@Philippines, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of the Philippinesconventional short form:Philippineslocal long form:Republika ng Pilipinaslocal short form:PilipinasDigraph:RPType:republicCapital:ManilaAdministrative divisions:72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusandel Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*,Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas,Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*,Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*,Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz,Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*,Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, DavaoOriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*,Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, IloiloCity*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao delNorte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte,Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque,Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental,Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental,North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*,Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga,Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino,Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), SanCarlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor,Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu,Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*,Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*,Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del SurIndependence:4 July 1946 (from US)National holiday:Independence Day, 12 June (1898) (from Spain)Constitution:2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987Legal system:based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage:15 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Fidel Valdes RAMOS (since 30 June 1992); Vice PresidentJoseph Ejercito ESTRADA (since 30 June 1992); election last held 11May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - FidelValdes RAMOS won 23.6% of votes, a narrow pluralitycabinet:Executive Secretary; appointed by the president with the consent ofthe Commission of AppointmentsLegislative branch:bicameral Congress (Kongreso)Senate (Senado):elections last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May1995); results - LDP 66%, NPC 20%, Lakas-NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats -(24 total) LDP 15, NPC 5, Lakas-NUCD 2, Liberal 1, Independent 1House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan):elections last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May1995); results - LDP 43.5%; Lakas-NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL3%; seats - (200 total) LDP 87, NPC 45, Lakas-NUCD 41, Liberal 15, NP6, KBL 3, Independent 3Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Democratic Filipino Struggle (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipinas,Laban), Edgardo ESPIRITU; People Power-National Union of ChristianDemocrats (Lakas ng Edsa, NUCD and Partido Lakas Tao, Lakas/NUCD);Fidel V. RAMOS, President of the Republic, Raul MANGLAPUS, Jose deVENECIA, secretary general; Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC),Eduardo COJUANGCO; Liberal Party, Jovito SALONGA; People's ReformParty (PRP), Miriam DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO; New Society Movement (KilusanBagong Lipunan; KBL), Imelda MARCOS; Nacionalista Party (NP), SalvadorH. LAUREL, presidentMember of:APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Raul Chaves RABEchancery:1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036telephone:(202) 483-1414FAX:(202) 328-7614consulate(s) general:Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, SanFrancisco, and Seattleconsulate(s):San Diego and San Jose (Saipan)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTEembassy:1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila 1000mailing address:APO AP 96440telephone:[632] 521-7116FAX:[632] 522-4361consulate(s) general:CebuFlag:two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a whiteequilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of thetriangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containingthree individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a smallyellow five-pointed star
@Philippines, Economy
Overview:Domestic output in this primarily agricultural economy failed to growin 1992 and rose only slightly in 1993. Drought and power supplyproblems hampered production, while inadequate revenues preventedgovernment pump priming. Worker remittances helped to supplement GDP.A marked increase in capital goods imports, particularly powergenerating equipment, telecommunications equipment, and electronicdata processors, contributed to 20% import growth in both 1992 and1993.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $171 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:1.4% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$2,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.6% (1993)Unemployment rate:9.2% (1993)Budget:revenues:$11.5 billionexpenditures:$13 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.7 billion (1994est.)Exports:$11.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:electronics, textiles, coconut products, cooper, fishpartners:US 39%, Japan 18%, Germany 5%, UK 5%, Hong Kong 5% (1992)Imports:$17.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:raw materials 40%, capital goods 25%, petroleum products 10%partners:Japan 21%, US 18%, Taiwan 7%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Hong Kong 5%, SouthKorea 5% (1992)External debt:$34.1 billion (September 1993)Industrial production:growth rate -1% (1992 est.); accounts for 34% of GDPElectricity:capacity:7,850,000 kWproduction:28 billion kWhconsumption per capita:420 kWh (1992)Industries:textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing,electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishingAgriculture:accounts for about 20% of GDP and about 45% of labor force; majorcrops - rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangos;animal products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products;fish catch of 2 million metric tons annuallyIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growersare producing more and better quality cannabis despite governmenteradication efforts; transit point for Southwest Asian heroin boundfor the USEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries(1975-89), $123 millionCurrency:1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 27.725 (January 1994), 22.120 (1993),25.512 (1992), 27.479 (1991), 24.311 (1990), 21.737 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Philippines, Communications
