@Nigeria, People
Population: 98,091,097 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.15% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 43.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.43 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 75 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.33 years male: 54.11 years female: 56.59 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.37 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian Ethnic divisions: north: Hausa and Fulani southwest: Yoruba southeast: Ibos non-Africans 27,000 note: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of population Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 51% male: 62% female: 40% Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15% note: 49% of population of working age (1985)
@Nigeria, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federal Republic of Nigeriaconventional short form:NigeriaDigraph:NIType:military government since 31 December 1983; plans to institute aconstitutional conference to prepare for a new transition to civilianrule after plans for a transition in 1993 were negated by GeneralBABANGIDACapital:Abujanote:on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos toAbuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion offacilities in AbujaAdministrative divisions:30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa,Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo,Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos,Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, YobeIndependence:1 October 1960 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 1 October (1960)Constitution:1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989 constitution to takeeffect in 1993 was not implementedLegal system:based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal lawSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander in Chief ofArmed Forces and Defense Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November1993); Vice-Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA(since 17 November 1993)cabinet:Federal Executive CouncilLegislative branch:bicameral National AssemblySenate:suspended after coup of 17 November 1993House of Representatives:suspended after coup of 17 November 1993Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Federal Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:note:two political party system suspended after the coup of 17 November1993Member of:ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT,IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT,INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC(observer), OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAUREchancery:1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036telephone:(202) 986-8400consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Walter CARRINGTONembassy:2 Eleke Crescent, Lagosmailing address:P. O. Box 554, Lagostelephone:[234] (1) 610050FAX:[234] (1) 610257consulate(s) general:KadunaFlag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green
@Nigeria, Economy
Overview:The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by poormacroeconomic management that has resulted in an average annualinflation rate of 60%, a growing foreign debt, and a worsening balanceof payments. A deepening political crisis in 1993 has compounded thegovernment's failure to reign in deficit spending, which prevents itfrom reaching an agreement with the IMF and its bilateral creditors ondebt relief. Investment in both oil and non-oil sector industry hasbeen undermined by corruption and squandered on white elephantprojects that have failed to generate diversification or newemployment.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $95.1 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:4.1% (1992)National product per capita:$1,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):60% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:28% (1992 est.)Budget:revenues:$9 billionexpenditures:$10.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports:$11.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:oil 95%, cocoa, rubberpartners:US 54%, EC 23%Imports:$8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, food and animalspartners:EC 64%, US 10%, Japan 7%External debt:$29.5 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 7.7% (1991); accounts for 43% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity:capacity:4,740,000 kWproduction:8.3 billion kWhconsumption per capita:70 kWh (1991)Industries:crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processingindustries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins;manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, foodproducts, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steelAgriculture:accounts for 35% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficientsmall-scale farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food andnow an importer; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; foodcrops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock -cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensivelyexploitedIllicit drugs:passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement ofheroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europeand North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from SouthAmerica intended for West European, East Asian, and North AmericanmarketsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billionCurrency:1 naira (N) = 100 koboExchange rates:naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (November 1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909(1991), 8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Nigeria, Communications
Railroads:3,505 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:total:107,990 kmpaved:mostly bituminous-surface treatment 30,019 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 25,411 km; unimproved earth52,560 kmInland waterways:8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers andcreeksPipelines:crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km; natural gas 500 kmPorts:Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, SapeleMerchant marine:33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 432,704 GRT/686,718 DWT, bulk 1,cargo 18, chemical tanker 3, liquified gas 1, oil tanker 9,roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports:total:80usable:67with permanent-surface runways:34with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:15with runways 1,220-2,439 m:21Telecommunications:above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion inprogress; radio relay microwave and cable routes; broadcast stations -35 AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxialsubmarine cable
@Nigeria, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 22,468,803; fit for military service 12,840,029; reachmilitary age (18) annually 986,518 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992)
@Niue
Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand)
@Niue, Geography
Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 460 km east of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land: 61% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 19% other: 12% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: one of world's largest coral islands
@Niue, People
