@Malawi, Communications
Railroads:789 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:total:13,135 kmpaved:2,364 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 251 km; earth, improved earth10,520 kmInland waterways:Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 kmPorts:Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa(Lake Malawi)Airports:total:47usable:41with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:10Telecommunications:fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radiocommunications stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10AM, 17 FM, no TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSATand 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATNote:a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on theBeira, Nacala, and Limgogo railroads, but now most go through SouthAfrica because of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines
@Malawi, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includingparamilitary Mobile Force Unit),Manpower availability:males age 15-49 2,046,413; fit for military service 1,043,674Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)
@Malaysia, Geography
Location:Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Vietnam andIndonesiaMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:329,750 sq kmland area:328,550 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 kmCoastline:4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)Maritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitation; specified boundary in theSouth China Seaexclusive fishing zone:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabahclaimed by the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysiansalient that divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in disputewith Singapore; two islands in dispute with IndonesiaClimate:tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (Octoberto February) monsoonsTerrain:coastal plains rising to hills and mountainsNatural resources:tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxiteLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:10%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:63%other:24%Irrigated land:3,420 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:air and water pollution; deforestationnatural hazards:subject to floodinginternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine LifeConservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, TropicalTimber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Lawof the SeaNote:strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South ChinaSea
@Malaysia, People
Population: 19,283,157 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.28% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 28.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.67 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 25.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.15 years male: 66.26 years female: 72.18 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.51 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian Ethnic divisions: Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9% Religions: Peninsular Malaysia: Muslim (Malays), Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians) Sabah: Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45% Sarawak: tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5% Languages: Peninsular Malaysia: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil Sabah: English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate) Sarawak: English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages *** No data for this item *** Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 78% male: 86% female: 70% Labor force: 7.258 million (1991 est.)
@Malaysia, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Malaysiaformer:Malayan UnionDigraph:MYType:constitutional monarchynote:Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by theparamount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; PeninsularMalaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, wheregovernors are appointed byMalaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments arelimited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense,internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government;Sarawak - self-governing state, holds 27 seats in House ofRepresentatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, andother powers delegated to federal governmentCapital:Kuala LumpurAdministrative divisions:13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federalterritories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayahpersekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, NegeriSembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak,Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*Independence:31 August 1957 (from UK)National holiday:National Day, 31 August (1957)Constitution:31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963Legal system:based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts inthe Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; hasnot accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1994);Deputy Paramount Ruler SALAHUDDIN ibni Hisammuddin Alam Shah (since 26April 1994)head of government:Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); DeputyPrime Minister ANWAR bin Ibrahim (since 1 December 1993)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the Paramount Ruler from members of parliamentLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlimen)Senate (Dewan Negara):consists of a 58-member body, 32 appointed by the paramount ruler and16 elected by the state legislaturesHouse of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat):elections last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995);results - National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) NationalFront 127, DAP 20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within theNational Front, UMNO got 71 seats and MCA 18 seatsJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Peninsular Malaysia:National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated byUnited Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR binMohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; GerakanRakyat Malaysia, LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), S.Samy VELLUSabah:National Front, Tan Sri SAKARAN, Sabah Chief Minister; United SabahNational Organizaton (USNO), leader NASarawak:coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party PesakaBumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud;Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai;Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti BansaDayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties areDemocratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian IslamicParty (PAS), Fadzil NOORMember of:APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN,UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UPU,WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Abdul MAJID bin Mohamedchancery:2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 328-2700FAX:(202) 483-7661consulate(s) general:Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador John S. WOLFembassy:376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpurmailing address:P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; APO AP 96535-5000telephone:[60] (3) 248-9011FAX:[60] (3) 242-2207Flag:fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white(bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side cornerbearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; thecrescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design wasbased on the flag of the US
@Malaysia, Economy
Overview:The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and a soundlymanaged public sector, has posted a remarkable record of 8%-9% averagegrowth in 1987-93. This growth has resulted in a substantial reductionin poverty and a marked rise in real wages. Despite sluggish growth inthe major world economies in 1992-93, demand for Malaysian goodsremained strong, and foreign investors continued to commit large sumsin the economy. The government is aware of the inflationary potentialof this rapid development and is closely monitoring fiscal andmonetary policies.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $141 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:8% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$7,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (1993)Unemployment rate:3% (1993)Budget:revenues:$19.6 billionexpenditures:$18 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.4 billion (1994est.)Exports:$46.8 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, palm oil, woodand wood products, rubber, textilespartners:Singapore 23%, US 15%, Japan 13%, UK 4%, Germany 4%, Thailand 4%(1991)Imports:$40.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment, chemicals, food, petroleum productspartners:Japan 26%, Singapore 21%, US 16%, Taiwan 6%, Germany 4%, UK 3%,Australia 3% (1991)External debt:$18.4 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 13% (1992); accounts for 43% of GDPElectricity:capacity:8,000,000 kWproduction:30 billion kWhconsumption per capita:1,610 kWh (1992)Industries:Peninsular Malaysia:rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturingindustry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processingtimberSabah:logging, petroleum productionSarawak:agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, loggingAgriculture:accounts for 17% of GDPPeninsular Malaysia:natural rubber, palm oil, riceSabah:mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, riceSarawak:rubber, timber, pepper; deficit of rice in all areasIllicit drugs:transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, WesternEurope, and the Third World despite severe penalties for drugtraffickingEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 millionCurrency:1 ringgit (M$) = 100 senExchange rates:ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.7123 (January 1994), 2.5741 (1993), 2.5474(1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Malaysia, Communications
Railroads:Peninsular Malaysia:1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government ownedSabah:136 km 1.000-meter gaugeSarawak:noneHighways:total:29,026 km (Peninsular Malaysia 23,600 km, Sabah 3,782 km, Sarawak1,644 km)paved:NA (Peninsular Malaysia 19,352 km mostly bituminous treated)unpaved:NA (Peninsular Malaysia 4,248 km)Inland waterways:Peninsular Malaysia:3,209 kmSabah:1,569 kmSarawak:2,518 kmPipelines:crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 kmPorts:Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, PortKelang, Sandakan, TawauMerchant marine:183 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,935,210 GRT/2,913,808 DWT,bulk 29, cargo 69, chemical tanker 6, container 26, liquefied gas 6,livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 39, passenger-cargo 1,roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 2, vehicle carrier 2Airports:total:113usable:104with permanent-surface runways:33with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:18Telecommunications:good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly bymicrowave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relaynetwork between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international servicegood; good coverage by radio and television broadcasts; 994,860telephones (1984); broadcast stations - 28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarinecables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cable links toHong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT, 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic
@Malaysia, Defense Forces
Branches:Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, RoyalMalaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border ScoutsManpower availability:males age 15-49 4,942,387; fit for military service 3,001,972; reachmilitary age (21) annually 182,850 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, 3% of GDP (1994 est.)
@Maldives, Geography
Location:Southern Asia, in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of IndiaMap references:Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:300 sq kmland area:300 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:644 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zonecoincides with maritime boundary with Indiaterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March);rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)Terrain:flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 metersNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:3%other:84%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water suppliesnatural hazards:low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level riseinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone LayerProtection; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote:1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls; archipelago of strategiclocation astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
@Maldives, People
Population: 252,077 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.61% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 43.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.45 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 53.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.67 years male: 63.24 years female: 66.17 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.26 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Maldivian(s) adjective: Maldivian Ethnic divisions: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African Religions: Sunni Muslim Languages: Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 92% male: 92% female: 92% Labor force: 66,000 (est.) by occupation: fishing industry 25%
@Maldives, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Maldivesconventional short form:MaldivesDigraph:MVType:republicCapital:MaleAdministrative divisions:19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, GaafuDaalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani,Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, WaavuIndependence:26 July 1965 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 26 July (1965)Constitution:4 June 1968Legal system:based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarilyin commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); election lastheld 1 October 1993 (next to be held NA); results - President MaumoonAbdul GAYOOM was reelected with 92.76% of the votecabinet:Ministry of Atolls; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralCitizens' Council (Majlis):elections last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected)Judicial branch:High CourtPolitical parties and leaders:no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan forthe past eight centuriesMember of:AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC,SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:Maldives has no embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission in NewYork; Permanent Representative to the UN Ahmed ZAKIUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makesperiodic visits thereconsular agency:Midhath Hilmy, Maletelephone:2581Flag:red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a verticalwhite crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist sideof the flag
@Maldives, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture islimited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only10% of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it isalso an important source of government revenue. During the 1980stourism became one of the most important and highest growth sectors ofthe economy. In 1988 industry accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDPis officially estimated to have increased by about 10% annually duringthe period 1974-90.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $140 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:6% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$620 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):15% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:NEGL%Budget:revenues:$95 million (excluding foreign transfers)expenditures:$143 million, including capital expenditures of $71 million (1993est.)Exports:$56.3 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:fish, clothingpartners:US, UK, Sri LankaImports:$173.6 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum productspartners:Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, IndiaExternal debt:$148 million (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 24% (1990); accounts for 6% of GDPElectricity:capacity:5,000 kWproduction:11 million kWhconsumption per capita:50 kWh (1990)Industries:fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, somecoconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicraftsAgriculture:accounts for almost 25% of GDP (including fishing); fishing moreimportant than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweetpotatoes; most staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000tons (1990 est.)Economic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 millionCurrency:1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laariExchange rates:rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 11.105 (January 1994), 10.957 (1993), 10.569(1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Maldives, Communications
Highways:total:NApaved:NAunpaved:NA (Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city)Ports:Male, GanMerchant marine:14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 38,848 GRT/58,496 DWT, cargo 12,container 1, oil tanker 1Airports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones;broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
@Maldives, Defense Forces
Branches:National Security Service (paramilitary police force)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 55,369; fit for military service 30,919Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Mali, Geography
Location:Western Africa, between Mauritania and NigerMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1.24 million sq kmland area:1.22 million sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries:total 7,243 km, Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km,Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali wassubmitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sidesagreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundarydemarcation, including the tripoint with NigerClimate:subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, andmild June to November; cool and dry November to FebruaryTerrain:mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna insouth, rugged hills in northeastNatural resources:gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore,manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploitedLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:25%forest and woodland:7%other:66%Irrigated land:50 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies ofsafe drinking water; poachingnatural hazards:hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurringdroughtsinternational agreements:party to - Law of the Sea, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Climate Change, Nuclear Test BanNote:landlocked
@Mali, People
Population: 9,112,950 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.78% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 51.79 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 20.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -3.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 106.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.91 years male: 44.29 years female: 47.57 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.33 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian Ethnic divisions: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5% Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1% Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 17% male: 26% female: 9% Labor force: 2.666 million (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981) note: 50% of population of working age (1985)
@Mali, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Maliconventional short form:Malilocal long form:Republique de Malilocal short form:Maliformer:French SudanDigraph:MLType:republicCapital:BamakoAdministrative divisions:8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro,Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, TombouctouIndependence:22 September 1960 (from France)National holiday:Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)Constitution:new constitution adopted in constitutional referendum in 12 January1992Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review oflegislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formallyestablished on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdictionSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992); election last heldin April 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); Alpha KONARE was elected inrunoff race against Montaga TALLhead of government:Prime Minister Ibrahima Boubacar KEITA (since March 1994)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly:elections last held on 8 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (total 116) Adema 76, CNID 9,US/RAD 8, Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of WestAfrica 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3, UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:Association for Democracy (Adema), Alpha Oumar KONARE; NationalCongress for Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; SudaneseUnion/African Democratic Rally (US/RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA;Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of West Africa;Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union forDemocracy and Development (UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally forDemocracy and Labor (RDT); Union of Democratic Forces for Progress(UFDP), Dembo DIALLO; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), IdrissaTRAORE; Malian Union for Democracy and Development (UMDD)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Siragatou Ibrahim CISSEchancery:2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-2249 or 939-8950US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William H. DAMERON IIIembassy:Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamakomailing address:B. P. 34, Bamakotelephone:[223] 225470FAX:[223] 228059Flag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red;uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
@Mali, Economy
Overview:Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% ofits land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largelyconfined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of thepopulation live as nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engagedin agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated onprocessing farm commodities. In consultation with internationallending agencies, the government has adopted a structural adjustmentprogram for 1992-95, aiming at GDP annual growth of 4.6%, inflation ofno more than 2.5% on average, and a substantial reduction in theexternal current account deficit.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - 5.8 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-6.1% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$650 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$376 millionexpenditures:$697 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$330 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:cotton, livestock, goldpartners:mostly franc zone and Western EuropeImports:$682 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, construction materials,petroleum, textilespartners:mostly franc zone and Western EuropeExternal debt:$2.6 billion (1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -1.4% (1992 est.); accounts for 13.0% of GDPElectricity:capacity:260,000 kWproduction:750 million kWhconsumption per capita:90 kWh (1991)Industries:small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate,gold, fishingAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistencefarms; cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports;other crops - millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock -cattle, sheep, goatsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.02billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $190 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26(1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 perFrench franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948Fiscal year:calendar year
@Mali, Communications
Railroads:642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system throughKayesHighways:total:15,700 kmpaved:1,670 kmunpaved:gravel, improved earth 3,670 km; unimproved earth 10,360 kmInland waterways:1,815 km navigableAirports:total:33usable:27with permanent-surface runways:8with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,220-2,439 m:11Telecommunications:domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service withradio relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion ofradio relay in progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM,2 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1Indian Ocean INTELSAT
@Mali, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police(Surete Nationale)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,803,301; fit for military service 1,027,780Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)
@Malta, Geography
Location:Southern Europe, in the central Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south ofSicily (Italy), 290 km north of LibyaMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:320 sq kmland area:320 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:140 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:25 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summersTerrain:mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffsNatural resources:limestone, saltLand use:arable land:38%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:59%Irrigated land:10 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:fresh water very scarce; increasing reliance on desalinationnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, MarineDumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - BiodiversityNote:the country comprises an archipelago, with only the 3 largest islands(Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide goodharbors
@Malta, People
Population: 366,767 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.79% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.56 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.45 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.77 years male: 74.53 years female: 79.18 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.94 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese Ethnic divisions: Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English Religions: Roman Catholic 98% Languages: Maltese (official), English (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 84% male: 86% female: 82% Labor force: 127,200 by occupation: government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%, training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990)
@Malta, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Maltaconventional short form:MaltaDigraph:MTType:parliamentary democracyCapital:VallettaAdministrative divisions:none (administration directly from Valletta)Independence:21 September 1964 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 21 September (1964)Constitution:1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974Legal system:based on English common law and Roman civil law; has acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994)head of government:Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987);Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the president on advice of the prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralHouse of Representatives:elections last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP36, NP 29; note - additional seats are given to the party with thelargest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after adjustment)Judicial branch:Constitutional Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP),Alfred SANTMember of:C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD,ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC,IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGETchancery:2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 462-3611 or 3612FAX:(202) 387-5470consulate(s):New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d'Affaires William A. MOFFITT (new ambassadornominated, but not confirmed)embassy:2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Vallettamailing address:P. O. Box 535, Vallettatelephone:[356] 235960FAX:[356] 243229Flag:two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upperhoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged inred
@Malta, Economy
Overview:Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location,and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of itsfood needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domesticenergy sources. Consequently, the economy is highly dependent onforeign trade and services. Manufacturing and tourism are the largestcontributors to the economy. Manufacturing accounts for about 27% ofGDP, with the electronics and textile industries major contributorsand the state-owned Malta drydocks which employs about 4,300 people.In 1992, about 1,000,000 tourists visited the island. Per capita GDPat $6,600 places Malta in the middle-income range of the world'snations.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:4.5% (1992)National product per capita:$6,600 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.64% (1992)Unemployment rate:4% (1992)Budget:revenues:$1.2 billionexpenditures:$1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $182 million (FY94est.)Exports:$1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, clothing and footware, printedmatterpartners:Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11%Imports:$1.93 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goodspartners:Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4%External debt:$118 million (1990)Industrial production:growth rate 5.4% (1992); accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity:capacity:328,000 kWproduction:1.11 billion kWhconsumption per capita:3,000 kWh (1992)Industries:tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, foodmanufacturing, textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobaccoAgriculture:accounts for 3% of GDP and 2% of the work force (1992); overall, 20%self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat,barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry,eggs; generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, porkproducts; seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder,fruits, other basic foodstuffsIllicit drugs:transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western EuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communistcountries (1970-88), $48 millionCurrency:1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 centsExchange rates:Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3951 (January 1994), 0.3821 (1993),0.3178 (1992), 0.3226 (1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Malta, Communications
Highways:total:1,291 kmpaved:asphalt 1,179 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone 77 km; earth 35 kmPorts:Valletta, MarsaxlokkMerchant marine:897 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 13,959,195 GRT/24,038,587 DWT,barge carrier 3, bulk 259, cargo 296, chemical tanker 25, combinationbulk 28, combination ore/oil 18, container 26, liquefied gas 2,multifunction large load carrier 3, oil tanker 157, passenger 6,passenger-cargo 3, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 17,roll-on/roll-off cargo 20, short-sea passenger 19, specialized tanker5, vehicle carrier 9note:a flag of convenience registry; China owns 11 ships, Russia owns 42ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Croatia owns 63, Romania owns 4Airports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones;excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV;submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands;international service by 1 submarine cable and 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Malta, Defense Forces
Branches:Armed Forces, Maltese Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 98,241; fit for military service 78,071Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)
@Man, Isle of
Header
Affiliation:(British crown dependency)
@Man, Isle of, Geography
Location: Western Europe, in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and Great Britain Map references: Europe Area: total area: 588 sq km land area: 588 sq km comparative area: nearly 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 113 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley Natural resources: lead, iron ore Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests) Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird sanctuary
@Man, Isle of, People
Population: 72,017 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.04% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.69 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.58 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 9.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.25 years male: 73.51 years female: 79.2 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: Manx Ethnic divisions: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends Languages: English, Manx Gaelic Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 25,864 (1981) by occupation: NA
@Man, Isle of, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Isle of ManDigraph:IMType:British crown dependencyCapital:DouglasAdministrative divisions:none (British crown dependency)Independence:none (British crown dependency)National holiday:Tynwald Day, 5 JulyConstitution:1961, Isle of Man Constitution ActLegal system:English law and local statuteSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), representedby Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990)head of government:President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA1990)cabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:bicameral TynwaldLegislative Council:consists of a 10-member body composed of the Lord Bishop of Sodor andMan, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House ofKeysHouse of Keys:elections last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results -percent of vote NA; seats - (24 total) independents 24Judicial branch:Court of TynwaldPolitical parties and leaders:there is no party system and members sit as independentsMember of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (British crown dependency)US diplomatic representation:none (British crown dependency)Flag:red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; thethree legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order tohave the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, atwo-sided emblem is used
@Man, Isle of, Economy
Overview:Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of theeconomy. The government's policy of offering incentives tohigh-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on theisland has paid off in expanding employment opportunities inhigh-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once themainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GNP.Banking now contributes about 45% to GNP. Trade is mostly with the UK.The Isle of Man enjoys free access to European Union markets.National product:GNP - exchange rate conversion - $490 million (1988)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$7,500 (1988)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:1% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$130.4 millionexpenditures:$114.4 million, including capital expenditures of $18.1 million (1985est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meatpartners:UKImports:$NAcommodities:timber, fertilizers, fishpartners:UKExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:61,000 kWproduction:190 million kWhconsumption per capita:2,965 kWh (1992)Industries:an important offshore financial center; financial services, lightmanufacturing, tourismAgriculture:cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultryEconomic aid:$NACurrency:1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 penceExchange rates:Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.6699 (January 1994), 0.6658 (1993),0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989); the Manxpound is at par with the British poundFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Man, Isle of, Communications
Railroads:60 km; 36 km electric track, 24 km steam trackHighways:total:640 kmpaved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:Douglas, Ramsey, PeelMerchant marine:67 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,359,951 GRT/2,316,628 DWT,bulk 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 5, container 5, liquefied gas 7,oil tanker 17, roll-on/roll-off cargo 9, vehicle carrier 3note:a captive register of the United Kingdom, although not all ships onthe register are British ownedAirports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV
@Man, Isle of, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Marshall Islands, Geography
Location:Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds ofthe way between Hawaii and Papua New GuineaMap references:Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:181.3 sq kmland area:181.3 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than Washington, DCnote:includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetak, and KwajaleinLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:370.4 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims US territory of Wake IslandClimate:wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon beltTerrain:low coral limestone and sand islandsNatural resources:phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed mineralsLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:60%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:40%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:inadequate supplies of safe drinking waternatural hazards:occasionally subject to typhoonsinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship PollutionNote:two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands; Bikiniand Eniwetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famousWorld War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range
@Marshall Islands, People
Population: 54,031 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.86% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.31 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.68 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 49.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.13 years male: 61.6 years female: 64.74 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.94 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Marshallese (singular and plural) adjective: Marshallese Ethnic divisions: Micronesian Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant) Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 93% male: 100% female: 88% Labor force: 4,800 (1986) by occupation: NA
@Marshall Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of the Marshall Islandsconventional short form:Marshall Islandsformer:Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)Digraph:RMType:constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compactof Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986Capital:MajuroAdministrative divisions:noneIndependence:21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday:Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979)Constitution:1 May 1979Legal system:based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature,municipal, common, and customary lawsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Amata KABUA (since 1979); election last held 6 January 1992(next to be held NA; results - President Amata KABUA was reelected)cabinet:Cabinet; president selects from the parliamentLegislative branch:unicameralParliament (Nitijela):elections last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995);results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (andtraditional) leaderMember of:AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user),INTERPOL, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALLchancery:2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 234-5414FAX:(202) 232-3236consulate(s) general:Honolulu and Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador David C. FIELDSembassy:NA address, Majuromailing address:P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379telephone:(692) 625-4011FAX:(692) 625-4012Flag:blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner -orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
@Marshall Islands, Economy
Overview:Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agriculturalproduction is concentrated on small farms, and the most importantcommercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A fewcattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industryis limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The touristindustry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, andimports far exceed exports. In 1987 the US Government provided grantsof $40 million out of the Marshallese budget of $55 million.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $63 million (1989 est.)National product real growth rate:6% (1992)National product per capita:$1,500 (1992 est)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1992 est)Unemployment rate:16% (1991 est)Budget:revenues:$55 millionexpenditures:$NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1987 est.)Exports:$3.9 million (f.o.b., 1992 est)commodities:coconut oil, fish, live animals, trichus shellspartners:US, Japan, AustraliaImports:$62.9 million (c.i.f., 1992 est)commodities:foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, beverages and tobacco, fuelspartners:US, Japan, AustraliaExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:42,000 kWproduction:80 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,840 kWh (1990)Industries:copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls;offshore banking (embryonic)Agriculture:coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, pigs, chickensEconomic aid:recipient:under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is toprovide approximately $40 million in aid annuallyCurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Marshall Islands, Communications
Highways:total:NAnote:paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-,coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracksPorts:MajuroMerchant marine:40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,255,348 GRT/4,351,997 DWT,bulk carrier 23, cargo 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 1, oiltanker 13note:a flag of convenience registryAirports:total:16usable:16with permanent-surface runways:4with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:8Telecommunications:telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telexservices; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly forgovernment purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1shortwave; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Governmentsatellite communications system on Kwajalein
@Marshall Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
@Martinique
Header Affiliation: (overseas department of France)
@Martinique, Geography
Location: Caribbean, in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America Area: total area: 1,100 sq km land area: 1,060 sq km comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 290 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 30% forest and woodland: 26% other: 26% Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an average of one major natural disaster every five years international agreements: NA
@Martinique, People
Population:392,362 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.2% (1994 est.)Birth rate:17.96 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.95 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:10.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78.01 yearsmale:74.88 yearsfemale:81.2 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.92 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Martiniquais (singular and plural)adjective:MartiniquaisEthnic divisions:African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, EastIndian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%Languages:French, Creole patoisLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1982)total population:93%male:92%female:93%Labor force:100,000by occupation:service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%,agriculture 13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3%
@Martinique, Government
Names:conventional long form:Department of Martiniqueconventional short form:Martiniquelocal long form:Departement de la Martiniquelocal short form:MartiniqueDigraph:MBType:overseas department of FranceCapital:Fort-de-FranceAdministrative divisions:none (overseas department of France)Independence:none (overseas department of France)National holiday:National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:French legal systemSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)head of government:Prefect Michel MORIN (since NA); President of the General CouncilClaude LISE (since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional CouncilEmile CAPGRAS (since 22 March 1992)cabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral General Council and a unicameral Regional AssemblyGeneral Council:elections last held in 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to beheld by NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total)number of seats by party NA; note - a leftist coalition obtained aone-seat marginRegional Assembly:elections last held on 22 March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) RPR-UDF 16,MIM 9, PPM 9, PCM 5, independents 2French Senate:elections last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1French National Assembly:elections last held on NA June 1993 (next to be held June 1998);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) RPR 3, FSM 1Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Stephen BAGOE; Union for a Martinique ofProgress (UMP); Martinique Progressive Party (PPM), Aime CESAIRE andCamille DARSIERES; Socialist Federation of Martinique (FSM), JeanCRUSOL; Martinique Communist Party (PCM); Martinique Patriots (PM);Union for French Democracy (UDF), Jean MARAN; Martinique IndependenceMovement (MIM), Alfred MARIE-JEANNEOther political or pressure groups:Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne SocialistRevolution Group (GRS); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC);Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR; Frantz FanonCircle; League of Workers and Peasants; Parti Martiniquais Socialiste(PMS)Member of:FZ, WCL, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US:none (overseas department of France)US diplomatic representation:the post closed in August 1993 (overseas department of France)Flag:the flag of France is used
@Martinique, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and lightindustry. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and the smallindustrial sector for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most ofthe sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports areincreasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, andgrain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic tradedeficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France.Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as asource of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employedin the service sector and in administration. Banana workers launchedprotests late in 1992 because of falling banana prices and fears ofgreater competition in the European market from other producers.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion (1991)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$9,500 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.9% (1990)Unemployment rate:32.1% (1990)Budget:revenues:$268 millionexpenditures:$268 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)Exports:$201.5 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapplespartners:France 57.1%, Guadeloupe 31.5%, French Guiana 6.2%Imports:$1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials,vehicles, clothing and other consumer goodspartners:France 62.2%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, USExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:113,100 kWproduction:588 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,580 kWh (1992)Industries:construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourismAgriculture:including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 10% of GDP;principal crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables,sugarcane for rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat andvegetablesIllicit drugs:transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $10.1 billionCurrency:1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9305 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993),5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Martinique, Communications
Highways:total:1,680 kmpaved:1,300 kmunpaved:gravel, earth 380 kmPorts:Fort-de-FranceAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interislandmicrowave radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia;broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATearth stations
@Martinique, Defense Forces
Branches:French Forces, GendarmerieNote:defense is the responsibility of France
@Mauritania, Geography
Location:Northern Africa, along the North Atlantic Ocean, between WesternSahara and SenegalMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,030,700 sq kmland area:1,030,400 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than three times the size of New MexicoLand boundaries:total 5,074 km, Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, WesternSahara 1,561 kmCoastline:754 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or the edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:boundary with SenegalClimate:desert; constantly hot, dry, dustyTerrain:mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hillsNatural resources:iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphateLand use:arable land:1%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:38%forest and woodland:5%other:56%Irrigated land:120 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought arecontributing to desertification; water scarcity away from the Senegalwhich is the only perennial rivernatural hazards:hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March andAprilinternational agreements:party to - Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but notratified - Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote:most of the population concentrated along the Senegal River in thesouthern part of the country
@Mauritania, People