Railroads:378 km operable on Luzon, 34% government owned (1982)Highways:total:157,450 kmpaved:22,400 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 85,050 km; unimproved earth50,000 km (1988)Inland waterways:3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vesselsPipelines:petroleum products 357 kmPorts:Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, Legaspi, Manila, SubicBayMerchant marine:553 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,451,047 GRT/13,934,255 DWT,bulk 241, cargo 145, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 10,combination ore/oil 1, container 8, liquefied gas 3, livestock carrier9, oil tanker 33, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 13, refrigerated cargo27, roll-on/roll-off cargo 14, short-sea passenger 12, vehicle carrier35note:many Philippine flag ships are foreign owned and are on the registerfor the purpose of long-term bare-boat charter back to their originalowners who are principally in Japan and GermanyAirports:total:270usable:238with permanent-surface runways:74with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:9with runways 1,220-2,439 m:57Telecommunications:good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic andinterisland service adequate; 872,900 telephones; broadcast stations -267 AM (including 6 US), 55 FM, 33 TV (including 4 US); submarinecables extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan;satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Pacific OceanINTELSAT, and 11 domestic
@Philippines, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 17,668,781; fit for military service 12,479,312; reachmilitary age (20) annually 733,880 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $731 million, 1.4% of GNP (1992)
@Pitcairn Islands
HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@Pitcairn Islands, Geography
Location: Oceania, Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Peru and New Zealand Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 47 sq km land area: 47 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 51 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March) Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs Natural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish 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 typhoons (especially November to March) international agreements: NA
@Pitcairn Islands, People
Population:71 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.93% (1994 est.)Birth rate:NADeath rate:NANet migration rate:NAInfant mortality rate:NALife expectancy at birth:NATotal fertility rate:NANationality:noun:Pitcairn Islander(s)adjective:Pitcairn IslanderEthnic divisions:descendants of the Bounty mutineersReligions:Seventh-Day Adventist 100%Languages:English (official), Tahitian/English dialectLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:NAby occupation:no business community in the usual sense; some public works;subsistence farming and fishing
@Pitcairn Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islandsconventional short form:Pitcairn IslandsDigraph:PCType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:AdamstownAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday:Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)Constitution:Local Government Ordinance of 1964Legal system:local island by-lawsSuffrage:18 years of age; universal with three years residencyExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by UK HighCommissioner to New Zealand and Governor (non-resident) of thePitcairn Islands David Joseph MOSS (since NA September 1990);Commissioner (non-resident) G.D. HARRAWAY (since NA; is the liasonperson between the governor and the Island Council)head of government:Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Jay WARREN (sinceNA)Legislative branch:unicameralIsland Council:elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of voteby party NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch:Island CourtPolitical parties and leaders:NAOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:SPCDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and thePitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag;the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shieldfeaturing a yellow anchor
@Pitcairn Islands, Economy
Overview:The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertilesoil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables,including citrus, sugar cane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans.Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources ofrevenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale ofhandicrafts to passing ships.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):NA%Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$430,000expenditures:$429,000, including capital expenditures of $NA (1987 est.)Exports:$NAcommodities:fruits, vegetables, curiospartners:NAImports:$NAcommodities:fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, otherfoodstuffspartners:NAExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:110 kWproduction:300,000 kWhconsumption per capita:5,360 kWh (1990)Industries:postage stamp sales, handicraftsAgriculture:based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits andvegetables grown; must import grain productsEconomic aid:recipient:ODA bilateral commitments (1992-93), $84,000Currency:1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 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
@Pitcairn Islands, Communications
Railroads:noneHighways:total:6.4 kmunpaved:earth 6.4 kmPorts:Bounty BayAirports:noneTelecommunications:24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island; broadcaststations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; diesel generator provides electricity
@Pitcairn Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Poland, Geography
Location:Central Europe, between Germany and BelarusMap references:Asia, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones ofthe WorldArea:total area:312,680 sq kmland area:304,510 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than New MexicoLand boundaries:total 3,114 km, Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km,Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 444 km,Ukraine 428 kmCoastline:491 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequentprecipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowersTerrain:mostly flat plain; mountains along southern borderNatural resources:coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, saltLand use:arable land:46%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:13%forest and woodland:28%other:12%Irrigated land:1,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:forest damage due to air pollution; improper means for disposal oflarge amounts of hazardous and industrial waste; severe waterpollution from industrial and municipal sources; severe air pollutionresults from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plantsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species,Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, NuclearTest Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed,but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law ofthe SeaNote:historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lackof natural barriers on the North European Plain