Population:1,906 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.66% (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Niuean(s)adjective:NiueanEthnic divisions:Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)Religions:Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closelyrelated to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15%(mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist)Languages:Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, EnglishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:1,000 (1981 est.)by occupation:most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in governmentservice, small industry, and the Niue Development Board
@Niue, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:NiueDigraph:NEType:self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niuefully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retainsresponsibility for external affairsCapital:AlofiAdministrative divisions:noneIndependence:19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free associationwith New Zealand on 19 October 1974)National holiday:Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi establishedBritish sovereignty)Constitution:19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)Legal system:English common lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New ZealandRepresentative Kurt MEYER (since NA)head of government:Premier Frank F. LUI (since 12 March 1993; Acting Premier sinceDecember 1992)cabinet:Cabinet; consists of the premier and three other ministersLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly:elections last held on 6 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1996); results- percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected)Judicial branch:Appeal Court of New Zealand, High CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIANMember of:ESCAP (associate), INTELSAT (signatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPFDiplomatic representation in US:none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)US diplomatic representation:none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)Flag:yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; theflag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on ablue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold redcross
@Niue, Economy
Overview:The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Governmentexpenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up bygrants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to publicemployees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistencegardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industryconsists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, limeoil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreigncollectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recentyears has suffered a serious loss of population because of migrationof Niueans to New Zealand.National product:GNP - exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million (1989 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$1,000 (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):9.6% (1984)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$5.5 millionexpenditures:$6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)Exports:$175,274 (f.o.b., 1985)commodities:canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw,root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicraftspartners:NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, AustraliaImports:$3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985)commodities:food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants,chemicals, drugspartners:NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, USExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:1,500 kWproduction:3 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,490 kWh (1990)Industries:tourist, handicrafts, coconut productsAgriculture:coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams,cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattleEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $62 millionCurrency:1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 centsExchange rates:New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495(1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Niue, Communications
Highways:total:229 kmunpaved:all-weather 123 km; plantation access 106 kmPorts:none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports: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:single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1AM, 1 FM, no TV
@Niue, Defense Forces
Branches:Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
@Norfolk Island
Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia)
@Norfolk Island, Geography
Location: Southwestern Oceania, 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 34.6 sq km land area: 34.6 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (especially May to July) international agreements: NA
@Norfolk Island, People
Population:2,710 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.7% (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Norfolk Islander(s)adjective:Norfolk Islander(s)Ethnic divisions:descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New ZealanderReligions:Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%,Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4%(1986)Languages:English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English andancient TahitianLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NA
@Norfolk Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:Territory of Norfolk Islandconventional short form:Norfolk IslandDigraph:NFType:territory of AustraliaCapital:Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center)Administrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)Independence:none (territory of Australia)National holiday:Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856)Constitution:Norfolk Island Act of 1979Legal system:wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk IslandAct of 1979; Supreme CourtSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented byAdministrator A. G. KERR (since NA April 1992), who is appointed bythe Governor General of Australiahead of government:Assembly President David Ernest BUFFETT (since NA May 1992)cabinet:Executive CouncilLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly:elections last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NAJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:NAMember of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (territory of Australia)US diplomatic representation:none (territory of Australia)Flag:three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with alarge green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly widerwhite band
@Norfolk Island, Economy
Overview:The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level ofprosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. Thenumber of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached29,000 in FY89. Revenues from tourism have given the island afavorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector tobecome self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (1989 est.)Exports:$1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86)commodities:postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm,small quantities of avocadospartners:Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, EuropeImports:$15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86)commodities:NApartners:Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, EuropeExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:7,000 kWproduction:8 million kWhconsumption per capita:3,160 kWh (1990)Industries:tourismAgriculture:Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables,fruit, cattle, poultryEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates:Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704(1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989)Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Norfolk Island, Communications
Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: earth, coral 27 km Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 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 Telecommunications: 1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones (1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
@Norfolk Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
@Northern Mariana Islands
Header Affiliation: (commonwealth in political union with the US)
@Northern Mariana Islands, Geography
Location:Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,635 kmwest-southwest of Honolulu, about three-quarters of the way betweenHawaii and the PhilippinesMap references:OceaniaArea:total area:477 sq kmland area:477 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCnote:includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and TinianLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,482 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonaltemperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season Julyto OctoberTerrain:southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coralreefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters(Mt. Okso' Takpochao on Saipan)Natural resources:arable land, fishLand use:arable land:5% on Saipanpermanent crops:NA%meadows and pastures:19%forest and woodland:NA%other:NA%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes todiseasenatural hazards:active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons (especiallyAugust to November)international agreements:NANote:strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
@Northern Mariana Islands, People
Population:49,799 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.04% (1994 est.)Birth rate:35.05 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:67.43 yearsmale:65.53 yearsfemale:69.48 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.69 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:NAadjective:NAEthnic divisions:Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese,Chinese, KoreanReligions:Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs andtaboos may still be found)Languages:English, Chamorro, Caroliniannote:86% of population speaks a language other than English at homeLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:97%male:97%female:96%Labor force:7,476 total indigenous labor force, 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreignworkers (1990)by occupation:NA
@Northern Mariana Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islandsconventional short form:Northern Mariana IslandsDigraph:CQType:commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing withlocally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature;federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department ofthe Interior, Office of Territorial and International AffairsCapital:SaipanAdministrative divisions:noneIndependence:none (commonwealth in political union with the US)National holiday:Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)Constitution:Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the Constitution ofthe Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsLegal system:based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, andtaxationSuffrage:18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens butdo not vote in US presidential electionsExecutive branch:chief of state:President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); VicePresident Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)head of government:Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); LieutenantGovernor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990); election lastheld in NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1993); results -Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governorLegislative branch:bicameral LegislatureSenate:elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total)Republicans 6, Democrats 3House of Representatives:elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total)Republicans 10, Democrats 6, Independent 2US House of Representatives:the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress;instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" locatedin Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA)Judicial branch:Commonwealth Supreme Court, Superior Court, Federal District CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Republican Party, Governor Lorenzo GUERRERO; Democratic Party, CarlosSHODA, chairmanMember of:ESCAP (associate), SPCFlag:blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the graysilhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used inbuilding) in the center
@Northern Mariana Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from theUS. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated governmentrevenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitledthe islands to $228 million for capital development, governmentoperations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source ofincome is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of thework force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector ismade up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts,breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostlyhandicrafts and light manufacturing.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $541 million (1992)note:GNP numbers reflect US spendingNational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$11,500 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):6.5-7.5% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$147 millionexpenditures:$127.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.)commodities:manufactured goods, garments, bread, pastries, concrete blocks, lightiron workpartners:NAImports:$392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.)commodities:food, construction, equipment, materialspartners:NAExternal debt:$0Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:25,000 kWproduction:35 million kWhconsumption per capita:740 kWh (1990)Industries:tourism, construction, light industry, handicraftsAgriculture:coconuts, fruits, cattle, vegetablesEconomic aid:noneCurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Northern Mariana Islands, Communications
Railroads: none Highways: total: 381.5 km paved: NA unpaved: NA undifferentiated: primary 134.5 km; secondary 55 km; local 192 km (1991) Inland waterways: none Ports: Saipan, Tinian Airports: total: 6 usable: 5 with permanent-surface runways: 3 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV, 2 cable TV stations; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
@Northern Mariana Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
@Norway, Geography
