Population: 2,192,777 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.16% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 47.65 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.09 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 85.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.06 years male: 45.23 years female: 51.01 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.99 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: age 10 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 34% male: 47% female: 21% Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10% note: 53% of population of working age (1985)
@Mauritania, Government
Names:conventional long form:Islamic Republic of Mauritaniaconventional short form:Mauritanialocal long form:Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyahlocal short form:MuritaniyahDigraph:MRType:republicCapital:NouakchottAdministrative divisions:12 regions (regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna,Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh elGharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarzanote:there may be a new capital district of NouakchottIndependence:28 November 1960 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 28 November (1960)Constitution:12 July 1991Legal system:three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, statesecurity courts (in the process of being eliminated)Suffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984);election last held January 1992 (next to be held January 1998);results - President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA electedcabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:bicameral legislatureSenate (Majlis al-Shuyukh):elections last held 15 April 1994 (one-third of the seats up forre-election in 1996)National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani):elections last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held March 1997)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politicscontinue to be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic andSocial Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya OuldSid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces - New Era (UFD/NE), headedby Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly for Democracy and Unity (RDU), AhmedOuld SIDI BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), MohamedMahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), HameidaBOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry Ould JIDDOU;Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDIBADIOther political or pressure groups:Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM)Member of:ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC,CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Mohamed Fall Ould AININAchancery:2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 232-5700US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Gordon S. BROWNembassy:address NA, Nouakchottmailing address:B. P. 222, Nouakchotttelephone:[222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63FAX:[222] (2) 515-92Flag:green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontalcrescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star,and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
@Mauritania, Economy
Overview:A majority of the population still depends on agriculture andlivestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and manysubsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughtsin the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore,which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in worlddemand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. Thenation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in theworld, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source ofrevenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in1986. In recent years, drought and economic mismanagement haveresulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government hasbegun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultationwith the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.2 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:3.3% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$1,050 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):11.5% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:20% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues:$280 millionexpenditures:$346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989est.)Exports:$432 million (f.o.b., 1992 est)commodities:iron ore, fish and fish productspartners:Japan 27%, Italy, Belgium, LuxembourgImports:$413 million (c.i.f., 1992 est)commodities:foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goodspartners:Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%, France, Germany, Spain, ItalyExternal debt:$1.9 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDPElectricity:capacity:190,000 kWproduction:135 million kWhconsumption per capita:70 kWh (1991)Industries:fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsumAgriculture:accounts for 25% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistencefarming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal rivervalley; crops - dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish productsnumber-one export; large food deficit in years of droughtEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $277 million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20millionCurrency:1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoumsExchange rates:ouguiyas (UM) per US$1 - 124.480 (December 1993), 87.082 (1992),81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Mauritania, Communications
Railroads:690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operatedby government mining companyHighways:total:7,525 kmpaved:1,685 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, otherwise improved 1,040 km; unimproved earth4,800 km (roads, trails, tracks)Inland waterways:mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal RiverPorts:Nouadhibou, NouakchottMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWTAirports:total:28usable:28with permanent-surface runways:9with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,220-2,439 m:17Telecommunications:poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relaylinks, and radio communications stations (improvements being made);broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned
@Mauritania, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, NationalPolice, Presidential GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 467,677; fit for military service 228,385Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989)
@Mauritius, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 900 km east ofMadagascarMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,860 sq kmland area:1,850 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), andRodriguesLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:177 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or the edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the islandof Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory;claims French-administered Tromelin IslandClimate:tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May toNovember); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)Terrain:small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encirclingcentral plateauNatural resources:arable land, fishLand use:arable land:54%permanent crops:4%meadows and pastures:4%forest and woodland:31%other:7%Irrigated land:170 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:water pollutionnatural hazards:subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surroundedby reefsinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species,Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine LifeConservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling;signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
@Mauritius, People
Population:1,116,923 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.92% (1994 est.)Birth rate:19.28 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.41 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:18.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:70.54 yearsmale:66.62 yearsfemale:74.63 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.22 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Mauritian(s)adjective:MauritianEthnic divisions:Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%Religions:Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%),Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1%Languages:English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, BojpooriLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:80%male:85%female:75%Labor force:335,000by occupation:government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing22%, other 22%note:43% of population of working age (1985)
@Mauritius, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Mauritiusconventional short form:MauritiusDigraph:MPType:parliamentary democracyCapital:Port LouisAdministrative divisions:9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River,Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, PlainesWilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, SavanneIndependence:12 March 1968 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 12 March (1968)Constitution:12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992Legal system:based on French civil law system with elements of English common lawin certain areasSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice PresidentRabindranath GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992)head of government:Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy PrimeMinister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation ofthe prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly:elections last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2);MLP/PMSD 3Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:government coalition:Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH; Mauritian MilitantMovement (MMM), Prem NABABSING (less 12 legislators under theleadership of Paul BERENGER, now voting with the opposition);Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR;Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOOopposition:Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN; Socialist WorkersFront, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), X.DUVAL; MMM-Berenger Faction, Paul BERENGEROther political or pressure groups:various labor unionsMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Anund NEEWOORchancery:Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 244-1491 or 1492FAX:(202) 966-0983US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Leslie ALEXANDERembassy:4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louismailing address:use Embassy street addresstelephone:[230] 208-9763 through 208-9767FAX:[230] 208-9534Flag:four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green
@Mauritius, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), andtourism. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land areaand accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's developmentstrategy centers on industrialization (with a view to exports),agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in1992 was impressive, with 6% real growth and low unemployment.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.6 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:6.3% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$7,800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.6% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:2.4% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues:$557 millionexpenditures:$607 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (1990est.)Exports:$1.32 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10%partners:EC and US have preferential treatment, EU 77%, US 15%Imports:$1.63 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%,petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7%partners:EC, US, South Africa, JapanExternal debt:$991 million (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 7% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity:capacity:235,000 kWproduction:630 million kWhconsumption per capita:570 kWh (1992)Industries:food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel,chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectricalmachinery, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane;other products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats,fish; net food importer, especially rice and fishIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; heroinconsumption and transshipment are growing problemsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western(non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries(1970-89), $54 millionCurrency:1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 centsExchange rates:Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 18.696 (January 1994), 17.648(1993), 15.563 (1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Mauritius, Communications