@Poland, People
Population:38,654,561 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.35% (1994 est.)Birth rate:13.44 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.4 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:13.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.66 yearsmale:68.64 yearsfemale:76.91 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.94 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Pole(s)adjective:PolishEthnic divisions:Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Byelorussian 0.5% (1990est.)Religions:Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox,Protestant, and other 5%Languages:PolishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1978)total population:98%male:99%female:98%Labor force:17.329 millionby occupation:industry and construction 32.0%, agriculture 27.6%, trade, transport,and communications 14.7%, government and other 24.6% (1992)
@Poland, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Polandconventional short form:Polandlocal long form:Rzeczpospolita Polskalocal short form:PolskaDigraph:PLType:democratic stateCapital:WarsawAdministrative divisions:49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biala Podlaska,Bialystok, Bielsko Biala, Bydgoszcz, Chelm, Ciechanow, Czestochowa,Elblag, Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin,Koszalin, Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, Lodz, Lomza, Lublin, NowySacz, Olsztyn, Opole, Ostroleka, Pila, Piotrkow, Plock, Poznan,Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow, Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Slupsk,Suwalki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg, Tarnow, Torun, Walbrzych, Warszawa,Wloclawek, Wroclaw, Zamosc, Zielona GoraIndependence:11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed)National holiday:Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)Constitution:interim "small constitution" came into effect in December 1992replacing the Communist-imposed Constitution of 22 July 1952; newdemocratic Constitution being draftedLegal system:mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communistlegal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broaderdemocratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts;has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990); election first roundheld 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next to beheld NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%,Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3%head of government:Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 26 October 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; responsible to the president and the SejmLegislative branch:bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe)Senate (Senat):elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later thanNA October 1997); seats - (100 total)post-Solidarity bloc:UW 6, NSZZ 12, BBWR 2non-Communist, non-Solidarity:independents 7, unaffiliated 1, vacant 1 (to be filled in a 19 Juneelection)Communist origin or linked:PSL 34, SLD 37Diet (Sejm):elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later thanNA October 1997); seats - (460 total)post-Solidarity bloc:UW 74, UP 41, BBWR 16non-Communist, non-Solidarity:KPN 22Communist origin or linked:SLD 171, PSL 132note:4 seats were won by ethnic GermansJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:post-Solidarity parties:Freedom Union (WD; UD and Liberal Democratic Congress merged to formFreedom Union), Tadeusz MAZOWIECKI; Christian-National Union (ZCHN),Wieslaw CHRZANOWSKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; PeasantAlliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity Trade Union (NSZZ), MarianKRZAKLEWSKI; Union of Labor (UP), Ryszard BUGAJ; Christian-DemocraticParty (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Conservative Party, Alexander HALL;Nonparty Bloc for the Support of the Reforms (BBWR)non-Communist, non-Solidarity:Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI;Polish Economic Program (PPG), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats(CHD), Andrzej OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Union ofReal Politics (UPR), Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD),Antoni MACKIEWICZ; Party X, Stanislaw TyminskiCommunist origin or linked:Social Democracy (SDRP, party of Poland), Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI;Polish Peasants' Party (PSL), Waldemar PAWLAK; Democratic LeftAlliance, Aleksander KWASNIEWSKIOther political or pressure groups:powerful Roman Catholic Church; Solidarity (trade union); All PolandTrade Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist programMember of:BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, COCOM (cooperating),CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO,IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM,ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), PCA,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOMIG, UNPROFOR,UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jerzy KOZMINSKIchancery:2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 234-3800 through 3802FAX:(202) 328-6271consulate(s) general:Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Nicholas A. REYembassy:Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsawmailing address:American Embassy Warsaw, Unit 1340, or APO AE 09213-1340telephone:[48] (2) 628-3041FAX:[48] (2) 628-8298consulate(s) general:Krakow, PoznanFlag:two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to theflags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white
@Poland, Economy
Overview:Poland is continuing the difficult transition to a market economy thatbegan on 1 January 1990, when the new democratic government instituted"shock therapy" by decontrolling prices, slashing subsidies, anddrastically reducing import barriers. The economy contracted sharplyin 1990 and 1991, but in 1992 real GDP grew 1% despite a severedrought. Real GDP expanded about 4% in 1993, the highest rate inEurope except for Albania. About half of GDP now comes from theprivate sector even though privatization of the large state-ownedenterprises is proceeding slowly and most industry remains in statehands. The pattern of industrial production is changing rapidly;output of textiles and construction materials is well above 1990levels, while output of basic metals remains depressed. Inflation,which had exceeded 50% monthly in late 1989, was down to about 37% forall of 1993, as the government held the budget deficit below 3% ofGDP. Unemployment has risen steadily, however, to about 16%. The tradedeficit is also a problem, in part due to recession in Western Europe,Poland's main customer. The new government elected in September 1993is politically to the left of its predecessor but is continuing thereform process.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $180.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:4.1% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$4,680 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):37% (1993)Unemployment rate:15.7% (December 1993)Budget:revenues:$24.3 billionexpenditures:$27.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1993est.)Exports:$13.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:machinery 24%, metals 17%, chemicals 12%, fuels and power 11%, food10% (1992)partners:Germany 31.4%, Netherlands 6.0%, Italy 5.6%, Russia 5.5% (1992)Imports:$15.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:fuels and power 17%, machinery 36%, chemicals 17%, food 8% (1992)partners:Germany 23.9%, Russia 8.5%, Italy 6.9%, UK 6.7% (1992)External debt:$47 billion (1993); note - Poland's Western government creditorspromised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's $35 billion official debtimmediately and to forgive another 20% in 1994; foreign banks agreedin early 1994 to forgive 45% of their $12 billion debt claimIndustrial production:growth rate 7% (1993)Electricity:capacity:31,530,000 kWproduction:137 billion kWhconsumption per capita:3,570 kWh (1992)Industries:machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals,shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textilesAgriculture:accounts for 7% of GDP and a much larger share of labor force; 75% ofoutput from private farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remainslow by European standards; leading European producer of rye, rapeseed,and potatoes; wide variety of other crops and livestock; majorexporter of pork products; normally self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs:illicit producers of opium for domestic consumption and amphetaminesfor the international market; transshipment point for Asian and LatinAmerican illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid:donor:bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89),$2.2 billionrecipient:Western governments and institutions have pledged $8 billion in grantsand loans since 1989, but most of the money has not been disbursedCurrency:1 zloty (Zl) = 100 groszyExchange rates:zlotych (Zl) per US$1 - 21,080 (January 1994), 18,115 (1993), 13,626(1992), 10,576 (1991), 9,500 (1990), 1,439.18 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Poland, Communications
Railroads:26,250 km total; 23,857 km 1.435-meter gauge, 397 km 1.520-metergauge, 1,996 km narrow gauge; 8,987 km double track; 11,510 kmelectrified; government owned (1991)Highways:total:360,629 km (excluding farm, factory and forest roads)paved:220,000 km (220 km of which are limited access expressways)unpaved:140,629 km (1988)Inland waterways:3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1991)Pipelines:crude oil 1,986 km; petroleum products 360 km; natural gas 4,600 km(1992)Ports:Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, Swinoujscie; principal inland ports areGliwice on Kanal Gliwicki, Wrocaw on the Oder, and Warsaw on theVistulaMerchant marine:173 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,327,855 GRT/3,458,445 DWT,bulk 89, cargo 57, chemical tanker 4, container 8, oil tanker 1,passenger 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 5note:Poland owns 3 ships operating under Liberian registryAirports:total:209usable:167with permanent-surface runways:70with runway over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:47with runways 1,060-2,439 m:78note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; cable, open wire andmicrowave; phone density is 10.5 phones per 100 residents (October1990); 3.6 million telephone subscribers; exchanges are 86% automatic(1991); broadcast stations - 27 AM, 27 FM, 40 (5 Soviet repeaters) TV;9.6 million TVs; 1 satellite earth station using INTELSAT, EUTELSAT,INMARSAT and Intersputnik
@Poland, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 10,046,993; fit for military service 7,856,680; reachmilitary age (19) annually 316,339 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:30.8 trillion zlotych, 1.8% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion ofdefense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange ratecould produce misleading results
@Portugal, Geography
Location:Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean west of SpainMap references:Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:92,080 sq kmland area:91,640 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than Indiananote:includes Azores and Madeira IslandsLand boundaries:total 1,214 km, Spain 1,214 kmCoastline:1,793 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed withIndonesiaClimate:maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in southTerrain:mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in southNatural resources:fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marbleLand use:arable land:32%permanent crops:6%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:40%other:16%Irrigated land:6,340 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicleemissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areasnatural hazards:Azores subject to severe earthquakesinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation,Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands;signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test BanNote:Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along westernsea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar
@Portugal, People
Population:10,524,210 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.36% (1994 est.)Birth rate:11.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.7 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:1.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:9.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.2 yearsmale:71.77 yearsfemale:78.86 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Portuguese (singular and plural)adjective:PortugueseEthnic divisions:homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands;citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland duringdecolonization number less than 100,000Religions:Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2%Languages:PortugueseLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:85%male:89%female:82%Labor force:4,605,700by occupation:services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988)
@Portugal, Government
Names:conventional long form:Portuguese Republicconventional short form:Portugallocal long form:Republica Portuguesalocal short form:PortugalDigraph:POType:republicCapital:LisbonAdministrative divisions:18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomousregions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro,Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra,Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto,Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, ViseuDependent areas:Macau (scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China on20 December 1999)Independence:1140 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910)National holiday:Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580)Constitution:25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989Legal system:civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews theconstitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986);election last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February1996); results - Dr. Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, CarlosCARVALHAS 13%, Carlos MARQUES 3%head of government:Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985)Council of State:acts as a consultative body to the presidentcabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation ofthe prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralAssembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica):elections last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995);results - PSD 50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, Center Democrats 4.4%,National Solidarity Party 1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230total) PSD 136, PS 71, CDU 17, Center Democrats 5, National SolidarityParty 1Judicial branch:Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica)Political parties and leaders:Social Democratic Party (PSD), Anibal CAVACO Silva; PortugueseSocialist Party (PS), Antonio GUTERRES; Party of Democratic Renewal(PRD), Pedro CANAVARRO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), CarlosCARVALHAS; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Manuel MONTEIRO; NationalSolidarity Party (PSN), Manuel SERGIO; Center Democratic Party (CDS);United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists)Member of:AfDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC,ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA,IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM,ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA,NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ,UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Francisco Jose Laco Treichler KNOPFLIchancery:2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 328-8610FAX:(202) 462-3726consulate(s) general:Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San Franciscoconsulate(s):Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Providence (RhodeIsland)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Sharon P. WILKINSONembassy:Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbonmailing address:PSC 83, Lisbon; APO AE 09726telephone:[351] (1) 726-6600 or 6659, 8670, 8880FAX:[351] (1) 726-9109consulate(s):Ponta Delgada (Azores)Flag:two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red(three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on thedividing line
@Portugal, Economy
Overview:Portugal's economy registered only 1.1% growth in 1992 and contractedby 0.4% in 1993, in contrast to the 4.5% average of the fast-paced1986-90 period. Recession in the European Union, which accounts for75% of Portugal's international trade, is the key factor in thedownturn. The government's long-run economic goal is the modernizationof Portuguese markets, industry, infrastructure, and workforce inorder to catch up with productivity and income levels of the moreadvanced EU countries. Per capita income now equals only 55% of the EUaverage. The government's medium-term economic objective is to be inthe first tier of EU countries eligible to join the economic andmonetary union (EMU) as early as 1997. Economic policy in 1993 focusedon reducing inflationary pressures by lowering the fiscal deficit,maintaining a stable escudo, moderating wage increases, andencouraging increased competition. Resumption of growth in the shortrun depends on the revival of growth in Europe as a whole, not alikely prospect in the immediate future.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $91.5 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:-0.4% (1993)National product per capita:$8,700 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:7% (1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$27.3 billionexpenditures:$33.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.5 billion (1991est.)Exports:$17.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timberand timber products, resin, machinery, appliancespartners:EC 75.4%, other developed countries 12.4%, US 3.8% (1992)Imports:$28 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals,petroleum, textilespartners:EC 72%, other developed countries 10.9% less developed countries12.9%, US 3.4%External debt:$20 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDPElectricity:capacity:6,624,000 kWproduction:26.4 billion kWhconsumption per capita:2,520 kWh (1992)Industries:textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oilrefining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourismAgriculture:accounts for 6.1% of GDP and 20% of labor force; small, inefficientfarms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain,potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats,poultry, meat, dairy productsIllicit drugs:increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaineentering the European market; transshipment point for hashish fromNorth Africa to EuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billionWestern (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $1.2 billionCurrency:1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 176.16 (January 1994), 160.80(1993), 135.00 (1992), 144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990), 157.46 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Portugal, Communications
Railroads:3,625 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates2,858 km 1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km doubletrack), 755 km 1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge)electrified, double track, privately ownedHighways:total:73,661 kmpaved and gravel:61,599 km (including 453 km of expressways)unpaved:earth 12,062 kmInland waterways:820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used byshallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacityPipelines:crude oil 22 km; petroleum products 58 kmPorts:Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores),Setubal, SinesMerchant marine:61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 962,293 GRT/1,779,855 DWT, bulk3, cargo 25, chemical tanker 4, container 3, liquified gas 2, oiltanker 18, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-seapassenger 2note:Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira (MAR) forPortuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewingbenefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently isknown to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likelythat a majority of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to thissubregister in a few yearsAirports:total:65usable:63with permanent-surface runways:37with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:10with runways 1,220-2,439 m:11Telecommunications:generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire andmicrowave radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57AM, 66 (22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT,domestic satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link toAzores
@Portugal, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard,Fiscal Guard, Public Security PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,723,987; fit for military service 2,207,637; reachmilitary age (20) annually 89,380 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1993)
@Puerto Rico
Header Affiliation: (commonwealth associated with the US)
@Puerto Rico, Geography
Location:Caribbean, in the North Caribbean Sea, between the Dominican Republicand the Virgin Islands groupMap references:Central America and the CaribbeanArea:total area:9,104 sq kmland area:8,959 sq kmcomparative area:slightly less than three times the size of Rhode IslandLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:501 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, mild, little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountainsprecipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastalareasNatural resources:some copper and nickel, potential for onshore and offshore crude oilLand use:arable land:8%permanent crops:9%meadows and pastures:41%forest and woodland:20%other:22%Irrigated land:390 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:NAnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:NANote:important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to thePanama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harborsin the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensureland is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastalplain belt in north
@Puerto Rico, People
Population: 3,801,977 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.13% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.5 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.93 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -7.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.95 years male: 70.42 years female: 77.65 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Puerto Rican(s) adjective: Puerto Rican Ethnic divisions: Hispanic Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15% Languages: Spanish (official), English widely understood Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88% Labor force: 1.17 million (1992) by occupation: government 20%, manufacturing 14%, trade 17%, construction 5%, communications and transportation 5%, other 39% (1992)
@Puerto Rico, Government
Names:conventional long form:Commonwealth of Puerto Ricoconventional short form:Puerto RicoDigraph:RQType:commonwealth associated with the USCapital:San JuanAdministrative divisions:none (commonwealth associated with the US), note: there are 78municipalitiesIndependence:none (commonwealth associated with the US)National holiday:US Independence Day, 4 July (1776)Constitution:ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective25 July 1952Legal system:based on Spanish civil codeSuffrage: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 Pedro ROSSELLO (since NA January 1993); election last held 3November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - PedroROSSELLO (PND) 50%, Victoria MUNOZ (PPD) 46%, Fernando MARTIN (PIP) 4%Legislative branch:bicameral Legislative AssemblySenate:elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) seatsby party NAHouse of Representatives:elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) seatsby party NAUS House of Representatives:elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) seatsby party NA; note - Puerto Rico elects one representative to the USHouse of Representatives, Carlos Romero BARCELOJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Freddy VALENTIN; PopularDemocratic Party (PPD), Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon; New Progressive Party(PNP), Carlos ROMERO Barcelo; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP), JuanMARI Bras and Carlos GALLISA; Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP),Ruben BERRIOS Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s)unknownOther political or pressure groups:all have engaged in terrorist activities - Armed Forces for NationalLiberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; BoricuaPopular Army (also known as the Macheteros); Armed Forces of PopularResistanceMember of:CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU,INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate)Diplomatic representation in US:none (commonwealth associated with the US)US diplomatic representation:none (commonwealth associated with the US)Flag:five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating withwhite; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a largewhite five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag
@Puerto Rico, Economy
Overview:Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbeanregion. Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector ofeconomic activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the USand by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Ricosince the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Important industriesinclude pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, andprocessed foods. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production andother livestock products as the main source of income in theagricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an importantsource of income for the island, with estimated arrivals of nearly 3million tourists in 1989. Unemployment remains a severe problem at18%.National product:GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $26.8 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$7,100 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.1% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:18% (1993 est.)Budget:revenues:$5.8 billionexpenditures:$5.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $258 million (1989est.)Exports:$21.8 billion (1992)commodities:pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverageconcentrates, medical equipment, instrumentspartners:US 88.3% (1990)Imports:$14.8 billion (1992)commodities:chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum productspartners:US 68.8% (1990)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate 1.2% (FY92)Electricity:capacity:5,040,000 kWproduction:16.1 billion kWhconsumption per capita:4,260 kWh (1992)Industries:manufacturing accounts for 55.5% of GDP: manufacturing ofpharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, instruments;tourismAgriculture:accounts for only 3% of labor force and less than 2% of GDP: crops -sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle,chickens; imports a large share of food needs (1992)Economic aid:noneCurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Puerto Rico, Communications