Location:Nordic State, Northern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,west of SwedenMap references:Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:324,220 sq kmland area:307,860 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:total 2,515 km, Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 kmCoastline:21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, longfjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)Maritime claims:contiguous zone:10 nmcontinental shelf:to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:4 nmInternational disputes:territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); dispute betweenDenmark and Norway over maritime boundary in Arctic Ocean betweenGreenland and Jan Mayen has been settled by the International Court ofJustice; maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of BarentsSeaClimate:temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colderinterior; rainy year-round on west coastTerrain:glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertilevalleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords;arctic tundra in northNatural resources:petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead,fish, timber, hydropowerLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:27%other:70%Irrigated land:950 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affectinglakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissionsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling;signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote:about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indentedcoastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes inNorth Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world;Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia
@Norway, People
Population:4,314,604 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.39% (1994 est.)Birth rate:13.32 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:10.44 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.38 yearsmale:74.02 yearsfemale:80.94 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.81 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Norwegian(s)adjective:NorwegianEthnic divisions:Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami) 20,000Religions:Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and RomanCatholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980)Languages:Norwegian (official)note:small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minoritiesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:2.004 million (1992)by occupation:services 39.1%, commerce 17.6%, mining, oil, and manufacturing 16.0%,banking and financial services 7.6%, transportation and communications7.8%, construction 6.1%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.5%(1989)
@Norway, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Norwayconventional short form:Norwaylocal long form:Kongeriket Norgelocal short form:NorgeDigraph:NOType:constitutional monarchyCapital:OsloAdministrative divisions:19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, VestfoldDependent areas:Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, SvalbardIndependence:26 October 1905 (from Sweden)National holiday:Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)Constitution:17 May 1814, modified in 1884Legal system:mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions;Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked;accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown PrinceHAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973)head of government:Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990)cabinet:State Council; appointed by the king in accordance with the will ofthe StortingLegislative branch:unicameral Parliament (Storting)Storting:elections last held on 13 September 1993 (next to be held September1997); results - Labor 37.1%, Center Party 18.5%, Conservatives 15.6%,Christian Peoples' 8.4%, Socialist Left 7.9%, Progress 6%, Left Party3.6%, Red Electoral Alliance 1.2%; seats - (165 total) Labor 67,Center Party 32, Consevatives 18, Christian Peoples' 13, SocialistLeft 13, Progress 10, Left Party 1, Red Electoral Alliance 1,unawarded 10Lagting:Storting elects one-fourth of its member to upper houseJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Hoyesterett)Political parties and leaders:Labor Party, Thorbjorn JAGLUND; Conservative Party, Jan PETERSEN;Center Party, Anne ENGER LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's Party, KjellMagne BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Eric SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist,Ingre IVERSEN; Progress Party, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd EinarDORUM; Finnmark List, leader NA; Left Party; Red Electoral AllianceMember of:AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE,EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB,NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WEU(associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Kjeld VIBEchancery:2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 333-6000FAX:(202) 337-0870consulate(s) general:Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Franciscoconsulate(s):MiamiUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Thomas A. LOFTUSembassy:Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo 2mailing address:PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707telephone:[47] 22-44-85-50FAX:[47] 22-43-07-77Flag:red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges ofthe flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist sidein the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
@Norway, Economy
Overview:Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free marketactivity and government intervention. The government controls keyareas, such as the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale stateenterprises) and extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, andareas with sparse resources. Norway also maintains an extensivewelfare system that helps propel public sector expenditures toslightly more than 50% of the GDP and results in one of the highestaverage tax burdens in the world (54%). A small country with a highdependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter ofraw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- andmedium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations.The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum,hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent onits oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Although one of thegovernment's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, thissituation is not likely to improve for years to come. The governmentalso hopes to reduce unemployment and strengthen and diversify theeconomy through tax reform and a series of expansionary budgets. Thebudget deficit is expected to hit a record 8% of GDP because ofwelfare spending and bail-outs of the banking system. Unemploymentcontinues at record levels of over 10% - including those in jobprograms - because of the weakness of the economy outside the oilsector. Economic growth was only 1.6% in 1993, while inflation was amoderate 2.3%. Oslo, a member of the European Free Trade Area, hasapplied for membership in the European Union and continues toderegulate and harmonize with EU regulations. Membership is expectedin early 1995.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $89.5 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:1.6% (1993)National product per capita:$20,800 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.3% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:5.5% (excluding people in job-training programs; 1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$45.3 billionexpenditures:$51.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993)Exports:$32.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:petroleum and petroleum products 40%, metals and products 10.6%, fishand fish products 6.9%, chemicals 6.4%, natural gas 6.0%, ships 5.4%partners:EC 66.3%, Nordic countries 16.3%, developing countries 8.4%, US 6.0%,Japan 1.8% (1993)Imports:$24.8 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:machinery and equipment 38.9%, chemicals and other industrial inputs26.6%, manufactured consumer goods 17.8%, foodstuffs 6.4%partners:EC 48.6%, Nordic countries 25.1%, developing countries 9.6%, US 8.1%,Japan 8.0% (1993)External debt:$6.5 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6.2% (1992); accounts for 14% of GDPElectricity:capacity:26,900,000 kWproduction:111 billion kWhconsumption per capita:25,850 kWh (1992)Industries:petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paperproducts, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishingAgriculture:accounts for 3% of GDP and about 6% of labor force; among world's top10 fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; over halfof food needs imported; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989Illicit drugs:transshipment point for drugs shipped via the CIS and Baltic statesfor the European marketEconomic aid:donor:ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billionCurrency:1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 oereExchange rates:Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 7.4840 (January 1994), 7.0941(1993), 6.2145 (1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Norway, Communications