Highways:total:1,800 kmpaved:1,640 kmunpaved:earth 160 kmPorts:Port LouisMerchant marine:14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 162,387 GRT/260,552 DWT, bulk 6,cargo 7, liquefied gas 1Airports:total:5usable:4with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:small system with good service utilizing primarily microwave radiorelay; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links toseveral countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM,no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Mauritius, Defense Forces
Branches:National Police Force, including the paramilitary Special Mobile Force(SMF), Special Support Units (SSU), and National Coast GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 316,975; fit for military service 161,634Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89)
@Mayotte
Header Affiliation: (territorial collectivity of France)
@Mayotte, Geography
Location: Southern Africa, in the northern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique Map references: Africa Area: total area: 375 sq km land area: 375 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to cyclones during rainy season international agreements: NA Note: part of Comoro Archipelago
@Mayotte, People
Population: 93,468 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.8% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 48.84 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.84 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 79.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.81 years male: 55.63 years female: 60.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.77 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mahorais (singular and plural) adjective: Mahoran Ethnic divisions: NA Religions: Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA
@Mayotte, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territorial Collectivity of Mayotteconventional short form:MayotteDigraph:MFType:territorial collectivity of FranceCapital:MamoutzouAdministrative divisions:none (territorial collectivity of France)Independence:none (territorial collectivity of France)National holiday:Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:French lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)head of government:Prefect Jean-Jacques DERACQ (since NA); President of the GeneralCouncil Younoussa BAMANA (since NA 1976)Legislative branch:unicameralGeneral Council (Conseil General):elections last held March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 12, RPR 5French Senate:elections last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1French National Assembly:elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 1998);results - UDF-CDS 54.3%, RPR 44.3%; seats - (1 total) UDF-CDS 1Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)Political parties and leaders:Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for theMahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally forthe Republic (RPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union for French Democracy(UDF), Maoulida AHMED; Center of Social Democrats (CDS),Member of:FZDiplomatic representation in US:none (territorial collectivity of France)US diplomatic representation:none (territorial collectivity of France)Flag:the flag of France is used
@Mayotte, Economy
Overview:Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector,including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is notself-sufficient and must import a large portion of its foodrequirements, mainly from France. The economy and future developmentof the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance.Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development oftourism.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $54 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$600 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$37.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)Exports:$4 million (f.o.b., 1984)commodities:ylang-ylang, vanillapartners:France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9%Imports:$21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984)commodities:building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flourpartners:France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8%External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:NAproduction:NAconsumption per capita:NAIndustries:newly created lobster and shrimp industryAgriculture:most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla,ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needsEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $402 millionCurrency:1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993),5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Mayotte, Communications
Highways:total:42 kmpaved:bituminous 18 kmunpaved:24 kmPorts:DzaoudziAirports: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:small system administered by French Department of Posts andTelecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radiocommunications for links to Comoros and international communications;450 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
@Mayotte, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
@Mexico, Geography
Location:Middle America, between Guatemala and the USMap references:North America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1,972,550 sq kmland area:1,923,040 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than three times the size of TexasLand boundaries:total 4,538 km, Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 kmCoastline:9,330 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or the natural prolongation of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claims Clipperton Island (French possession)Climate:varies from tropical to desertTerrain:high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desertNatural resources:petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timberLand use:arable land:12%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:39%forest and woodland:24%other:24%Irrigated land:51,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:natural water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible andpoor quality in center and extreme southeast; untreated sewage andindustrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation;widespread erosion; desertification; serious air pollution in thenational capital and urban centers along US-Mexico bordernatural hazards:subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast, destructive earthquakesin the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf and Caribbeancoastsinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, HazardousWastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,WhalingNote:strategic location on southern border of US
@Mexico, People
Population:92,202,199 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.94% (1994 est.)Birth rate:27.17 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:4.73 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-3.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:27.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.94 yearsmale:69.36 yearsfemale:76.7 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.17 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Mexican(s)adjective:MexicanEthnic divisions:mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian30%, Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1%Religions:nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%Languages:Spanish, various Mayan dialectsLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:87%male:90%female:85%Labor force:26.2 million (1990)by occupation:services 31.7%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 28%,commerce 14.6%, manufacturing 11.1%, construction 8.4%, transportation4.7%, mining and quarrying 1.5%
@Mexico, Government
Names:conventional long form:United Mexican Statesconventional short form:Mexicolocal long form:Estados Unidos Mexicanoslocal short form:MexicoDigraph:MXType:federal republic operating under a centralized governmentCapital:MexicoAdministrative divisions:31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*(distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja CaliforniaSur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, DistritoFederal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico,Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro,Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas,Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, ZacatecasIndependence:16 September 1810 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 16 September (1810)Constitution:5 February 1917Legal system:mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicialreview of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)Executive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988); electionlast held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held 21 August 1994); results -Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano(FDN) 31.06%, Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note -several of the smaller parties ran a common candidate under acoalition called the National Democratic Front (FDN)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union)Senate (Camara de Senadores):elections last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held 21 August1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate -(64 total; Senate will expand to 128 seats following next election)PRI 62, PRD 1, PAN 1Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados):elections last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held 21 August1994); results - PRI 53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS(now part of PRD) 4%; seats - (500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41,PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)Political parties and leaders:(recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), IgnacioPichardo PAGAZA; National Action Party (PAN), Carlos CASTILLO; PopularSocialist Party (PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; DemocraticRevolutionary Party (PRD), Porfirio MUNOZ Ledo; Cardenist Front forthe National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes;Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Rosa Maria MARTINEZDenagri; Democratic Forum Party (PFD), Pablo Emilio MADERO; MexicanGreen Ecologist Party (PVEM), Jorge GONZALEZ TorresOther political or pressure groups:Roman Catholic Church; Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM);Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN); Confederation ofNational Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO); National PeasantConfederation (CNC); Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT); RevolutionaryConfederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC); Regional Confederationof Mexican Workers (CROM); Confederation of Employers of the MexicanRepublic (COPARMEX); National Chamber of Transformation Industries(CANACINTRA); Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations(COECE); Federation of Unions Providing Goods and Services (FESEBES)Member of:AG (observer), BCIE, CARICOM (observer), CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC,FAO, G-3, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS,OECD, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,WFTI, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jorge MONTANO Martinezchancery:1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006telephone:(202) 728-1600consulate(s) general:Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles,Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco,San Juan (Puerto Rico)consulate(s):Albuquerque, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico(California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Eagle Pass(Texas), Fresno (California), Loredo, Mc Allen (Texas), Midland(Texas), Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), PhiladelphiaUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador James JONESembassy:Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, D.F.mailing address:P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087telephone:[52] (5) 211-0042FAX:[52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373consulate(s) general:Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuanaconsulate(s):Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nuevo LaredoFlag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; thecoat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak)is centered in the white band
@Mexico, Economy
Overview: Mexico's economy, made up predominantly of private manufacturing and services and both large-scale and traditional agriculture, is beginning to rebound from the economic difficulties of the 1980s but still faces key challenges. During the 1980s, the accumulation of large external debts, falling world petroleum prices, rapid population growth, and mounting inflation and unemployment plagued the economy. In recent years, the government has responded by implementing sweeping economic reforms. Strict fiscal and monetary discipline have brought inflation under control, reduced the internal debt, and produced budgetary surpluses in 1992 and 1993. The tight money policies, however, have restricted growth: barely 0.4% in 1993 after a rise of 2.6% in 1992 and 3.6% in 1991. Another aspect of the reform has been the privatization of more than 80% of Mexico's businesses, including all of the commercial banks. Seeking out increased trade and investment opportunities, the government negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada, which entered into force on 1 January 1994. Within Latin America, Mexico has completed bilateral free trade agreements with Chile and Costa Rica, and is continuing negotiations with Colombia and Venezuela for a trilateral deal in addition to holding trade discussions with various other nations. In January of 1993, Mexico replaced its old peso at the rate of 1,000 old to 1 new peso. Despite its hard-won economic progress and the prospects of long-term gains under NAFTA, Mexico still faces difficult problems, including sluggish growth, unemployment, continuing social inequalities, serious pollution, and the prospect of increased competition with the opening of trade. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $740 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0.4% (1993) National product per capita: $8,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.7% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $58.1 billion expenditures: $53 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.4 billion (1992 est.) Exports: $50.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: crude oil, oil products, coffee, silver, engines, motor vehicles, cotton, consumer electronics partners: US 74%, Japan 8%, EC 4% (1992 est.) Imports: $65.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: metal-working machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts partners: US 74%, Japan, 11%, EC 6% (1992) External debt: $125 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 2.8% (1992 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 27,000,000 kW production: 120.725 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,300 kWh (1992) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of active government eradication program; major supplier to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine and marijuana from South America Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $110 million Currency: 1 New Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 3.3556 (March 1994), 3,094.9 (1992), 3,018.4 (1991), 2,812.6 (1990), 2,461.3 (1989) note: the new peso replaced the old peso on 1 January 1993; 1 new peso = 1,000 old pesos Fiscal year: calendar year
@Mexico, Communications
Railroads:24,500 km totalHighways:total:242,300 kmpaved:84,800 km (including 3,166 km of expressways)unpaved:gravel and earth 157,500 kmInland waterways:2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canalsPipelines:crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254km; petrochemical 1,400 kmPorts:Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo,Mazatlan, Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Tuxpan,VeracruzMerchant marine:58 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 853,161 GRT/1,269,018 DWT, cargo3, chemical tanker 4, container 4, liquefied gas 7, oil tanker 32,refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 4Airports:total:1,993usable:1,585with permanent-surface runways:202with runways over 3,659 m:3with runways 2,440-3,659 m:35with runways 1,220-2,439 m:286Telecommunications:highly developed system with extensive microwave radio relay links;privatized in December 1990; connected into Central America MicrowaveSystem; 6,410,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 679 AM, no FM, 238TV, 22 shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; earth stations - 4Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT; launchedSolidarity I satellite in November 1993
@Mexico, Defense Forces
Branches:National Defense (including Army and Air Force), Navy (includingMarines)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 22,779,635; fit for military service 16,619,809; reachmilitary age (18) annually 1,053,025 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Micronesia, Federated States of, Geography
Location:Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quartersof the way between Hawaii and IndonesiaMap references:Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:702 sq kmland area:702 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk), Yap, and KosraeLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:6,112 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the easternislands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionalsevere damageTerrain:islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coralatolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and TrukNatural resources:forests, marine products, deep-seabed mineralsLand use:arable land:NA%permanent crops:NA%meadows and pastures:NA%forest and woodland:NA%other:NA%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:subject to typhoons (June to December)international agreements:party to - Climate Change, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified -BiodiversityNote:four major island groups totaling 607 islands
@Micronesia, Federated States of, People
Population:120,347 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.36% (1994 est.)Birth rate:28.3 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:11.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:37.24 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:67.63 yearsmale:65.67 yearsfemale:69.62 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:4.01 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Micronesian(s)adjective:Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, YapeseEthnic divisions:nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groupsReligions:Christian (divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; otherchurches include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-DayAdventist, Latter-Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith)Languages:English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese,KosreanLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:90%male:90%female:85%Labor force:NAby occupation:two-thirds are government employeesnote:45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65
@Micronesia, Federated States of, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federated States of Micronesiaconventional short form:noneformer:Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of thePacific Islands)Abbreviation:FSMDigraph:FMType:constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compactof Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986Capital:Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei)note:a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the PalikirvalleyAdministrative divisions:4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk), YapIndependence:3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)National holiday:Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979)Constitution:10 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 Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA(since 21 May 1991); election last held ll May 1991 (next to be heldMarch 1995); results - President Bailey OLTER elected president;Vice-President Jacob NENAcabinet:CabinetLegislative branch:unicameralCongress:elections last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held March 1993);results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total)Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:no formal partiesMember of:AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN,UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAUchancery:1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036telephone:(202) 223-4383FAX:(202) 223-4391consulate(s) general:Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Aurelia E. BRAZEALembassy:address NA, Koloniamailing address:P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941telephone:691-320-2187FAX:691-320-2186Flag:light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars arearranged in a diamond pattern
@Micronesia, Federated States of, Economy
Overview:Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming andfishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting,except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industryexists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequatefacilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is theprimary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion inthe islands in the l990s. Geographical isolation and a poorlydeveloped infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $150 million (1989 est.)note:GNP numbers reflect US spendingNational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$1,500 (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:27% (1989)Budget:revenues:$165 millionexpenditures:$115 million, including capital expenditures of $20 million (1988est.)Exports:$2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:coprapartners:NAImports:$67.7 million (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:NApartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:18,000 kWproduction:40 million kWhconsumption per capita:380 kWh (1990)Industries:tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood,and pearlsAgriculture:mainly a subsistence economy; black pepper; tropical fruits andvegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickensEconomic aid:recipient:under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide$1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001Currency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Micronesia, Federated States of, Communications
Highways:total:226 kmpaved:39 km (on major islands)unpaved:stone, coral, laterite 187 kmPorts:Colonia (Yap), Truk, Okat and Lelu (Kosrae)Airports:total:6usable:5with permanent-surface runways:4with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:4Telecommunications:telephone network - 960 telephone lines total at Kolonia and Truk;islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for governmentpurposes); 16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987);broadcast stations - 5 AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific OceanINTELSAT earth stations
@Micronesia, Federated States of, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
@Midway Islands
Header Affiliation: (territory of the US)
@Midway Islands, Geography
Location: Oceania, Polynesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 5.2 sq km land area: 5.2 sq km comparative area: about 9 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Eastern Island and Sand Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 15 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds Terrain: low, nearly level Natural resources: fish, wildlife Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: a coral atoll; closed to the public
@Midway Islands, People
Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 453 US military personnel
@Midway Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Midway IslandsDigraph:MQType:unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, underNaval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division. This facilityhas been operationally closed since 10 September 1993 and is currentlybeing transferred from Pacific Fleet to Naval Facilities EngineeringCommand via a Memorandum of Understanding.Capital:none; administered from Washington, DCFlag:the US flag is used
@Midway Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy is based on providing support services for US navaloperations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goodsmust be imported.Electricity:supplied by US Military
@Midway Islands, Communications
Highways: total: 32 km paved: NA Pipelines: 7.8 km Ports: Sand Island Airports: total: 3 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1
@Midway Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
@Moldova, Geography
Location:Eastern Europe, between Ukraine and RomaniaMap references:Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:33,700 sq kmland area:33,700 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than twice the size of HawaiiLand boundaries:total 1,389 km, Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:no official territorial claims by either Moldova or Romania, butnationalists in Romania seek the merger of Moldova into Romania;potential future dispute by Moldova and Romania against Ukraine overformer southern and northern Bessarabian areas and Northern Bukovinaceded to Ukraine upon Moldova's incorporation into USSRClimate:moderate winters, warm summersTerrain:rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black SeaNatural resources:lignite, phosphorites, gypsumLand use:arable land:50%permanent crops:13%meadows and pastures:9%forest and woodland:0%other:28%Irrigated land:2,920 sq km (1990)Environment:current issues:heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides suchas DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosionfrom poor farming methodsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote:landlocked
@Moldova, People
Population:4,473,033 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.38% (1994 est.)Birth rate:16.02 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:10.02 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:30.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:68.07 yearsmale:64.65 yearsfemale:71.67 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.18 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Moldovan(s)adjective:MoldovanEthnic divisions:Moldavian/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%,Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, other 1.7% (1989 figures)note:internal disputes with ethnic Russians and Ukrainians in the Dniesterregion and Gagauz Turks in the southReligions:Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist (only about 1,000members) (1991)note:the large majority of churchgoers are ethnic MoldavianLanguages:Moldovan (official; virtually the same as the Romanian language),Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)Literacy:age 9-49 can read and write (1970)total population:100%male:100%female:99%Labor force:2.05 million (1992)by occupation:agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures)
@Moldova, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Moldovaconventional short form:Moldovalocal long form:Republica Moldoveneascalocal short form:noneformer:Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; MoldaviaDigraph:MDType:republicCapital:ChisinauAdministrative divisions:previously divided into 40 rayons; new districts possible under newconstitution in 1994Independence:27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday:Independence Day, 27 August 1991Constitution:old Soviet constitution (adopted NA 1979) is still in effect but hasbeen heavily amended during the past few years; a new constitution isexpected in 1994Legal system:based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts;does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN andCSCE documentsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Mircea SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990); election last held 8December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Mircea SNEGUR ranunopposed and won 98.17% of vote; note - President SNEGUR was namedexecutive president by the Supreme Soviet on 3 September 1990 and wasconfirmed by popular election on 8 December 1991head of government:Prime Minister Andrei SANGHALI (since 1 July 1992; reappointed 5 April1994 after elections for new legislature)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation ofthe prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralParliament:elections last held 27 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999);results - percent by party NA; seats - (104 total) Agrarian-DemocraticParty 56, Socialist/Yedinstvo Bloc 28, Peasants and Intellectual Bloc11, Christian Democratic Popular Front 9Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Christian Democratic Popular Front (formerly Moldovan Popular Front),Iurie ROSCA, chairman; Yedinstvo Intermovement, V. YAKOVLEV, chairman;Social Democratic Party, Oazu NANTOI, chairman, two other chairmen;Agrarian-Democratic Party, Dumitru MOTPAN, chairman; Democratic Party,Gheorghe GHIMPU, chairman; Democratic Labor Party, Alexandru ARSENI,chairman; Reform Party, Anatol SELARU; Republican Party, VictorPUSCAS; Socialist Party, Valeriu SENIC, chairman; Communist Party,Vladimir VORONINOther political or pressure groups:United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman;Congress of Intellectuals, Alexandru MOSANU; The Ecology Movement ofMoldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian Democratic Leagueof Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National ChristianParty of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders; ThePeoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; TheDemocratic Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; TheAlliance of Working People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president;Christian Alliance for Greater Romania; Stefan the Great Movement;Liberal Convention of Moldova; Association of Victims of Repression;Christian Democratic Youth LeagueMember of:BSEC, CE (guest), CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT(nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WHO, WIPODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Nicolae TIUchancery:1511 K Street NW, Room 329, Washington, DCtelephone:(202) 783-3012 or -2807US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Mary C. PENDLETONembassy:Strada Alexei Mateevich #103, Chisinaumailing address:use embassy street addresstelephone:373 (2) 23-37-72 or 23-34-76FAX:7-0422-23-30-44Flag:same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoistside), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagleof gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellowcross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and ayellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield dividedhorizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, andcrescent all in black-outlined yellow
@Moldova, Economy
Overview:Moldova has pushed ahead boldly on economic reform since gaining itsindependence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It introduced aconvertible currency - the leu - in late 1993 that has remained stableagainst the dollar, removed price controls on most products,eliminated licenses and quotas on most imports and exports, and freedinterest rates. In 1994, Moldova aims to privatize at least one-thirdof state enterprises, lower inflation to 1% per month, and reduce thebudget deficit to 3.5% of GDP. Moldova enjoys a favorable climate andgood farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result,Moldova's economy is primarily based on agriculture, featuring fruits,vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova, however, must import all ofits supplies of oil, coal, and natural gas, and energy shortages havecontributed to sharp production declines since the break-up of theSoviet Union. Activities by separatist groups in the Dniester regionhave held back economic development in that area. Foreign economicassistance has been a tangible plus for Moldova, whereas directforeign investment has been lacking.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $16.3 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 Moldovan statistics, which arevery uncertain because of major economic changes since 1990)National product real growth rate:-4% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$3,650 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):30% per month (1993)Unemployment rate:less than 1% (includes only officially registered unemployed; largenumbers of underemployed workers)Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$NA, including capital expenditures of $NAnote:budget deficit for 1993 approximately 6% of GDPExports:$108 million to outside the FSU countries (January-September 1993);over 70% of exports go to FSU countriescommodities:foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals(1991)partners:Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania, GermanyImports:$145 million from outside the FSU countries (January-September 1993);over 70% of imports are from FSU countriescommodities:oil, gas, coal, steel machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and otherconsumer durablespartners:Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Romania, GermanyExternal debt:$325 million (end of 1993)Industrial production:growth rate -10% (1993)Electricity:capacity:3,115,000 kWproduction:11.1 billion kWhconsumption per capita:2,491 kWh (1992)Industries:key products are canned food, agricultural machinery, foundryequipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, hosiery,refined sugar, vegetable oil, shoes, textilesAgriculture:Moldova's principal economic activity; products are vegetables,fruits, wine, grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, meat, milk, tobaccoIllicit drugs:illicit cultivator of opium poppy and cannabis; mostly for CISconsumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid:recipient:Joint EC-US loan (1993), $127 million; IMF STF credit (1993), $64million; IMF stand-by loan (1993), $72 million; US commitments(1992-93), $61 million in humanitarian aid, $11 million in technicalassistance; World Bank loan (1993), $60 million; Russia (1993), 50billion ruble credit; Romania (1993), 20 billion lei creditCurrency:the leu (plural lei) was introduced in late 1993Exchange rates:NAFiscal year:calendar year
@Moldova, Communications
Railroads:1,150 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways:total:20,000 kmpaved or gravelled:13,900 kmunpaved:earth 6,100 km (1990)Pipelines:natural gas 310 km (1992)Ports:none; landlockedAirports:total:26usable:15with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:5with runways 1,060-2,439 m:8note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:The telecommunication system of Moldova is not well developed; numberof telephone subscribers 577,000 (1991); number of subscribers per1,000 persons 134 (1991); number of unsuccessful requests fortelephone service 215,000 (1991); international connections to theother former Soviet republics by land line and microwave radio relaythrough Ukraine, and to other countries by leased connections to theMoscow international gateway switch; 2 satellite earth stations - 1EUTELSAT and 1 INTELSAT; broadcast services NA
@Moldova, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Air and Air Defence Force, Security Forces (internaland border troops)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,098,156; fit for military service 869,866; reachmilitary age (18) annually 35,814 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Monaco, Geography
Location:Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, in southern Francenear the border with ItalyMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:1.9 sq kmland area:1.9 sq kmcomparative area:about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries:total 4.4 km, France 4.4 kmCoastline:4.1 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summersTerrain:hilly, rugged, rockyNatural resources:noneLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:100%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, MarineDumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, butnot ratified - Law of the SeaNote:second smallest independent state in world (after Holy See); almostentirely urban
@Monaco, People
Population: 31,278 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.81% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 10.71 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.21 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 9.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.69 years male: 73.94 years female: 81.64 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s) adjective: Monacan or Monegasque Ethnic divisions: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA
@Monaco, Government
Names:conventional long form:Principality of Monacoconventional short form:Monacolocal long form:Principaute de Monacolocal short form:MonacoDigraph:MNType:constitutional monarchyCapital:MonacoAdministrative divisions:4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, LaCondamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-CarloIndependence:1419 (rule by the House of Grimaldi)National holiday:National Day, 19 NovemberConstitution:17 December 1962Legal system:based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:25 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Prince RAINIER III (since NA November 1949); Heir Apparent PrinceALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958)head of government:Minister of State Jacques DUPONT (since NA 1991)cabinet:Council of Government; under the authority of the PrinceLegislative branch:unicameralNational Council (Conseil National):elections last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) UND 18Judicial branch:Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme)Political parties and leaders:National and Democratic Union (UND); Democratic Union Movement (MUD);Monaco Action; Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM)Member of:ACCT, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, ICAO, IMF (observer), IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPODiplomatic representation in US:honorary consulate(s) general:Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco,San Juan (Puerto Rico)honorary consulate(s):Dallas, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and WashingtonUS diplomatic representation:no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France,is accredited to MonacoFlag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flagof Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white(top) and red
@Monaco, Economy
Overview:Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popularresort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. ThePrincipality has successfully sought to diversify into services andsmall, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has noincome tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both forindividuals who have established residence and for foreign companiesthat have set up businesses and offices. About 50% of Monaco's annualrevenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and theindustrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Livingstandards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperousFrench metropolitan suburbs.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $475 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$16,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NEGL%Budget:revenues:$424 millionexpenditures:$376 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebatesMonacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system throughcustoms union with FranceImports:$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebatesMonacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system throughcustoms union with FranceExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:10,000 kW standby; power imported from Franceproduction:NAconsumption per capita:NA (1992)Agriculture:noneEconomic aid:$NACurrency:1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993),5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year