@Liberia, Defense Forces
Branches:the ultimate structure of the Liberian military force will depend onwho is the victor in the ongoing civil warManpower availability:males age 15-49 707,927; fit for military service 377,950Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Libya, Geography
Location:Northern Africa, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea,between Egypt and TunisiaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,759,540 sq kmland area:1,759,540 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries:total 4,383 km, Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 kmCoastline:1,770 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmGulf of Sidra closing line:32 degrees 30 minutes northInternational disputes:the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in February 1994 thatthe 100,000 sq km Aozou Strip between Chad and Libya belongs to Chad,and that Libya must withdraw from it by 31 May 1994; Libya hadwithdrawn its forces in response to the ICJ ruling, but as of June1994 still maintained an airfield in the disputed area; maritimeboundary dispute with Tunisia; claims part of northern Niger and partof southeastern AlgeriaClimate:Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interiorTerrain:mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressionsNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, gypsumLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:8%forest and woodland:0%other:90%Irrigated land:2,420 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:desertification; sparse natural surface-water resources; the GreatManmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in theworld, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under theSahara to coastal citiesnatural hazards:hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to fourdays in spring and fallinternational agreements:party to - Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection;signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of theSea
@Libya, People
Population:5,057,392 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.72% (1994 est.)Birth rate:45.29 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:8.14 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:63.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:63.88 yearsmale:61.73 yearsfemale:66.13 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.38 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Libyan(s)adjective:LibyanEthnic divisions:Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis,Turks, Indians, TunisiansReligions:Sunni Muslim 97%Languages:Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the majorcitiesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:64%male:75%female:50%Labor force:1 million (includes about 280,000 resident foreigners)by occupation:industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18%
@Libya, Government
Names:conventional long form:Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyaconventional short form:Libyalocal long form:Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishirakiyahlocal short form:noneDigraph:LYType:Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populacethrough local councils; in fact, a military dictatorshipCapital:TripoliAdministrative divisions:25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat); Ajdabiya, Al'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, AlKufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi,Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt,Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, ZlitanIndependence:24 December 1951 (from Italy)National holiday:Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)Constitution:11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977Legal system:based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religiouscourts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislativeacts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state:Revolutionary Leader Col. Mu'ammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1September 1969)head of government:Chairman of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abd al Majidal-Qa'ud (since 29 January 1994)cabinet:General People's Committee; established by the General People'sCongressnote:national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples'committeesLegislative branch:unicameralGeneral People's Congress:national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples'committeesJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:noneOther political or pressure groups:various Arab nationalist movements with almost negligible membershipsmay be functioning clandestinely, as well as some Islamic elementsMember of:ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:noneUS diplomatic representation:noneFlag:plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the statereligion)
@Libya, Economy
Overview: The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contributes practically all export earnings and about one-third of GDP. In 1990 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at $5,410, but GDP growth rates have slowed and fluctuate sharply in response to changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have led to shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. Windfall revenues from the hike in world oil prices in late 1990 improved the foreign payments position and resulted in a current account surplus through 1992. The nonoil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for only 5% of GDP, it employs about 20% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food requirements. The UN sanctions imposed in April 1992 have not yet had a major impact on the economy because Libya's oil revenues generate sufficient foreign exchange that, along with Libya's large currency reserves, sustain food and consumer goods imports as well as equipment for the oil industry and ongoing development projects. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $32 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $6,600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $8.1 billion expenditures: $9.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (1989 est.) Exports: $7.7 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas partners: Italy, Germany, Spain, France, UK, Turkey, Greece, Egypt Imports: $8.26 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods partners: Italy, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, Eastern Europe External debt: $3.5 billion excluding military debt (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 10.5% (1990) Electricity: capacity: 4,935,000 kW production: 14.385 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,952 kWh (1992) Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement Agriculture: 5% of GNP; cash crops - wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus fruits, peanuts; 75% of food is imported Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $242 million note: no longer a recipient Currency: 1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhams Exchange rates: Libyan dinars (LD) per US$1 - 0.3233 (January 1994), 0.3250 (1993), 0.3013 (1992), 0.2684 (1991), 0.2699 (1990), 0.2922 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year Railroads: Libya has had no railroad in operation since 1965, all previous systems having been dismantled; current plans are to construct a standard gauge (1.435 m) line from the Tunisian frontier to Tripoli and Misratah, then inland to Sabha, center of a mineral rich area, but there has been no progress; other plans made jointly with Egypt would establish a rail line from As Sallum, Egypt to Tobruk with completion set for mid-1994, progress unknown Highways: total: 19,300 km paved: bituminous 10,800 km unpaved: gravel, earth 8,500 km Inland waterways: none Pipelines: crude oil 4,383 km; petroleum products 443 km (includes liquified petroleum gas 256 km); natural gas 1,947 km Ports: Tobruk, Tripoli, Banghazi, Misratah, Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Ra's al Unif Merchant marine: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 690,703 GRT/1,211,184 DWT, cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 2, oil tanker 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 4 Airports: total: 145 usable: 132 with permanent-surface runways: 57 with runways over 3,659 m: 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 28 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 52 Telecommunications: modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
@Libya, Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah (including Army, Navy,Air and Air Defense Command)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,094,052; fit for military service 649,976; reachmilitary age (17) annually 52,723 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion, 15% of GDP (1989 est.)
@Liechtenstein, Geography
Location:Central Europe, between Austria and SwitzerlandMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:160 sq kmland area:160 sq kmcomparative area:about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 78 km, Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:claims 620 square miles of Czech territory confiscated from its royalfamily in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does notgo back before February 1948, when the Communists seized powerClimate:continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool tomoderately warm, cloudy, humid summersTerrain:mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western thirdNatural resources:hydroelectric potentialLand use:arable land:25%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:38%forest and woodland:19%other:18%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, HazardousWastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:landlocked; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation
@Liechtenstein, People
Population:30,281 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.26% (1994 est.)Birth rate:13.08 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.6 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:6.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.46 yearsmale:73.76 yearsfemale:81.03 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Liechtensteiner(s)adjective:LiechtensteinEthnic divisions:Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988)Languages:German (official), Alemannic dialectLiteracy:age 10 and over can read and write (1981)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:19,905 of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria andSwitzerland to work each dayby occupation:industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture,fishing, forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990)
@Liechtenstein, Government
Names:conventional long form:Principality of Liechtensteinconventional short form:Liechtensteinlocal long form:Furstentum Liechtensteinlocal short form:LiechtensteinDigraph:LSType:hereditary constitutional monarchyCapital:VaduzAdministrative divisions:11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen,Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen,Triesenberg, VaduzIndependence:23 January 1719 (Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established)National holiday:Assumption Day, 15 AugustConstitution:5 October 1921Legal system:local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein(born 11 June 1968)head of government:Mario FRICK (since 15 December 1993); Deputy Head of Government Dr.Thomas BUECHEL (since 15 December 1993)cabinet:Cabinet; elected by the Diet; confirmed by the sovereignLegislative branch:unicameralDiet (Landtag):elections last held on 24 October 1993 (next to be held by March1997); results - VU 50.1%, FBP 41.3%, FL 8.5%; seats - (25 total) VU13, FBP 11, FL 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases, SuperiorCourt (Obergericht) for civil casesPolitical parties and leaders:Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Otto HASLER; Progressive Citizens' Party(FBP), Emanuel VOGT; Free Electoral List (FL)Member of:CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS,UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPODiplomatic representation in US:in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the USby the Swiss EmbassyUS diplomatic representation:the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but theUS Consul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditationat VaduzFlag:two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown onthe hoist side of the blue band
@Liechtenstein, Economy
Overview:The prosperous economy is based primarily on small-scale lightindustry and tourism. Industry accounts for 53% of total employment,the service sector 45% (mostly based on tourism), and agriculture andforestry 2%. The sale of postage stamps to collectors is estimated at$10 million annually. Low business taxes (the maximum tax rate is 20%)and easy incorporation rules have induced about 25,000 holding orso-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices inLiechtenstein. Such companies, incorporated solely for tax purposes,provide 30% of state revenues. The economy is tied closely toSwitzerland's economy in a customs union, and incomes and livingstandards parallel those of the more prosperous Swiss groups.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $630 million (1990 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$22,300 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5.4% (1990)Unemployment rate:1.5% (1990)Budget:revenues:$259 millionexpenditures:$292 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, potterypartners:EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), EC countries 42.7%, other36.4% (1990)Imports:$NAcommodities:machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehiclespartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:23,000 kWproduction:150 million kWhconsumption per capita:5,230 kWh (1992)Industries:electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals,food products, precision instruments, tourismAgriculture:livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapesEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, orcentesimiExchange rates:Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.4715 (January1994), 1.4776 (1993), 1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990),1.6359 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Liechtenstein, Communications
Railroads:18.5 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, electrified; owned, operated, andincluded in statistics of Austrian Federal RailwaysHighways:total:322.93 kmpaved:322.93 kmAirports:noneTelecommunications:limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system; 25,400 telephones;linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for internationaltelephone, radio, and TV services
@Liechtenstein, Defense Forces
Note: defense is responsibility of Switzerland
@Lithuania, Geography
Location:Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and RussiaMap references:Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:65,200 sq kmland area:65,200 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries:total 1,273 km, Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia(Kaliningrad) 227 kmCoastline:108 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of theNemunas (Nemen) River border presently located on the Lithuanian bankand not in midriver as by international standardsClimate:maritime; wet, moderate winters and summersTerrain:lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soilNatural resources:peatLand use:arable land:49.1%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:22.2%forest and woodland:16.3%other:12.4%Irrigated land:430 sq km (1990)Environment:current issues:contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products andchemicals at military basesnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity,Climate ChangePopulation:3,848,389 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.74% (1994 est.)Birth rate:14.71 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:10.95 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:16.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.24 yearsmale:66.53 yearsfemale:76.19 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.01 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Lithuanian(s)adjective:LithuanianEthnic divisions:Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Polish 7.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, other2.1%Religions:Roman Catholic, Lutheran, otherLanguages:Lithuanian (official), Polish, RussianLiteracy:age 9-49 can read and write (1989)total population:98%male:99%female:98%Labor force:1.836 millionby occupation:industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%(1990)
@Lithuania, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Lithuaniaconventional short form:Lithuanialocal long form:Lietuvos Respublikalocal short form:Lietuvaformer:Lithuanian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph:LHType:republicCapital:VilniusAdministrative divisions:44 regions (rajonai, singular - rajonas) and 11 municipalities*:Akmenes Rajonas, Alytaus Rajonas, Alytus*, Anyksciu Rajonas,Birsionas*, Birzu Rajonas, Druskininkai*, Ignalinos Rajonas, JonavosRajonas, Joniskio Rajonas, Jurbarko Rajonas, Kaisiadoriu Rajonas,Marijampoles Rajonas, Kaunas*, Kauno Rajonas, Kedainiu Rajonas, KelmesRajonas, Klaipeda*, Klaipedos Rajonas, Kretingos Ragonas, KupiskioRajonas, Lazdiju Rajonas, Marijampole*, Mazeikiu Ragonas, MoletuRajonas, Neringa* Pakruojo Rajonas, Palanga*, Panevezio Rajonas,Panevezys*, Pasvalio Rajonas, Plunges Rajonas, Prienu Rajonas,Radviliskio Rajonas, Raseiniu Rajonas, Rokiskio Rajonas, SakiuRajonas, Salcininky Rajonas, Siauliai*, Siauliu Rajonas, SilalesRajonas, Siltues Rajonas, Sirvinty Rajonas, Skuodo Rajonas, SvencioniuRajonas, Taurages Rajonas, Telsiu Rajonas, Traky Rajonas, UkmergesRajonas, Utenos Rajonas, Varenos Rajonas, Vilkaviskio Rajonas,Vilniaus Rajonas, Vilnius*, Zarasu RajonasIndependence:6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday:Independence Day, 16 February (1918)Constitution:adopted 25 October 1992Legal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 25 November 1992; electedacting president by Parliament 25 November 1992 and elected by directvote 15 February 1993); election last held 14 February 1993 (next tobe held NA 1997); results - Algirdas BRAZAUSKAS was elected; note - on25 November 1992 BRAZAUSKAS was elected chairman of Parliament and, assuch, acting president of the Republic; he was confirmed in office bydirect balloting 15 February 1993head of government:Premier Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS (since 10 March 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on the nomination ofthe prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralSeimas (parliament):elections last held 26 October and 25 November 1992 (next to be heldNA); results - LDDP 51%; seats - (141 total) LDDP 73, ConservativeParty 30, LKDP 17, LTS 8, Farmers' Union 4, LLS 4, Center Union 2,others 3Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Court of AppealsPolitical parties and leaders:Christian Democratic Party (LKDP), Povilas KATILIUS, chairman;Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania (LDDP), Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS,chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union (LTS), Rimantas SMETONA,chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Aloyzas SAKALAS,chairman; Farmers' Union, Jonas CIULEVICIUS, chairman; Center Union,Romualdas OZOLAS, chairman; Conservative Party, Vytautas LANDSBERGIS,chairman; Lithuanian Polish Union (LLS), Rytardas MACIKIANEC, chairmanOther political or pressure groups:Homeland Union; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers UnionMember of:BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF,INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,LORCS, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Alfonsas EIDINTASchancery:2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 234-5860, 2639FAX:(202) 328-0466consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Darryl N. JOHNSONembassy:Akmenu 6, Vilnius 232600mailing address:APO AE 09723telephone:370-2-223-031FAX:370-2-222-779Flag:three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red
@Lithuania, Economy
Overview:Since independence in September 1991, Lithuania has made steadyprogress in developing a market economy. Over 40% of state propertyhas been privatized and trade is diversifying with a gradual shiftaway from the former Soviet Union to Western markets. Nevertheless,the process has been painful with industrial output in 1993 less thanhalf the 1991 level. Inflation, while lower than in most ex-Sovietstates, has exceeded rates in the other Baltic states. Full monetarystability and economic recovery are likely to be impeded by periodicgovernment backtracking on key elements of its reform andstabilization program as it seeks to ease the economic pain ofrestructuring. Recovery will build on Lithuanian's strategic locationwith its ice-free port at Klaipeda and its rail and highway hub inVilnius connecting it with Eastern Europe, Belarus, Russia, andUkraine, and on its agriculture potential, highly skilled labor force,and diversified industrial sector. Lacking important naturalresources, it will remain dependent on imports of fuels and rawmaterials.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $12.4 billion (1993 estimate fromthe UN International Comparison Program, as extended to 1991 andpublished in the World Bank's World Development Report 1993; and asextrapolated to 1993 using official Lithuanian statistics, which arevery uncertain because of major economic changes since 1990)National product real growth rate:-10% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$3,240 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):188% (1993)Unemployment rate:1.8% (July 1993)Budget:revenues:$258.5 millionexpenditures:$270.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:electronics 18%, petroleum products 5%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989)partners:Russia 40%, Ukraine 16%, other FSU countries 32%, West 12%Imports:$NAcommodities:oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% (1989)partners:Russia 62%, Belarus 18%, other FSU countries 10%, West 10%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate -52% (1992)Electricity:capacity:5,925,000 kWproduction:25 billion kWhconsumption per capita:6,600 kWh (1992)Industries:employs 42% of the labor force; accounts for 23% of GOP shares in thetotal production of the former USSR are: metal-cutting machine tools6.6%; electric motors 4.6%; television sets 6.2%; refrigerators andfreezers 5.4%; other branches: petroleum refining, shipbuilding (smallships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers,agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components,computers, and amberAgriculture:employs around 18% of labor force; accounts for 25% of GDP; sugar,grain, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products,eggs, fish; most developed are the livestock and dairy branches, whichdepend on imported grain; net exporter of meat, milk, and eggsIllicit drugs:transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asiaand Latin America to Western Europe; limited producer of illicitopium; mostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million;Communist countries (1971-86), $NA millionCurrency:introduced the convertible litas in June 1993Exchange rates:litai per US$1 - 4 (fixed rate 1 May 1994); 3.9 (late January 1994)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Lithuania, Communications
Railroads:2,000 km (1,524-mm gauge); 120 km electrifiedHighways:total:44,200 kmpaved:35,500 kmunpaved:earth 8,700 km (1990)Inland waterways:600 km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil, 105 km; natural gas 760 km (1992)Ports:coastal - Klaipeda; inland - KaunasMerchant marine:44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 276,265 GRT/323,505 DWT, cargo29, combination bulk 11, railcar carrier 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports:total:96usable:18with permanent-surface runways:12with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,060-2,439 m:11note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:Lithuania ranks among the most modern of the former Soviet republicsin respect to its telecommunications system; telephone subscribercircuits 900,000; subscriber density 240 per 1,000 persons; land linesor microwave to former USSR republics; international connections nolonger depend on the Moscow gateway switch, but are established bysatellite through Oslo from Vilnius and through Copenhagen fromKaunas; 2 satellite earth stations - 1 EUTELSAT and 1 INTELSAT; anNMT-450 analog cellular network operates in Vilnius and other citiesand is linked internationally through Copenhagen by EUTELSAT;international electronic mail is available; broadcast stations - 13AM, 26 FM, 1 SW, 1 LW, 3 TV
@Lithuania, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Security Forces (internal and bordertroops), National Guard (Skat)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 941,273; fit for military service 744,867; reachmilitary age (18) annually 27,375 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, 5.5% of GDP (1993 est.)
@Luxembourg, Geography
Location:Western Europe, between Belgium and GermanyMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:2,586 sq kmland area:2,586 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:total 359 km, Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:modified continental with mild winters, cool summersTerrain:mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands toslightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Mosellefloodplain in the southeastNatural resources:iron ore (no longer exploited)Land use:arable land:24%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:21%other:34%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:deforestationnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear TestBan, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber; signed,but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, EnvironmentalModification, Law of the SeaNote:landlocked
@Luxembourg, People
Population:401,900 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.8% (1994 est.)Birth rate:12.81 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.47 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:4.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.69 yearsmale:73.01 yearsfemale:80.52 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.64 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Luxembourger(s)adjective:LuxembourgEthnic divisions:Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, andEuropean (guest and worker residents)Religions:Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3%Languages:Luxembourgisch, German, French, EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population:100%male:100%female:100%Labor force:177,300 (one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly fromPortugal, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany)by occupation:services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988)
@Luxembourg, Government
Names:conventional long form:Grand Duchy of Luxembourgconventional short form:Luxembourglocal long form:Grand-Duche de Luxembourglocal short form:LuxembourgDigraph:LUType:constitutional monarchyCapital:LuxembourgAdministrative divisions:3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, LuxembourgIndependence:1839National holiday:National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke'sbirthday)Constitution:17 October 1868, occasional revisionsLegal system:based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state:Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI(son of Grand Duke Jean, born 16 April 1955)head of government:Prime Minister Jacques SANTER (since 21 July 1984); Vice PrimeMinister Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the sovereignLegislative branch:unicameralChamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes):elections last held on 18 June 1989 (next to be held by June 1994);results - CSV 31.7%, LSAP 27.2%, DP 16.2%, Greens 8.4%, PAC 7.3%, KPL5.1%, other 4.1%; seats - (60 total) CSV 22, LSAP 18, DP 11, Greens 4,PAC 4, KPL 1note:the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose viewsare considered by the Chamber of DeputiesJudicial branch:Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice)Political parties and leaders:Christian Social Party (CSV), Jacques SANTER; Socialist Workers Party(LSAP), Jacques POOS; Liberal (DP), Colette FLESCH; Communist (KPL),Andre HOFFMANN; Green Alternative (GAP), Jean HUSSOther political or pressure groups:group of steel companies representing iron and steel industry;Centrale Paysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian andSocialist labor unions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans andShopkeepers FederationMember of:ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE,EIB, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC,NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU,WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Alphonse BERNSchancery:2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-4171FAX:(202) 328-8270consulate(s) general:New York and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Edward M. ROWELLembassy:22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg Citymailing address:PSC 11, Luxembourg City; APO AE 09132-5380telephone:[352] 460123FAX:[352] 461401Flag:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue;similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue andis shorter; design was based on the flag of France
@Luxembourg, Economy
Overview:The stable, prosperous economy features moderate growth, lowinflation, and negligible unemployment. Agriculture is based on smallbut highly productive family-owned farms. The industrial sector, untilrecently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified,particularly toward high-technology firms. During the past decade,growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for thedecline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growingproportion of the economy. Luxembourg participates in an economicunion with Belgium on trade and most financial matters, is alsoclosely connected economically to the Netherlands, and as a member ofthe 12-member European Union enjoys the advantages of the openEuropean market.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.7 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:1% (1993)National product per capita:$22,600 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1992)Unemployment rate:5.1% (March 1994)Budget:revenues:$3.5 billionexpenditures:$3.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$6.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum,other industrial productspartners:EC 76%, US 5%Imports:$8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goodspartners:Belgium 37%, FRG 31%, France 12%, US 2%External debt:$131.6 million (1989 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity:capacity:1,238,750 kWproduction:1.375 billion kWhconsumption per capita:3,450 kWh (1990)Industries:banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products,engineering, tires, glass, aluminumAgriculture:accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principalproducts - barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattleraising widespreadEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 36.242 (January 1994), 34.597(1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989);note - the Luxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, whichcirculates freely in LuxembourgFiscal year:calendar year
@Luxembourg, Communications
Railroads:Luxembourg National Railways (CFL) operates 272 km 1,435-mm standardgauge; 178 km double track; 197 km electrifiedHighways:total:5,108 kmpaved:4,995 km (including 80 km of limited access divided highway)unpaved:gravel 57 km; earth 56 kmInland waterways:37 km; Moselle RiverPipelines:petroleum products 48 kmPorts:Mertert (river port)Merchant marine:50 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,477,998 GRT/2,424,994 DWT,bulk 8, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 6, combinationore/oil 2, container 4, liquefied gas 9, oil tanker 5, passenger 2,refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4Airports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainlyburied cables; 230,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3TV; 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable; 1direct-broadcast satellite earth station; nationwide mobile phonesystem
@Luxembourg, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, National GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 103,872; fit for military service 86,026; reachmilitary age (19) annually 2,235 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.2% of GDP (1992)
@Macau
Header Affiliation: (overseas territory of Portugal)
@Macau, Geography
Location: Eastern Asia, 27 km west-southwest of Hong Kong on the southeast coast of China bordering the South China Sea Map references: Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 16 sq km land area: 16 sq km comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total 0.34 km, China 0.34 km Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: not specified International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers Terrain: generally flat Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Ozone Layer Protection Note: essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands to the peninsula on mainland
@Macau, People
Population: 484,557 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.35% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 14.78 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.12 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 2.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.75 years male: 77.33 years female: 82.3 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Macanese (singular and plural) adjective: Macau Ethnic divisions: Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2% Religions: Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2% (1981) Languages: Portuguese (official), Cantonese is the language of commerce Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 90% male: 93% female: 86% Labor force: 180,000 (1986) by occupation: NA
@Macau, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Macaulocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ilha de MacauDigraph:MCType:overseas territory of Portugal scheduled to revert to China in 1999Capital:MacauAdministrative divisions:2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, MacauIndependence:none (territory of Portugal; Portugal signed an agreement with Chinaon 13 April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in thejoint declaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing socialand economic systems and lifestyle for 50 year after transition)National holiday:Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580)Constitution:17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily byBeijing awaiting final approvalLegal system:Portuguese civil law systemSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986)head of government:Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991)cabinet:Consultative Council; consists of five members appointed by thegovernor, two nominated by the governor, five members elected for afour-year term (2 represent administrative bodies, 1 represents moral,cultural, and welfare interests, and 2 economic interests), and threestatuatory membersLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly:elections last held on 10 March 1991; results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (23 total; 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 byindirect suffrage, and 7 appointed by the governor) number of seats byparty NAJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center;Group to Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent GroupOther political or pressure groups:wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthypro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January1967 the Macau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave Chinaveto power over administrationMember of:ESCAP (associate), GATT, IMO (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau), WTO(associate)Diplomatic representation in US:none (Chinese territory under Portuguese administration)US diplomatic representation:the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by theUS Consulate General in Hong KongFlag:the flag of Portugal is used
@Macau, Economy
Overview:The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) andtextile and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawnedother small industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics.The tourist sector has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and theclothing industry has provided about two-thirds of export earnings;the gambling industry represented well over 40% of GDP in 1992. Macaudepends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energyimports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materialsand capital goods.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:12% (1992)National product per capita:$7,300 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:2% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$305 millionexpenditures:$298 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)Exports:$1.8 billion (1992 est.)commodities:textiles, clothing, toyspartners:US 35%, Hong Kong 12.5%, Germany 12%, China 9.9%, France 8% (1992est.)Imports:$2 billion (1992 est.)commodities:raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goodspartners:Hong Kong 33%, China 20%, Japan 18% (1992 est.)External debt:$91 million (1985)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:258,000 kWproduction:855 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,806 kWh (1992)Industries:clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourismAgriculture:rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; dependsmostly on imports for food requirementsEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 pataca (P) = 100 avosExchange rates:patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991-93), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989);note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of 1.03 patacas perHong Kong dollarFiscal year:calendar year
@Macau, Communications
Highways:total:42 kmpaved:42 kmPorts:MacauAirports:none usable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane stationTelecommunications:fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic andinternational services; 52,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM,3 FM, no TV (TV programs received from Hong Kong); 115,000 radioreceivers (est.); international high-frequency radio communicationfacility; access to international communications carriers provided viaHong Kong and China; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Macau, Defense Forces
Manpower availability:males age 15-49 139,499; fit for military service 77,887Note:defense is responsibility of Portugal
@Madagascar, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 430 km east ofMozambiqueMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:587,040 sq kmland area:581,540 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of ArizonaLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:4,828 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de NovaIsland, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France)Climate:tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in southTerrain:narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in centerNatural resources:graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands,semiprecious stones, mica, fishLand use:arable land:4%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:58%forest and woodland:26%other:11%Irrigated land:9,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;desertification; surface water contaminated with untreated sewage andother organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to theisland are endangerednatural hazards:subject to periodic cyclonesinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear TestBan; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law ofthe SeaNote:world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along MozambiqueChannel
@Madagascar, People
Population:13,427,758 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.19% (1994 est.)Birth rate:45.22 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:13.35 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:89 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:53.98 yearsmale:52.06 yearsfemale:55.96 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.68 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Malagasy (singular and plural)adjective:MalagasyEthnic divisions:Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixedAfrican, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka,Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, ComoranReligions:indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%Languages:French (official), Malagasy (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:80%male:88%female:73%Labor force:4.9 million (90% nonsalaried family workers engaged in subsistenceagriculture; 175,000 wage earners)by occupation:agriculture 26%, domestic service 17%, industry 15%, commerce 14%,construction 11%, services 9%, transportation 6%, other 2%note:51% of population of working age (1985)
@Madagascar, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Madagascarconventional short form:Madagascarlocal long form:Republique de Madagascarlocal short form:Madagascarformer:Malagasy RepublicDigraph:MAType:republicCapital:AntananarivoAdministrative divisions:6 provinces - Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga,Toamasina, ToliaryIndependence:26 June 1960 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 26 June (1960)Constitution:19 August 1992 by national referendumLegal system:based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Albert ZAFY (since 9 March 1993); election last held on 10February 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - Albert ZAFY (UNDD),67%; Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA), 33%head of government:Prime Minister Francisque RAVONY (since 9 August 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch:bicameral ParliamentSenate:(Senat) two-thirds of upper house seats are to be filled by anelectoral college made up of representatives of territorialcollectivities; the remaining third is to be filled by presidentialappointment, following nomination by economic, social, and culturalgroups; the selection of senators was scheduled for March 1994National Assembly:(Assemblee Nationale) elections last held on 16 June 1993 (next to beheld June 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (138total) CFV coalition 76, PMDM/MFM 16, CSCD 11, Famima 10, RPSD 7,various pro-Ratsiraka groups 10, others 8note:the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 andearly 1993 in preparation for new legislative elections. In its place,an interim High Authority of State and a Social and Economic RecoveryCouncil have been establishedJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute CourConstitutionnelle)Political parties and leaders:Committee of Living Forces (CFV), an alliance of National Union forDevelopment and Democracy (UNDD), Support Group for Democracy andDevelopment in Madagascar (CSDDM), Action and Reflection Group for theDevelopment of Madagascar (Grad), Congress Party for MadagascarIndependence - Renewal (AKFM-Fanavaozana), and some 12 otheranti-Ratsiraka oppositon parties, trade unions, and religious groups;leader Dr. Albert ZAFY; Militant Party for the Development ofMadagascar (PMDM/MFM; formerly the Movement for Proletarian Power),Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; Confederation of Civil Societies forDevelopment (CSCD), Guy Willy RAZANAMASY; Association of UnitedMalagasys (Famima); Rally for Social Democracy (RPSD), PierreTSIRANANAOther political or pressure groups:National Council of Christian Churches (FFKM); Federalist MovementMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO(correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELOchancery:2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-5525 or 5526consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Dennis P. BARRETTembassy:14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivomailing address:B. P. 620, Antananarivotelephone:[261] (2) 212-57, 200-89, 207-18FAX:261-234-539Flag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a verticalwhite band of the same width on hoist side
@Madagascar, Economy
Overview:Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture,including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy,accounting for over 30% of GDP and contributing more than 70% of totalexport earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing ofagricultural products and textile manufacturing; in 1991 it accountedfor only 13% of GDP. In 1986 the government introduced a five-yeardevelopment plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice)by 1990, increased production for exports, and reduced energy imports.Subsequently, growth in output has been held back because ofprotracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for politicalreform.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $10.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:1% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):20% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$250 millionexpenditures:$265 million, including capital expenditures of $180 million (1991est.)Exports:$312 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, shellfish, sugar, petroleumproductspartners:France, Japan, Italy, Germany, USImports:$350 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%,consumer goods 14%, food 13%partners:France, Germany, UK, other EC, USExternal debt:$4.4 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity:capacity:125,000 kWproduction:450 million kWhconsumption per capita:35 kWh (1991)Industries:agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries,tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries(textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper,petroleumAgriculture:accounts for 31% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane,cloves, cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts;cattle raising widespread; almost self-sufficient in riceIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) usedmostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$3.125 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $491 millionCurrency:1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,965.8 (January 1994), 1,864.0(1992), 1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Madagascar, Communications
Railroads:1,020 km 1.000-meter gaugeHighways:total:40,000 kmpaved:4,694 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 811 km; other earth 34,495 km(est.)Inland waterways:of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canaldes PangalanesPorts:Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, ToliaraMerchant marine:10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 23,620 GRT/33,173 DWT, cargo 5,chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 1, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-offcargo 2Airports:total:140usable:105with permanent-surface runways:30with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:37Telecommunications:above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radiorelay, and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satelliteearth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17AM, 3 FM, 1 (36 repeaters) TV
@Madagascar, Defense Forces
Branches:Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, DevelopmentForces, Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie,Presidential Security RegimentManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,924,829; fit for military service 1,739,830; reachmilitary age (20) annually 124,652 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1991 est.)
@Malawi, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, between Mozambique and ZambiaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:118,480 sq kmland area:94,080 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)Climate:tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)Terrain:narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, somemountainsNatural resources:limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxiteLand use:arable land:25%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:20%forest and woodland:50%other:5%Irrigated land:200 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agriculturalrunoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning groundsendangers fish populationnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:landlocked
@Malawi, People
Population:9,732,409 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:-1.09% (1994 est.)Birth rate:50.42 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:23.19 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-38.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:141.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:39.73 yearsmale:38.93 yearsfemale:40.55 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:7.43 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Malawian(s)adjective:MalawianEthnic divisions:Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian,EuropeanReligions:Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenousbeliefsLanguages:English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages importantregionallyLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1966)total population:22%male:34%female:12%Labor force:428,000 wage earnersby occupation:agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce9%, construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanentlyemployed 6% (1986)
@Malawi, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Malawiconventional short form:Malawiformer:NyasalandDigraph:MIType:multiparty democracy following a referendum on 14 June 1993; formerlya one-party republicCapital:LilongweAdministrative divisions:24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa,Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji,Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje,Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, ZombaIndependence:6 July 1964 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1964)Constitution:6 July 1966; republished as amended January 1974Legal system:based on English common law and customary law; judicial review oflegislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994), leader of the UnitedDemocratic Frontcabinet:Cabinet; named by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly:elections last held 17 May 1994 (next to be held NA); seats - (177total) UDF 84, AFORD 33, MCP 55, others 5Judicial branch:High Court, Supreme Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:ruling party:United Democratic Front (UDF), Bakili MULUZIopposition groups:Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Gwanda CHAKUAMBA Phiri, secretary general(top party position); Alliance for Democracy (Aford), ChakufwaCHIHANA; Socialist League of Malawi (Lesoma), Kapote MWAKUSULA,secretary general; Malawi Democratic Union (MDU), Harry BWANAUSI;Congress for the Second Republic (CSR), Kanyama CHIUME; MalawiSocialist Labor Party (MSLP), Stanford SAMBANEMANJAMember of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert B. MBAYAchancery:2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 797-1007US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTORembassy:address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwemailing address:P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawitelephone:[265] 783-166FAX:[265] 780-471Flag:three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with aradiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to theflag of Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of armssuperimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands
@Malawi, Economy
Overview:Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries.The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of thepopulation living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDPand 90% of export revenues. After two years of weak performance,economic growth improved significantly in 1988-91 as a result of goodweather and a broadly based economic adjustment effort by thegovernment. Drought cut overall output sharply in 1992. The economydepends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF,the World Bank, and individual donor nations.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent $6 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-8% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$600 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):21% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$416 millionexpenditures:$498 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$413 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood productspartners:US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, GermanyImports:$737 million (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods,transportation equipmentpartners:South Africa, Japan, US, UK, ZimbabweExternal debt:$1.8 billion (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 3.5% (1992 est.); accounts for about 15% of GDP (1992est.)Electricity:capacity:190,000 kWproduction:620 million kWhconsumption per capita:65 kWh (1992)Industries:agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement,consumer goodsAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea,and corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses;livestock - cattle, goatsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.15billionCurrency:1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambalaExchange rates:Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 4.4598 (November 1993), 3.6033 (1992),2.8033 (1991), 2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March