Railroads:4,223 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Norwegian State Railways (NSB)operates 4,219 km (2,450 km electrified and 96 km double track); 4 kmotherHighways:total:88,800 kmpaved:38,580 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, earth 50,220 kmInland waterways:1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximumPipelines:refined products 53 kmPorts:Oslo, Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Stavanger, TrondheimMerchant marine:764 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,793,968 GRT/35,409,472 DWT,bulk 159, cargo 92, chemical tanker 85, combination bulk 8,combination ore/oil 28, container 17, liquefied gas 81, oil tanker162, passenger 13, passenger-cargo 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigeratedcargo 13, roll-on/roll-off cargo 54, short-sea passenger 21, vehiclecarrier 28note:the government has created a captive register, the NorwegianInternational Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegianregister; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenienceand do not have to be crewed by Norwegians; the majority of ships(761) under the Norwegian flag are now registered with the NISAirports:total:103usable:102with permanent-surface runways:65with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:13with runways 1,220-2,439 m:15Telecommunications:high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, andtelex services; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 3,102,000 telephones;broadcast stations - 46 AM, 350 private and 143 government FM, 54(2,100 repeaters) TV; 4 coaxial submarine cables; 3 communicationssatellite earth stations operating in the EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (1Atlantic Ocean), MARISAT, and domestic systems
@Norway, Defense Forces
Branches:Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, HomeGuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,119,405; fit for military service 932,438; reachmilitary age (20) annually 30,557 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, 3.2% of GDP (1993)
@Oman, Geography
Location:Middle East, along the Arabian Sea, between Yemen and the United ArabEmiratesMap references:Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:212,460 sq kmland area:212,460 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than KansasLand boundaries:total 1,374 km, Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 kmCoastline:2,092 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:to be definedexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE infar north; a treaty with Yemen defining the Omani-Yemeni boundary wasratified in December 1992Climate:dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strongsouthwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far southTerrain:vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and southNatural resources:petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum,natural gasLand use:arable land:less than 2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:0%other:93%Irrigated land:410 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; sparse naturalfreshwater resourcesnatural hazards:summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interiorinternational agreements:party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Whaling;signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote:strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsulacontrolling Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crudeoil
@Oman, People
Population:1,701,470 (July 1994 est.)note:Oman's first census was concluded in December 1993; preliminaryfigures give a population of 2,000,000, of whom about 500,000 areexpatriate workers; final evaluative figures are not yet availablePopulation growth rate:3.46% (1994 est.)Birth rate:40.38 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:36.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:67.79 yearsmale:65.9 yearsfemale:69.77 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.53 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Omani(s)adjective:OmaniEthnic divisions:Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,Bangladeshi)Religions:Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, HinduLanguages:Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialectsLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:430,000 (est.)by occupation:agriculture 40% (est.)
@Oman, Government
Names:conventional long form:Sultanate of Omanconventional short form:Omanlocal long form:Saltanat Umanlocal short form:UmanDigraph:MUType:monarchyCapital:MuscatAdministrative divisions:there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the USGovernment, but there are 3 governorates (muhafazah, singular -muhafazat); Masqat, Musandam, ZufarIndependence:1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)National holiday:National Day, 18 November (1940)Constitution:noneLegal system:based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to thesultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said (since 23 July 1970)cabinet:CabinetLegislative branch:unicameral Consultative CouncilJudicial branch:none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court systemPolitical parties and leaders:noneOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador-designate Ahmad bin Muhammad al-RASBIchancery:2342 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 387-1980 through 1982US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador David J. DUNFORDembassy:address NA, Muscatmailing address:P. O. Box 202 Code No. 115, Muscattelephone:[968] 698-989FAX:[968] 604-316Flag:three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green(double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; thenational emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on twocrossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of thevertical band
@Oman, Economy
Overview:Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oilindustry, including trends in international oil prices and the abilityof OPEC producers to agree on output quotas. Petroleum accounts formore than 85% of export earnings, about 80% of government revenues,and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billionbarrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate ofextraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and thegeneral population depends on imported food. The government isencouraging private investment, both domestic and foreign, as a primeforce for further economic development.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $16.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:6.1% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$4.4 billionexpenditures:$5.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $1 billion (1994 est.)Exports:$5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:petroleum 87%, re-exports, fish, processed copper, textilespartners:UAE 30%, Japan 27%, South Korea 10%, Singapore 5% (1991)Imports:$3.7 billion (f.o.b, 1993 est.)commodities:machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food,livestock, lubricantspartners:Japan 20%, UAE 14%, UK 19%, US 7% (1991)External debt:$3 billion (1993)Industrial production:growth rate 8.6% (1991); accounts for almost 60% of GDP, includingpetroleumElectricity:capacity:1,142,400 kWproduction:5.1 billion kWhconsumption per capita:3,200 kWh (1992)Industries:crude oil production and refining, natural gas production,construction, cement, copperAgriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP and 40% of the labor force (including fishing);less than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates,limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); notself-sufficient in food; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metrictonsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 millionCurrency:1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baizaExchange rates:Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Oman, Communications
Highways:total:26,000 kmpaved:6,000 kmunpaved:motorable track 20,000 kmPipelines:crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 kmPorts:Mina' Qabus, Mina' Raysut, Mina' al FahlMerchant marine:1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWTAirports:total:138usable:130with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:9with runways 1,220-2,439 m:74Telecommunications:modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiocommunications stations; limited coaxial cable; 50,000 telephones;broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; satellite earth stations - 2Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, and 8 domestic
@Oman, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 382,793; fit for military service 217,755; reachmilitary age (14) annually 22,118 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, 16% of GDP (1993 est.)
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the
HeaderAffiliation:(UN trusteeship administered by the US)
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Geography
Location:Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 850 km southeast ofthe PhilippinesMap references:OceaniaArea:total area:458 sq kmland area:458 sq kmcomparative area:slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,519 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:wet season May to November; hot and humidTerrain:about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous mainisland of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by largebarrier reefsNatural resources:forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabedmineralsLand 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:NANote:includes World War II battleground of Peleliu and world-famous rockislands; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands inthe Caroline chain
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, People
Population:16,366 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.81% (1994 est.)Birth rate:22.54 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:25.07 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.01 yearsmale:69.14 yearsfemale:73.02 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.91 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Palauan(s)adjective:PalauanEthnic divisions:Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian racesReligions:Christian (Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, theAssembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints),Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religionwhich is indigenous to Palau)Languages:English (official in all of Palau's 16 states), Sonsorolese (officialin the state of Sonsoral), Angaur and Japanese (in the state ofAnguar), Tobi (in the state of Tobi), Palauan (in the other 13 states)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:92%male:93%female:91%Labor force:NAby occupation:NA
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Government
Names:conventional long form:Trust Territory of the Pacific Islandsconventional short form:nonenote:may change to Republic of Palau after independence; the native form ofPalau is Belau and is sometimes used incorrectly in English and otherlanguagesDigraph:PSType:UN trusteeship administered by the USnote:constitutional government signed a Compact of Free Association withthe US on 10 January 1986, which was never approved in a series ofUN-observed plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is terminated withentry into force of the Compact, Palau remains under US administrationas the Palau District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands;administrative authority resides in the Department of the Interior andis exercised by the Assistant Secretary for Territorial andInternational Affairs through the Palau Office, Trust Territory of thePacific Islands, J. Victor HOBSON Jr., Director (since 16 December1990)Capital:Korornote:a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in easternBabelthuapAdministrative divisions:there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the USGovernment, but there are 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur,Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang,Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, TobiIndependence:the last polity remaining under the US-administered UN trusteeshipfollowing the departure of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, theFederated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the NorthernMarianas from the trusteeship; administered by the Office ofTerritorial and International Affairs, US Department of InteriorNational holiday:Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)Constitution:1 January 1981Legal system:based on 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 Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993), Vice-President TommyE. REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993); election last held on 4November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - KuniwoNAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3%Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK)Senate:elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total);number of seats by party NAHouse of Delegates:elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total);number of seats by party NAJudicial branch:Supreme Court, National Court, Court of Common PleasMember of:ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer)Diplomatic representation in US:trust territory of the UN administered by the US: AdministrativeOfficer Charles UONG, Palau Liaison Office, 444 North Capitol StreetNW, Suite 308, Washington, DC 20001US diplomatic representation:director:US Liaison Officer Lloyd W. MOSSliaison office:US Liaison Office at Top Side, Neeriyas, Korormailing address:P.O. Box 6028, Koror, PW 96940telephone:(680) 488-2920; (680) 488-2911Flag:light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shiftedslightly to the hoist side
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Economy
Overview:The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing.Tourism provides some foreign exchange, although the remote locationof Palau and a shortage of suitable facilities has hindereddevelopment. The government is the major employer of the work force,relying heavily on financial assistance from the US.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $31.6 million (1986)note:GDP numbers reflect US spendingNational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$2,260 (1986)Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:20% (1986)Budget:revenues:$6 millionexpenditures:$NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.)Exports:$500,000 (f.o.b., 1986)commodities:trochus (type of shellfish), tuna, copra, handicraftspartners:US, JapanImports:$27.2 million (c.i.f., 1986)commodities:NApartners:USExternal debt:about $100 million (1989)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:16,000 kWproduction:22 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,540 kWh (1990)Industries:tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing andagricultureAgriculture:subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweetpotatoesEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.56 billion; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92millionCurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 October - 30 September
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Communications
Highways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: gravel 25 km Ports: Koror Airports: total: 3 usable: 3 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: 3 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Defense Forces
Note:defense is the responsibility of the US and that will not change whenthe UN trusteeship terminates if the Compact of Free Association withthe US goes into effect
@Pacific Ocean, Geography
Location:body of water between the Western Hemisphere, Asia, and AustraliaMap references:Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, Standard Time Zones ofthe WorldArea:total area:165.384 million sq kmcomparative area:about 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by theAtlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers aboutone-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area ofthe worldnote:includes Bali Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait,Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea,Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Savu Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk,South China Sea, Tasman Sea, Timor Sea, and other tributary waterbodiesCoastline:135,663 kmInternational disputes:some maritime disputes (see littoral states)Climate:the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during thesummer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over theland, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blowfrom the Asian land mass back to the oceanTerrain:surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise,warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in thesouthern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in thenorthern Pacific sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk inwinter; in the southern Pacific sea ice from Antarctica reaches itsnorthernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacificis dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific isdissected by deep trenches, including the world's deepest, the 10,924meter Marianas TrenchNatural resources:oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates,placer deposits, fishEnvironment:current issues:endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter,seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and SouthChina Seanatural hazards:surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activitysometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire; subject to tropicalcyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December(most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes)may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico fromJune to October (most common in August and September); southernshipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Ninophenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slackenand the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing theplankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently,the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marinebirds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food sourceinternational agreements:NANote:the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, LuzonStrait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the PacificOcean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; shipssubject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to Mayand in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in thenorthern Pacific from June to December is a hazard to shipping; dottedwith low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwesternPacific Ocean
@Pacific Ocean, Government
Digraph:ZN
@Pacific Ocean, Economy
Overview:The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy andparticularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provideslow-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishinggrounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravelfor the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world'sfish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean wherethe fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation ofoffshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role inthe energy supplies of Australia, NZ, China, US, and Peru. The highcost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swingsin world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped newdrillings.Industries:fishing, oil and gas production
@Pacific Ocean, Communications
Ports:Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines),Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai(China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia),Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)Telecommunications:several submarine cables with network nodal points on Guam and Hawaii
@Pakistan, Geography
Location:Southern Asia, along the Arabian Sea, between India and AfghanistanMap references:Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:803,940 sq kmland area:778,720 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries:total 6,774 km, Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km,Iran 909 kmCoastline:1,046 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or the edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:status of Kashmir with India; border question with Afghanistan (DurandLine); water-sharing problems (Wular Barrage) over the Indus withupstream riparian IndiaClimate:mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in northTerrain:flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;Balochistan plateau in westNatural resources:land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor qualitycoal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestoneLand use:arable land:26%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:4%other:64%Irrigated land:162,200 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:water pollution from untreated sewage, industrial wastes, andagricultural runoff; water scarcity; a majority of the population doesnot have access to safe drinking water; deforestation; soil erosion;desertificationnatural hazards:frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north andwest; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)international agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, NuclearTest Ban, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Law of the Sea, Marine Life ConservationNote:controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routesbetween Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent