal system:based on English common lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by GovernorGeneral Reginald Oswald PALMER (since 6 August 1992)head of government:Prime Minister Nicholas BRATHWAITE (since 13 March 1990)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on advice of the primeministerLegislative branch:bicameral ParliamentSenate:consists of a 13-member body, 10 appointed by the government and 3 bythe Leader of the OppositionHouse of Representatives:elections last held on 13 March 1990 (next to be held by NA March1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) NDC7, GULP 4, TNP 2, NNP 2Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nicholas BRATHWAITE; GrenadaUnited Labor Party (GULP), Sir Eric GAIRY; The National Party (TNP),Ben JONES; New National Party (NNP), Keith MITCHELL; Maurice BishopPatriotic Movement (MBPM), Terrence MARRYSHOWMember of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OECS,OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Denneth MODESTEchancery:1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 265-2561US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Charge d'Affaires Ollie P. ANDERSONembassy:Point Salines, Saint George'smailing address:P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, W.I.telephone:(809) 444-1173 through 1178FAX:(809) 444-4820Flag:a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom)and green triangles (hoist side and outer side) with a red borderaround the flag; there are seven yellow five-pointed stars with threecentered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom redborder, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag;there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle(Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, afterIndonesia); the seven stars represent the seven administrativedivisions
@Grenada, Economy
Overview:The economy is essentially agricultural and centers on the traditionalproduction of spices and tropical plants. Agriculture accounts forabout 15% of GDP and 80% of exports and employs 24% of the laborforce. Tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner, followed byagricultural exports. Manufacturing remains relatively undeveloped,but is expected to grow, given a more favorable private investmentclimate since 1983. The economy achieved an impressive average annualgrowth rate of 5.5% in 1986-91 but stalled in 1992. Unemploymentremains high at about 25%.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $250 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:-0.4% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$3,000 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$78 millionexpenditures:$51 million, including capital expenditures of $22 million (1991 est.)Exports:$19.9 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, macepartners:Netherlands, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, United StatesImports:$103.2 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%, chemicals 10%, fuel6% (1989)partners:US 29%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Canada (1989)External debt:$109 million (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 1.8% (1992 est.); accounts for 9% of GDPElectricity:capacity:12,500 kWproduction:26 million kWhconsumption per capita:310 kWh (1992)Industries:food and beverage, textile, light assembly operations, tourism,constructionAgriculture:accounts for 15% of GDP and 80% of exports; bananas, cocoa, nutmeg,and mace account for two-thirds of total crop production; world'ssecond-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter of nutmeg andmace; small-size farms predominate, growing a variety of citrusfruits, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, and vegetablesEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY84-89), $60 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $70million; Communist countries (1970-89), $32 millionCurrency:1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates:East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Grenada, Communications
Highways:total:1,000 kmpaved:600 kmunpaved:otherwise improved 300 km; unimproved earth 100 kmPorts:Saint George'sAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:automatic, islandwide telephone system with 5,650 telephones; new SHFradio links to the islands of Trinidad, Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHFand UHF radio links to the islands of Trinidad and Carriacou;broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV
@Grenada, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast GuardDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Guadeloupe
Header Affiliation: (overseas department of France)
@Guadeloupe, Geography
Location: Caribbean, in the Caribbean Sea, 500 km southeast of Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 1,780 sq km land area: 1,760 sq km comparative area: 10 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 306 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical tempered by trade winds; relatively high humidity Terrain: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grand-Terre is low limestone formation Natural resources: cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism Land use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 40% other: 24% Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcano international agreements: NA
@Guadeloupe, People
Population:428,947 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.55% (1994 est.)Birth rate:17.68 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:3.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.97 yearsmale:73.91 yearsfemale:80.14 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.04 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Guadeloupian(s)adjective:GuadeloupeEthnic divisions:black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese lessthan 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%Languages:French, creole patoisLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1982)total population:90%male:90%female:91%Labor force:120,000by occupation:services, government, and commerce 53.0%, industry 25.8%, agriculture21.2%
@Guadeloupe, Government
Names:conventional long form:Department of Guadeloupeconventional short form:Guadeloupelocal long form:Departement de la Guadeloupelocal short form:GuadeloupeDigraph:GPType:overseas department of FranceCapital:Basse-TerreAdministrative divisions:none (overseas department of France)Independence:none (overseas department of France)National holiday:National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:French legal systemSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)head of government:Prefect Franck PERRIEZ (since NA 1992); President of the GeneralCouncil Dominique LARIFA (since NA); President of the Regional CouncilLucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)cabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional CouncilGeneral Council:elections last held NA March 1992 (next to be held by NA 1996);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (43 total) FRUI.G 13,RPR/DUD 13, PPDG 8, FGPS 3, PCG 3 UPLG 1, PSG 1, independent 1Regional Council:elections last held on 31 January 1993 (next to be held by 16 March1998); results - RPR/DUD 48.30%, FGPS 17.09%, FRUI.G 7.44%, PPDG8.90%, UPLG 7.75% PCG 6.05%; seats - (41 total) seats by party NAFrench Senate:elections last held in September 1986 (next to be held September1995); Guadeloupe elects two representatives; results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PCG 1, PS 1French National Assembly:elections last held on 21 and 28 March1993 (next to be held March1998); Guadeloupe elects four representatives; results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PS 1, RPR 1, PCG 1, independent 1Judicial branch:Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe,French Guiana, and MartiniquePolitical parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Aldo BLAISE; Communist Party ofGuadeloupe (PCG), Christian Medard CELESTE; Socialist Party (FGPS),Georges LOUISOR; Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe(UPLG), Lucien PERATIN; FGPS Dissidents (FRUI.G); Union for FrenchDemocracy (UDF), Simon BARLAGNE; Union for the Center Rally (URC;coalition of the FGPS, RPR, and UDF); Guadeloupe Objective (OG),Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY; Progressive Democratic Party (PPDG), HenriBANGOUOther political or pressure groups:Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG); PopularMovement for Independent Guadeloupe (MPGI); General Union ofGuadeloupe Workers (UGTG); General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers(CGT-G); Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (KLPG)Member of:FZ, WCL, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US:none (overseas department of France)US diplomatic representation:none (overseas department of France)Flag:the flag of France is used
@Guadeloupe, Economy
Overview:The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, andservices. It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies andimports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists from the US. Inaddition, an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit theislands. The traditionally important sugarcane crop is slowly beingreplaced by other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50%of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and rootcrops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe isstill dependent on imported food, which comes mainly from France.Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production. Mostmanufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especiallyhigh among the young.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$8,400 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.7% (1990)Unemployment rate:31.3% (1990)Budget:revenues:$333 millionexpenditures:$671 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989)Exports:$168 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:bananas, sugar, rumpartners:France 68%, Martinique 22% (1987)Imports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:vehicles, foodstuffs, clothing and other consumer goods, constructionmaterials, petroleum productspartners:France 64%, Italy, FRG, US (1987)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:171,500 kWproduction:441 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,080 kWh (1992)Industries:construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourismAgriculture:cash crops - bananas, sugarcane; other products include tropicalfruits and vegetables; livestock - cattle, pigs, goats; notself-sufficient in foodEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $4 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$8.235 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
@Guadeloupe, Communications