Railroads:96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; no passengerrailroadsHighways:total:13,762 kmpaved:13,762 km (1982)Ports:San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, AreciboAirports:total:30usable:23with permanent-surface runways:19with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:5Telecommunications:modern system, integrated with that of the US by high capacitysubmarine cable and INTELSAT with high-speed data capability; digitaltelephone system with about 1 million lines; cellular telephoneservice; broadcast stations - 50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV; cable televisionavailable with US programs (1990)
@Puerto Rico, Defense Forces
Branches:paramilitary National Guard, Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the US
@Qatar, Geography
Location:Middle East, peninsula jutting into the central Persian Gulf, betweenIran and Saudi ArabiaMap references:Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:11,000 sq kmland area:11,000 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than ConnecticutLand boundaries:total 60 km, Saudi Arabia 60 kmCoastline:563 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:not specifiedexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands; maritimeboundary with BahrainClimate:desert; hot, dry; humid and sultry in summerTerrain:mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravelNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, fishLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:0%other:95%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:limited freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scaledesalination facilitiesnatural hazards:haze, dust storms, sandstorms commoninternational agreements:signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote:strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleumdeposits
@Qatar, People
Population: 512,779 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.56% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 18.83 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 3.53 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 10.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 21.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.64 years male: 70.08 years female: 75.09 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.74 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Qatari(s) adjective: Qatari Ethnic divisions: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14% Religions: Muslim 95% Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986) total population: 76% male: 77% female: 72% Labor force: 104,000 (85% non-Qatari in private sector) (1983)
@Qatar, Government
Names:conventional long form:State of Qatarconventional short form:Qatarlocal long form:Dawlat Qatarlocal short form:QatarDigraph:QAType:traditional monarchyCapital:DohaAdministrative divisions:there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the USGovernment, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular -baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, AlRayyan, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm SalalIndependence:3 September 1971 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 3 September (1971)Constitution:provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970Legal system:discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civilcodes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personalmattersSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977;son of Amir and Minister of Defense)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the amirLegislative branch:unicameralAdvisory Council (Majlis al-Shura):constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body,but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total)Judicial branch:Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:noneMember of:ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Faud Al Thanichancery:Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037telephone:(202) 338-0111US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Kenton W. KEITHembassy:149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the televisionstation), Dohamailing address:P. O. Box 2399, Dohatelephone:(0974) 864701 through 864703FAX:(0974) 861669Flag:maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on thehoist side
@Qatar, Economy
Overview:Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for roughly 85% ofexport earnings and 75% of government revenues. Proved oil reserves of3.3 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levelsfor about 25 years. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP comparable tothe leading industrial countries. Production and export of natural gasare becoming increasingly important.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.8 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-0.5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$17,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$2.5 billionexpenditures:$3 billion, including capital expenditures of $440 million (1992 est.)Exports:$3.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:petroleum products 85%, steel, fertilizerspartners:Japan 61%, Brazil 6%, South Korea 5%, UAE 4%, Singapore 3% (1991)Imports:$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.)commodities:machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemicalspartners:Japan 14%, UK 12%, US 12%, Germany 9%, France 5% (1991)External debt:$1.5 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 64% of GDP, including oilElectricity:capacity:1,596,000 kWproduction:4.818 billion kWhconsumption per capita:9,655 kWh (1992)Industries:crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel(rolls reinforcing bars for concrete construction), cementAgriculture:farming and grazing on small scale, less than 2% of GDP; agriculturalarea is small and government-owned; commercial fishing increasing inimportance; most food importedEconomic aid:donor:pledged in ODA to less developed countries (1979-88), $2.7 billionCurrency:1 Qatari riyal (QR) = 100 dirhamsExchange rates:Qatari riyals (QR) per US$1 - 3.6400 riyals (fixed rate)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Qatar, Communications
Highways:total:1,500 kmpaved:1,000 kmunpaved:gravel, natural surface 500 km (est.)Pipelines:crude oil 235 km; natural gas 400 kmPorts:Doha, Umm Sa'id, Halul IslandMerchant marine:18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 373,491 GRT/567,294 DWT,container 4, cargo 11, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1Airports:total:5usable:4with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:modern system centered in Doha; 110,000 telephones; troposphericscatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE;submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE; satellite earth stations - 1Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; broadcaststations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV
@Qatar, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Public SecurityManpower availability:males age 15-49 217,538; fit for military service 114,468; reachmilitary age (18) annually 3,737 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA%, of GDP
@Reunion
Header
Affiliation: (overseas department of France)
@Reunion, Geography
Location: Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 750 km east of Madagascar Map references: World Area: total area: 2,510 sq km land area: 2,500 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 201 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 35% other: 39% Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: periodic, devastating cyclones international agreements: NA
@Reunion, People
Population: 652,857 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.03% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.14 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.07 years male: 71 years female: 77.29 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.78 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Reunionese (singular and plural) adjective: Reunionese Ethnic divisions: French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian Religions: Roman Catholic 94% Languages: French (official), Creole widely used Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 69% male: 67% female: 74% Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 30%, industry 21%, services 49% (1981) note: 63% of population of working age (1983)
@Reunion, Government
Names:conventional long form:Department of Reunionconventional short form:Reunionlocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ile de la ReunionDigraph:REType:overseas department of FranceCapital:Saint-DenisAdministrative divisions:none (overseas department of France)Independence:none (overseas department 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 of Reunion Island Hubert FOURNIER (since NA)cabinet:Council of MinistersLegislative branch:unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional CouncilGeneral Council:elections last held 22 March 1991 (next to be held March 1997);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) seats byparty NARegional Council:elections last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held by NA March 1998);results - UPF 25.6%, PCR 17.9%, PS 10.5%, Independent 33.4%, other12.6%; seats - (45 total) Sudre 17, UPF 14, PCR 9, PS 5French Senate:elections last held 24 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (3 total) RPR 1, FRA 1,independent 1French National Assembly:elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (5 total) PS 1, PCR 1,UPF 1, RPR 1, UDF-CDS 1; note - 5 members to the French NationalAssembly who are voting membersJudicial branch:Court of Appeals (Cour d'Appel)Political parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Francois MAS; Union for French Democracy(UDF), Gilbert GERARD; Communist Party of Reunion (PCR), Elie HOARAU;;France-Reunion Future (FRA), Andre THIEN AH KOON; Reunion CommunistParty (PCR); Socialist Party (PS), Jean-Claude FRUTEAU; SocialDemocrats (CDS); other small partiesMember of:FZ, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US:none (overseas department of France)US diplomatic representation:none (overseas department of France)Flag:the flag of France is used
@Reunion, Economy
Overview:The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane hasbeen the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years itaccounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing thedevelopment of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, whichrecently amounted to one-third of the labor force. The gap in Reunionbetween the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts forthe persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities aresubstantially better off than other segments of the population, oftenapproaching European standards, whereas indigenous groups suffer thepoverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the Africancontinent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustratesthe seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being ofReunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from France.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.5 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$3,900 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.3% (1988)Unemployment rate:35% (February 1991)Budget:revenues:$358 millionexpenditures:$914 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.)Exports:$166 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:sugar 75%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 4%, lobster 3%,vanilla and tea 1%partners:France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, ItalyImports:$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery andtransportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum productspartners:France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, ItalyExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%; about 25% of GDPElectricity:capacity:245,000 kWproduction:750 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,230 kWh (1991)Industries:sugar, rum, cigarettes, several small shops producing handicraft itemsAgriculture:accounts for 30% of labor force; dominant sector of economy; cashcrops - sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco; food crops - tropical fruits,vegetables, corn; imports large share of food needsEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $14.8 billionCurrency: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
@Reunion, Communications
Highways:total:2,800 kmpaved:2,200 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 600 kmPorts:Pointe des GaletsAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:adequate system; modern open-wire and microwave network; principalcenter Saint-Denis; radiocommunication to Comoros, France, Madagascar;new microwave route to Mauritius; 85,900 telephones; broadcaststations - 3 AM, 13 FM, 1 (18 repeaters) TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSATearth station