Railroads:privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation linesHighways:total:1,940 kmpaved:1,600 kmunpaved:gravel, earth 340 kmPorts:Pointe-a-Pitre, Basse-TerreAirports:total:9usable:9with permanent-surface runways:8with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:domestic facilities inadequate; 57,300 telephones; interislandmicrowave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, andMartinique; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 8 FM (30 private stationslicensed to broadcast FM), 9 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT groundstation
@Guadeloupe, Defense Forces
Branches:French Forces, GendarmerieNote:defense is responsibility of France
@Guam
Header Affiliation: (territory of the US)
@Guam, Geography
Location:Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,955 kmwest-southwest of Honolulu, about three-quarters of the way betweenHawaii and the PhilippinesMap references:OceaniaArea:total area:541.3 sq kmland area:541.3 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:125.5 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeasttrade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from Julyto December; little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralinelimestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastalcliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center,mountains in southNatural resources:fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)Land use:arable land:11%permanent crops:11%meadows and pastures:15%forest and woodland:18%other:45%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:frequent squalls during rainy season; subject to relatively rare, butpotentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August)international agreements:NANote:largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago;strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean
@Guam, People
Population:149,620 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.48% (1994 est.)Birth rate:25.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:3.86 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:15.17 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:74.29 yearsmale:72.42 yearsfemale:76.13 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.39 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Guamanian(s)adjective:GuamanianEthnic divisions:Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, Caucasian 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean,and other 18%Religions:Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%Languages:English, Chamorro, JapaneseLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:96%male:96%female:96%Labor force:46,930 (1990)by occupation:federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%,services 15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990)
@Guam, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territory of Guamconventional short form:GuamDigraph:GQType:organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relationsbetween Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office ofTerritorial and International Affairs, US Department of the InteriorCapital:AganaAdministrative divisions:none (territory of the US)Independence:none (territory of the US)National holiday:Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March) (1521); Liberation Day, 21JulyConstitution:Organic Act of 1 August 1950Legal system:modeled on US; federal laws applySuffrage:18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in USpresidential electionsExecutive branch:chief of state:President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); VicePresident Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)head of government:Governor Joseph A. ADA (since November 1986); Lieutenant GovernorFrank F. BLAS (since NA); election last held on 6 November 1990 (nextto be held NA November 1994); results - Joseph F. ADA reelectedcabinet:executive departments; heads appointed by the governor with theconsent of the Guam legislatureLegislative branch:unicameralLegislature:elections last held on 9 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total)Democratic 14, Republican 7US House of Representatives:elections last held 9 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1994); Guam elects one delegate; results - Robert UNDERWOOD waselected as delegate; seats - (1 total) Democrat 1Judicial branch:Federal District Court, Territorial Superior CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Democratic Party (controls the legislature); Republican Party (partyof the Governor)Member of:ESCAP (associate), IOC, SPCDiplomatic representation in US:none (territory of the US)US diplomatic representation:none (territory of the US)Flag:territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all foursides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipsecontaining a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm treewith the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is thenational flag
@Guam, Economy
Overview:The economy depends mainly on US military spending and on revenuesfrom tourism. Over the past 20 years the tourist industry has grownrapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansionof older ones. Visitors numbered about 900,000 in 1992. The slowdownin Japanese economic growth has been reflected in less vigorous growthin the tourism sector. About 60% of the labor force works for theprivate sector and the rest for government. Most food and industrialgoods are imported, with about 75% from the US. In early 1994, Guamfaces the problem of building up the civilian economic sector tooffset the impact of military downsizing.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $2 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$14,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:2% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$525 millionexpenditures:$395 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991)Exports:$34 million (f.o.b., 1984)commodities:mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, constructionmaterials, fish, food and beverage productspartners:US 25%, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12%Imports:$493 million (c.i.f., 1984)commodities:petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goodspartners:US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:500,000 kWproduction:2.3 billion kWhconsumption per capita:16,300 kWh (1990)Industries:US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concreteproducts, printing and publishing, food processing, textilesAgriculture:relatively undeveloped with most food imported; fruits, vegetables,eggs, pork, poultry, beef, copraEconomic aid:although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transferpayments from the general revenues of the US Federal Treasury intowhich Guamanians pay no income or excise taxes; under the provisionsof a special law of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury, rather than theUS Treasury, receives federal income taxes paid by military andcivilian Federal employees stationed in GuamCurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Guam, Communications
Highways: total: 674 km (all-weather roads) paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: Apra Harbor Airports: total: 5 usable: 4 with permanent-surface runways: 3 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 3 with runways 1,200-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: 26,317 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 3 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT ground stations
@Guam, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
@Guatemala, Geography
Location:Middle America, between Honduras and MexicoMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zonesof the WorldArea:total area:108,890 sq kmland area:108,430 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than TennesseeLand boundaries:total 1,687 km, Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km,Mexico 962 kmCoastline:400 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:the outer edge of the continental shelfexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:maritime border with Belize in dispute; desultory negotiations toresolve the dispute have begunClimate:tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlandsTerrain:mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestoneplateau (Peten)Natural resources:petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicleLand use:arable land:12%permanent crops:4%meadows and pastures:12%forest and woodland:40%other:32%Irrigated land:780 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; water pollutionnatural hazards:numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequent violent earthquakes;Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical stormsinternational agreements:party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Hazardous Wastes, Law of the SeaNote:no natural harbors on west coast
@Guatemala, People
Population:10,721,387 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.58% (1994 est.)Birth rate:35.42 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:7.53 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-2.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:53.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:64.42 yearsmale:61.86 yearsfemale:67.1 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:4.76 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Guatemalan(s)adjective:GuatemalanEthnic divisions:Ladino 56% (mestizo - mixed Indian and European ancestry), Indian 44%Religions:Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional MayanLanguages:Spanish 60%, Indian language 40% (18 Indian dialects, includingQuiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:55%male:63%female:47%Labor force:2.5 millionby occupation:agriculture 60%, services 13%, manufacturing 12%, commerce 7%,construction 4%, transport 3%, utilities 0.7%, mining 0.3% (1985)
@Guatemala, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Guatemalaconventional short form:Guatemalalocal long form:Republica de Guatemalalocal short form:GuatemalaDigraph:GTType:republicCapital:GuatemalaAdministrative divisions:22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz,Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla,Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten,Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, SantaRosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, ZacapaIndependence:15 September 1821 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Constitution:31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986note:suspended on 25 May 1993 by President SERRANO; reinstated on 5 June1993 following ouster of presidentLegal system:civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Ramiro DE LEON Carpio (since 6 June 1993); Vice PresidentArturo HERBRUGER (since 18 June 1993); election runoff held on 11January 1991 (next to be held 11 November 1995); results - JorgeSERRANO Elias (MAS) 68.1%, Jorge CARPIO Nicolle (UCN) 31.9%note:President SERRANO resigned on 1 June 1993 shortly after dissolvingCongress and the judiciary; on 6 June 1993, Ramiro DE LEON Carpio waschosen as the new president by a vote of Congress; he will finish offthe remainder of SERRANO's five-year term which expires in 1995cabinet:Council of Ministers; named by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralCongress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica):last held on 11 November 1990 (next to be held 11 November 1995);results - UCN 25.6%, MAS 24.3%, DCG 17.5%, PAN 17.3%, MLN 4.8%,PSD/AP-5 3.6%, PR 2.1%; seats - (116 total) UCN 38, DCG 27, MAS 18,PAN 12, Pro-Rios Montt 10, MLN 4, PR 1, PSD/AP-5 1, independent 5note:by agreement of 11 November 1993, a special election is to be held inmid-1994 to elect a new congressJudicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)Political parties and leaders:National Centrist Union (UCN), (vacant); Solidarity Action Movement(MAS), Oliverio GARCIA Rodas; Christian Democratic Party (DCG),Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo; National Advancement Party (PAN), Alvaro ARZUIrigoyen; National Liberation Movement (MLN), Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon;Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mario SOLARZANO Martinez; PopularAlliance 5 (AP-5), Max ORLANDO Molina; Revolutionary Party (PR),Carlos CHAVARRIA Perez; National Authentic Center (CAN), Hector MAYORADawe; Democratic Institutional Party (PID), Oscar RIVAS; NationalistUnited Front (FUN), Gabriel GIRON; Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG),Efrain RIOS MonttOther political or pressure groups:Coordinating Comittee of Agricultural, Comercial, Industrial, andFinancial Associations (CACIF); Mutual Support Group (GAM); AgrarianOwners Group (UNAGRO); Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC); leftistguerrilla movement known as Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union(URNG) has four main factions - Guerrilla army of the Poor (EGP);Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA); Rebel ArmedForces (FAR); Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT/O)Member of:BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM,ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Edmond MULET Lesseurchancery:2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 745-4952 through 4954FAX:(202) 745-1908consulate(s) general:Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Marilyn McAFEE (since 28 May 1993)embassy:7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala Citymailing address:APO AA 34024telephone:[502] (2) 31-15-41FAX:[502] (2) 31-88-55Flag:three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, andlight blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coatof arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and ascroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (theoriginal date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pairof crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath
@Guatemala, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, whichaccounts for 26% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, andsupplies two-thirds of exports. Manufacturing, predominantly inprivate hands, accounts for about 18% of GDP and 12% of the laborforce. In both 1990 and 1991, the economy grew by 3%, the fourth andfifth consecutive years of mild growth. In 1992 growth picked up toalmost 5% as government policies favoring competition and foreigntrade and investment took stronger hold. In 1993, despite politicalunrest, this momentum continued, foreign investment held up, andgrowth was estimated at 4%.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent- $31.3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:4% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$3,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):11.6% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:6.1%; underemployment 30%-40% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$604 million (1990)expenditures:$808 million, including capital expenditures of $134 million (1990)Exports:$1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:coffee, sugar, bananas, cardamon, beefpartners:US 37%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, HondurasImports:$2.6 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motorvehiclespartners:US 45%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, GermanyExternal debt:$2.2 billion ( 1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 1.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity:capacity:847,600 kWproduction:2.5 billion kWhconsumption per capita:260 kWh (1992)Industries:sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals,rubber, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 26% of GDP; most important sector of economy; contributestwo-thirds of export earnings; principal crops - sugarcane, corn,bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; livestock - cattle, sheep, pigs,chickens; food importerIllicit drugs:transit country for cocaine shipments; illicit producer of opium poppyand cannabis for the international drug trade; the government has anactive eradication program for cannabis and opium poppyEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $1.1 billion; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.92billionCurrency:1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavosExchange rates:free market quetzales (Q) per US$1 - 5.8542 (January 1994), 5,6354(1993), 5.1706 (1992), 5.0289 (1991), 4.4858 (1990), 2.8161 (1989);note - black-market rate 2.800 (May 1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Guatemala, Communications
Railroads:1,019 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; 917 km government owned, 102km privately ownedHighways:total:26,429 kmpaved:2,868 kmunpaved:gravel 11,421 km; unimproved earth 12,140 kmInland waterways:260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable duringhigh-water seasonPipelines:crude oil 275 kmPorts:Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de CastillaMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,129 GRT/6,450 DWTAirports:total:523usable:465with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:20Telecommunications:fairly modern network centered in the city of Guatemala; 97,670telephones; broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 25 TV, 15 shortwave;connection into Central American Microwave System; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Guatemala, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,491,582; fit for military service 1,629,222; reachmilitary age (18) annually 119,545 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $121 million, 1% of GDP (1993)
@Guernsey
HeaderAffiliation:(British crown dependency)
@Guernsey, Geography
Location: Western Europe, in the English Channel, 52 km west of France between UK and France Map references: Europe Area: total area: 194 sq km land area: 194 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 50 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Terrain: mostly level with low hills in southwest Natural resources: cropland Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port
@Guernsey, People
Population: 63,719 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.01% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.21 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.97 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 6.81 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: 78.15 years male: 75.45 years female: 80.88 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Ethnic divisions: UK and Norman-French descent Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist Languages: English, French; Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA
@Guernsey, Government
Names:conventional long form:Bailiwick of Guernseyconventional short form:GuernseyDigraph:GKType:British crown dependencyCapital:Saint Peter PortAdministrative divisions:none (British crown dependency)Independence:none (British crown dependency)National holiday:Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)Constitution:unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practiceLegal system:English law and local statute; justice is administered by the RoyalCourtSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government:Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Lt. Gen. Sir MichaelWILKINS (since NA 1990); Bailiff Mr. Graham Martyn DOREY (sinceFebruary 1992)cabinet:Advisory and Finance Committee (other committees); appointed by theStatesLegislative branch:unicameralAssembly of the States:elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent ofvote by party since all are independents; seats - (60 total, 33elected), all independentsJudicial branch:Royal CourtPolitical parties and leaders:none; all independentsMember of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (British crown dependency)US diplomatic representation:none (British crown dependency)Flag:white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England)extending to the edges of the flag
@Guernsey, Economy
Overview:Financial services account from more than 50% of total income.Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cutflowers, have been declining. Bank profits (1992) registered a record26% growth. Fund management and insurance are the two other majorincome generators.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:9% (1987)National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1988)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$208.9 millionexpenditures:$173.9 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988)Exports:$NAcommodities:tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetablespartners:UK (regarded as internal trade)Imports:$NAcommodities:coal, gasoline, and oilpartners:UK (regarded as internal trade)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:173,000 kWproduction:525 million kWhconsumption per capita:9,060 kWh (1992)Industries:tourism, bankingAgriculture:tomatoes, flowers (mostly grown in greenhouses), sweet peppers,eggplant, other vegetables, fruit; Guernsey cattleEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Guernsey (#G) pound = 100 penceExchange rates:Guernsey 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 - theGuernsey pound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:calendar year
@Guernsey, Communications
Highways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson Airports: total: 2 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 41,900 telephones; 1 submarine cable
@Guernsey, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Guinea, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean betweenGuinea-Bissau and Sierra LeoneMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:245,860 sq kmland area:245,860 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than OregonLand boundaries:total 3,399 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Liberia563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 kmCoastline:320 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June toNovember) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) withnortheasterly harmattan windsTerrain:generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interiorNatural resources:bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fishLand use:arable land:6%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:12%forest and woodland:42%other:40%Irrigated land:240 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; inadequate supplies of safe drinking water;desertification; soil contamination and erosionnatural hazards:hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry seasoninternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law ofthe Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
@Guinea, People
Population: 6,391,536 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.45% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 44.08 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 19.6 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 139.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 44.13 years male: 41.9 years female: 46.43 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.85 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Guinean(s) adjective: Guinean Ethnic divisions: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, indigenous tribes 10% Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7% Languages: French (official); each tribe has its own language Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 24% male: 35% female: 13% Labor force: 2.4 million (1983) by occupation: agriculture 82.0%, industry and commerce 11.0%, services 5.4% note: 88,112 civil servants (1987); 52% of population of working age (1985)
@Guinea, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Guineaconventional short form:Guinealocal long form:Republique de Guineelocal short form:Guineeformer:French GuineaDigraph:GVType:republicCapital:ConakryAdministrative divisions:33 administrative regions (regions administratives, singular - regionadministrative); Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba,Dinguiraye, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan,Kerouane, Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe,Lelouma, Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita,Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue, YomouIndependence:2 October 1958 (from France)National holiday:Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984)Constitution:23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)Legal system:based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legalcodes currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Lansana CONTE, elected in the first multi-party election 19December 1993 prior to the election he had ruled as head of militarygovernment since 5 April 1984cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralPeople's National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire):the People's National Assembly was dissolved after the 3 April 1984coup; framework established in December 1991 for a new NationalAssembly with 114 seats; legislative elections are scheduled for 1994Judicial branch:Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel)Political parties and leaders:political parties were legalized on 1 April 1992pro-government:Party for Unity and Progress (PUP)other:Rally for the Guinean People (RPG), Alpha CONDE; Union for a NewRepublic (UNR), Mamadou BAH; Party for Renewal and Progress (PRP),Siradiou DIALLOMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO (observer), ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Elhadj Boubacar BARRYchancery:2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 483-9420FAX:(202) 483-8688US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph A. SALOOMembassy:2nd Boulevard and 9th Avenue, Conakrymailing address:B. P. 603, Conakrytelephone:(224) 44-15-20 through 24FAX:(224) 44-15-22Flag:three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green;uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flagof Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellowband
@Guinea, Economy
Overview:Although possessing major mineral and hydropower resources andconsiderable potential for agricultural development, Guinea remainsone of the poorest countries in the world. The agricultural sectorcontributes about 40% to GDP and employs more than 80% of the workforce, while industry accounts for 27% of GDP. Guinea possesses over25% of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounted for85% of exports in 1991. Long-run improvements in literacy, financialinstitutions, and the legal framework are needed if the country is tomove out of poverty. Except in the bauxite industry, foreigninvestment remains minimal.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3.1 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:3.2% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):16.6% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$449 millionexpenditures:$708 million, including capital expenditures of $361 million (1990est.)Exports:$622 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:bauxite, alumina, diamonds, gold, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palmkernelspartners:US 23%, Belgium 12%, Ireland 12%, Spain 12%Imports:$768 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment,foodstuffs, textiles, and other grainpartners:France 26%, Cote d'Ivoire 12%, Hong Kong 6%, Germany 6%External debt:2.5 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity:capacity:113,000 kWproduction:300 million kWhconsumption per capita:40 kWh (1989)Industries:bauxite mining, alumina, gold, diamond mining, light manufacturing andagricultural processing industriesAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP (includes fishing and forestry); mostlysubsistence farming; principal products - rice, coffee, pineapples,palm kernels, cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, timber; livestock -cattle, sheep and goats; not self-sufficient in food grainsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $227 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$1.465 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $120 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $446 millionCurrency:1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Guinean francs (FG) per US$1 - 810.94 (1 July 1993), 922.9 (30September 1992), 675 (1990), 618 (1989), 515 (1988), 440 (1987), 383(1986)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Guinea, Communications
Railroads:1,045 km; 806 km 1.000-meter gauge, 239 km 1.435-meter standard gaugeHighways:total:30,100 kmpaved:1,145 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone 12,955 km (of which barely 4,500 are currentlyall-weather roads); unimproved earth 16,000 km (1987)Inland waterways:1,295 km navigable by shallow-draft native craftPorts:Conakry, KamsarAirports:total:15usable:15with permanent-surface runways:4with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:10Telecommunications:poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small radiocommunicationstations, and new radio relay system; 15,000 telephones; broadcaststations - 3 AM 1 FM, 1 TV; 65,000 TV sets; 200,000 radio receivers; 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Guinea, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (acts primarily as a coast guard), Air Force, PresidentialGuard, Republican Guard, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, NationalPolice ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,440,297; fit for military service 726,543Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.2% of GDP (1988)
@Guinea-Bissau, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Guinea andSenegalMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:36,120 sq kmland area:28,000 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than three times the size of ConnecticutLand boundaries:total 724 km, Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 kmCoastline:350 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Guinea-Bissau and Senegal signed an agreement resolving their maritimeboundary in 1993Climate:tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (Juneto November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May)with northeasterly harmattan windsTerrain:mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in eastNatural resources:unexploited deposits of petroleum, bauxite, phosphates, fish, timberLand use:arable land:11%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:43%forest and woodland:38%other:7%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazingnatural hazards:hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dryseason; brush firesinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban,Wetlands; signed, but not ratifed - Biodiversity, Climate Change
@Guinea-Bissau, People
Population: 1,098,231 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.37% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.75 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 17.03 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 120 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.44 years male: 45.79 years female: 49.15 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.51 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Guinea-Bissauan(s) adjective: Guinea-Bissauan Ethnic divisions: African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 30%, Christian 5% Languages: Portuguese (official), Criolo, African languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 36% male: 50% female: 24% Labor force: 403,000 (est.) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry, services, and commerce 5%, government 5% note: population of working age 53% (1983)
@Guinea-Bissau, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Guinea-Bissauconventional short form:Guinea-Bissaulocal long form:Republica de Guine-Bissaulocal short form:Guine-Bissauformer:Portuguese GuineaDigraph:PUType:republic formerly highly centralized, multiparty since mid-1991Capital:BissauAdministrative divisions:9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau,Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, TombaliIndependence:10 September 1974 (from Portugal)National holiday:Independence Day, 10 September (1974)Constitution:16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991 (currently undergoing revision toliberalize popular participation in the government)Legal system:NASuffrage:15 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President of the Council of State Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (assumedpower 14 November 1980 and was elected President of Council of Stateon 16 May 1984); election last held 19 June 1989 (next to be held 3July 1994); results - Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA was reelected withoutopposition by the National People's AssemblyCouncil of State:this body is elected by the National People's Assembly from among itsown members to legislate between sessions of the National People'sAssemblycabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralNational People's Assembly:(Assembleia Nacional Popular) elections last held 15 June 1989 (nextto be held 3 July 1994); results - PAIGC was the only party; seats -(150 total) PAIGC 150Judicial branch:none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of MinistersPolitical parties and leaders:African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde(PAIGC), President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader; Democratic SocialFront (FDS), Rafael BARBOSA, leader; Bafata Movement, DomingosFernandes GARNER, leader; Democratic Front (FD), Aristides MENEZES,leadernote:PAIGC is still the major party (of 10 parties) and controls allaspects of the governmentMember of:ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL,IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Alfredo Lopes CABRALchancery:918 16th Street NW, Mezzanine Suite, Washington, DC 20006telephone:(202) 872-4222FAX:(202) 872-4226US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Roger A. McGUIREembassy:Barrio de Penha, Bissaumailing address:C.P. 297, 1067 Bissau Codex, Bissau, Guinea-Bissautelephone:[245] 25-2273, 25-2274, 25-2275, 25-2276FAX:[245] 25-2282Flag:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a verticalred band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed starcentered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors ofEthiopia; similar to the flag of Cape Verde, which has the black starraised above the center of the red band and is framed by two cornstalks and a yellow clam shell
@Guinea-Bissau, Economy
Overview:Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world, with aper capita GDP of roughly $800. Agriculture and fishing are the maineconomic activities. Cashew nuts, peanuts, and palm kernels are theprimary exports. Exploitation of known mineral deposits is unlikely atpresent because of a weak infrastructure and the high cost ofdevelopment.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $860 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NANational product per capita:$800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):55% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$33.6 millionexpenditures:$44.8 million, including capital expenditures of $570,000 (1991 est.)Exports:$20.4 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:cashews, fish, peanuts, palm kernelspartners:Portugal, Spain, Senegal, India, NigeriaImports:$63.5 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, transport equipment, petroleum products, machinery andequipmentpartners:Portugal, Netherlands, China, Germany, SenegalExternal debt:$462 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 0.1% (1991 est.); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity:capacity:22,000 kWproduction:30 million kWhconsumption per capita:30 kWh (1991)Industries:agricultural processing, beer, soft drinksAgriculture:accounts for over 45% of GDP, nearly 100% of exports, and 90% ofemployment; rice is the staple food; other crops include corn, beans,cassava, cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, and cotton; notself-sufficient in food; fishing and forestry potential not fullyexploitedEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $615million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $41 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $68 millionCurrency:1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Guinea-Bissauan pesos (PG) per US$1 - 11,850 (December 1993), 10,082(1993), 6,934 (1992), 3,659 (1991), 2,185 (1990), 1,810 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Guinea-Bissau, Communications
Highways: total: 3,218 km paved: bituminous 2,698 km unpaved: earth 520 km Inland waterways: scattered stretches are important to coastal commerce Ports: Bissau Airports: total: 32 usable: 16 with permanent-surface runways: 4 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 5 Telecommunications: poor system of radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiocommunications; 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 1 TV
@Guinea-Bissau, Defense Forces
Branches:People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; including Army, Navy, AirForce), paramilitary forceManpower availability:males age 15-49 243,715; fit for military service 139,161Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $9.3 million, 5%-6% of GDP (1987)
@Guyana, Geography
Location:Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean betweenSuriname and VenezuelaMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:214,970 sq kmland area:196,850 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than IdahoLand boundaries:total 2,462 km, Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 kmCoastline:459 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200 nm or the outer edge of continental marginexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela;Suriname claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) andCourantyne/Kutari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)Climate:tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainyseasons (May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)Terrain:mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in southNatural resources:bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fishLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:83%other:8%Irrigated land:1,300 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals;deforestationnatural hazards:flash floods a constant threat during rainy seasonsinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratifed - Biodiversity, ClimateChange
@Guyana, People
Population:729,425 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:-0.75% (1994 est.)Birth rate:19.95 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:7.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-20.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:48.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:64.9 yearsmale:61.66 yearsfemale:68.3 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.29 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Guyanese (singular and plural)adjective:GuyaneseEthnic divisions:East Indian 51%, black and mixed 43%, Amerindian 4%, European andChinese 2%Religions:Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1%Languages:English, Amerindian dialectsLiteracy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1990 est.)total population:95%male:98%female:96%Labor force:268,000by occupation:industry and commerce 44.5%, agriculture 33.8%, services 21.7%note:public-sector employment amounts to 60-80% of the total labor force(1985)
@Guyana, Government
Names:conventional long form:Co-operative Republic of Guyanaconventional short form:Guyanaformer:British GuianaDigraph:GYType:republicCapital:GeorgetownAdministrative divisions:10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, EastBerbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice,Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, UpperTakutu-Upper EssequiboIndependence:26 May 1966 (from UK)National holiday:Republic Day, 23 February (1970)Constitution:6 October 1980Legal system:based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutchlaw; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Executive President Cheddi JAGAN (since 5 October 1992); First VicePresident Sam HINDS (since 5 October 1992); election last held on 5October 1992; results - Cheddi JAGAN was elected president since hewas leader of the party with the most votes in the National Assemblyelectionshead of government:Prime Minister Sam HINDS (since 5 October 1992)cabinet:Cabinet of Ministers; appointed by the president, responsible to thelegislatureLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly:elections last held on 5 October 1992 (next to be held in 1997);results - PPP 53.4%, PNC 42.3%, WPA 2%, TUF 1.2%; seats - (65 total,53 elected) PPP 36, PNC 26, WPA 2, TUF 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court of JudicaturePolitical parties and leaders:People's Progressive Party (PPP), Cheddi JAGAN; People's NationalCongress (PNC), Hugh Desmond HOYTE;; People's National Congress (PNC),Hugh Desmond HOYTE; Working People's Alliance (WPA), Eusi KWAYANA,Rupert ROOPNARINE; Democratic Labor Movement (DLM), Paul TENNASSEE;People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Llewellyn JOHN; NationalDemocratic Front (NDF), Joseph BACCHUS; The United Force (TUF),Manzoor NADIR; United Republican Party (URP), Leslie RAMSAMMY;National Republican Party (NRP), Robert GANGADEEN; Guyana Labor Party(GLP), Nanda GOPAULOther political or pressure groups:Trades Union Congress (TUC); Guyana Council of Indian Organizations(GCIO); Civil Liberties Action Committee (CLAC)note:the latter two organizations are small and active but not wellorganizedMember of:ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user),INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Dr. Ali Odeen ISHMAELchancery:2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-6900 through 6903US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador George F. Jonesembassy:99-100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingstown, Georgetownmailing address:P. O. Box 10507, Georgetowntelephone:[592] (2) 54900 through 54909 and 57960 through 57969FAX:[592] (2) 58497Flag:green with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side)superimposed on a long yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow blackborder between the red and yellow, and a narrow white border betweenthe yellow and the green
@Guyana, Economy
Overview:Guyana, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, haspushed ahead strongly in 1991-93, at 7% average annual growth rate.Favorable factors include recovery in the key agricultural and miningsectors, a more favorable atmosphere for business initiative, a morerealistic exchange rate, a sharp drop in the inflation rate, and thecontinued support of international organizations. Serious underlyingeconomic problems will continue. Electric power has been in shortsupply and constitutes a major barrier to future gains in nationaloutput. The government will have to persist in efforts to controlexternal debt and inflation and to extend the privatization program.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:8.3% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$1,900 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1993Unemployment rate:12% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$121 millionexpenditures:$225 million, including capital expenditures of $50 million (1990est.)Exports:$400 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:sugar, bauxite/alumina, rice, shrimp, molassespartners:UK 33%, US 31%, Canada 9%, France 5%, Japan 3%, (1992)Imports:$520 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:manufactures, machinery, petroleum, foodpartners:US 37%, Trinidad and Tobago 13%, UK 11%, Italy 8%, Japan 5% (1992)External debt:$1.9 billion including arrears (1992 est)Industrial production:growth rate 11% (1991 est.); accounts for about 11% of GDPElectricity:capacity:253,500 kWproduction:276 million kWhconsumption per capita:370 kWh (1992)Industries:bauxite mining, sugar, rice milling, timber, fishing (shrimp),textiles, gold miningAgriculture:most important sector, accounting for 25% of GDP and about half ofexports; sugar and rice are key crops; development potential existsfor fishing and forestry; not self-sufficient in food, especiallywheat, vegetable oils, and animal productsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $116 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $325million; Communist countries 1970-89, $242 millionCurrency:1 Guyanese dollar (G$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Guyanese dollars (G$) per US$1 - 130.7 (January 1994), 126.7 (1993),125.0 (1992), 111.8 (1991), 39.533 (1990), 27.159 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Guyana, Communications
Railroads:no public railroads; about 100 km of narrow gauge industrial railroadsto transport minerals, including bauxiteHighways:total:7,665 kmpaved:550 kmunpaved:gravel 5,000 km; earth 2,115 kmInland waterways:6,000 km total of navigable waterways; Berbice, Demerara, andEssequibo Rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100km, and 80 km, respectivelyPorts:Georgetown, New AmsterdamMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,317 GRT/2,558 DWTAirports:total:53usable:48with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:12Telecommunications:fair system with radio relay network; over 27,000 telephones;tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3FM, no TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Guyana, Defense Forces
Branches:Guyana Defense Force (GDF; including the Ground Forces, Coast Guardand Air Corps), Guyana People's Militia (GPM), Guyana National Service(GNS)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 197,802; fit for military service 150,072Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Haiti, Geography
Location:Caribbean, in the northern Caribbean Sea, about 90 km southeast ofCubaMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:27,750 sq kmland area:27,560 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:total 275 km, Dominican Republic 275 kmCoastline:1,771 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims US-administered Navassa IslandClimate:tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade windsTerrain:mostly rough and mountainousNatural resources:bauxiteLand use:arable land:20%permanent crops:13%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:4%other:45%Irrigated land:750 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosionnatural hazards:lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe stormsfrom June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakesinternational agreements:party to - Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation; signed, but notratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test BanNote:shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-thirdis Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)
@Haiti, People
Population:6,491,450 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.63% (1994 est.)Birth rate:39.72 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:18.78 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-4.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:108.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:45.11 yearsmale:43.45 yearsfemale:46.85 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:5.94 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Haitian(s)adjective:HaitianEthnic divisions:black 95%, mulatto and European 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 80% (of which an overwhelming majority also practiceVoodoo), Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%,other 1%), none 1%, other 3% (1982)Languages:French (official) 10%, CreoleLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:53%male:59%female:47%Labor force:2.3 millionby occupation:agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%note:shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1982)
@Haiti, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Haiticonventional short form:Haitilocal long form:Republique d'Haitilocal short form:HaitiDigraph:HAType:republicCapital:Port-au-PrinceAdministrative divisions:9 departments, (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite,Centre, Grand'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-EstIndependence:1 January 1804 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 1 January (1804)Constitution:constitution approved March 1987, suspended June 1988, most articlesreinstated March 1989; October 1991, government claims to be observingthe ConstitutionLegal system:based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7 February 1991), ousted in acoup in September 1991, but still recognized by internationalcommunity as Chief of State; election last held 16 December 1990 (nextto be held by December 1995); results - Rev. Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE67.5%, Marc BAZIN 14.2%, Louis DEJOIE 4.9%head of government:acting Prime Minister Robert MALVAL (since August 1993)cabinet:Cabinet; chosen by prime minister in consultation with the presidentLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Senate:elections last held 18 January 1993, widely condemned as illegitimate(next to be held December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats -(27 total) FNCD 12, ANDP 8, PAIN 2, MRN 1, RDNP 1, PNT 1, independent2Chamber of Deputies:elections last held 16 December 1990, with runoff held 20 January 1991(next to be held by December 1994); results - percent of vote NA;seats - (83 total) FNCD 27, ANDP 17, PDCH 7, PAIN 6, RDNP 6, MDN 5,PNT 3, MKN 2, MODELH 2, MRN 1, independents 5, other 2Judicial branch:Court of Appeal (Cour de Cassation)Political parties and leaders:National Front for Change and Democracy (FNCD), including NationalCongress of Democratic Movements (CONACOM), Victor BENOIT, andNational Cooperative Action Movement (MKN), Volvick Remy JOSEPH;Movement for the Installation of Democracy in Haiti (MIDH), MarcBAZIN; National Progressive Revolutionary Party (PANPRA), SergeGILLES; National Patriotic Movement of November 28 (MNP-28), DejeanBELIZAIRE; National Agricultural and Industrial Party (PAIN), LouisDEJOIE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MRN), Rene THEODORE;Haitian Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Joseph DOUZE; Assembly ofProgressive National Democrats (RDNP), Leslie MANIGAT; National Partyof Labor (PNT), Thomas DESULME; Mobilization for National Development(MDN), Hubert DE RONCERAY; Democratic Movement for the Liberation ofHaiti (MODELH), Francois LATORTUE; Haitian Social Christian Party(PSCH), Gregoire EUGENE; Movement for the Organization of the Country(MOP), Gesner COMEAU and Jean MOLIEREOther political or pressure groups:Democratic Unity Confederation (KID); Roman Catholic Church;Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH); Federation of Workers TradeUnions (FOS); Autonomous Haitian Workers (CATH); National PopularAssembly (APN); Revolutionary Front for Haitian Advancement andProgress (FRAPH)Member of:ACCT, ACP, CARICOM (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB,IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jean CASIMIRchancery:2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-4090 through 4092FAX:(202) 745-7215consulate(s) general:Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William Lacy SWINGembassy:Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Princemailing address:P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Princetelephone:[509] 22-0354, 22-0368, 22-0200, or 22-0612FAX:[509] 23-1641Flag:two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered whiterectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flankedby flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAITLA FORCE (Union Makes Strength)
@Haiti, Economy
Overview:About 75% of the population live in abject poverty. Agriculture ismainly small-scale subsistence farming and employs nearlythree-fourths of the work force. The majority of the population doesnot have ready access to safe drinking water, adequate medical care,or sufficient food. Few social assistance programs exist, and the lackof employment opportunities remains one of the most critical problemsfacing the economy, along with soil erosion and political instability.Trade sanctions applied by the Organization of American States inresponse to the September 1991 coup against President ARISTIDE havefurther damaged the economy. Output continued to drop in 1993 althoughnot as sharply as in 1992.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $5.2 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-13% (FY92 est.)National product per capita:$800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):20% (FY92 est.)Unemployment rate:25%-50% (1991)Budget:revenues:$300 millionexpenditures:$416 million, including capital expenditures of $145 million (1990est.)Exports:$135 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:light manufactures 65%, coffee 19%, other agriculture 8%, other 8%partners:US 84%, Italy 4%, France 3%, other industrial countries 6%, lessdeveloped countries 3% (1987)Imports:$423 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:machines and manufactures 34%, food and beverages 22%, petroleumproducts 14%, chemicals 10%, fats and oils 9%partners:US 64%, Netherlands Antilles 5%, Japan 5%, France 4%, Canada 3%,Germany 3% (1987)External debt:$838 million (December 1990)Industrial production:growth rate -2% (1991 est.); accounts for 15% of GDPElectricity:capacity:217,000 kWproduction:480 million kWhconsumption per capita:75 kWh (1992)Industries:sugar refining, textiles, flour milling, cement manufacturing,tourism, light assembly industries based on imported partsAgriculture:accounts for 28% of GDP and employs around 70% of work force; mostlysmall-scale subsistence farms; commercial crops - coffee, mangoes,sugarcane, wood; staple crops - rice, corn, sorghum; shortage of wheatflourIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana en route to the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $700 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $770millionCurrency:1 gourde (G) = 100 centimesExchange rates:gourdes (G) per US$1 - 12.00 (1 July 1993), 8.4 (December 1991), fixedrate of 5.000 through second quarter of 1991Fiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Haiti, Communications
Railroads:40 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge, single-track, privately ownedindustrial lineHighways:total:4,000 kmpaved:950 kmunpaved:otherwise improved 900 km; unimproved earth 2,150 kmInland waterways:negligible; less than 100 km navigablePorts:Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitien; six minor portsAirports:total:14usable:11with permanent-surface runways:3with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:3Telecommunications:domestic facilities barely adequate, international facilities slightlybetter; 36,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 33 AM, no FM, 4 TV, 2shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Haiti, Defense Forces