@Botswana, Communications
Railroads:712 km 1.067-meter gaugeHighways:total:11,514 kmpaved:1,600 kmunpaved:crushed stone, gravel 1,700 km; improved earth 5,177 km; unimprovedearth 3,037 kmAirports:total:101usable:90with permanent-surface runways:9with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:30Telecommunications:the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, microwave radiorelay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Botswana, Defense Forces
Branches:Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), BotswanaNational PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 294,603; fit for military service 154,997; reachmilitary age (18) annually 15,156 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $196 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY93/94)
@Bouvet Island
Header Affiliation: (territory of Norway)
@Bouvet Island, Geography
Location: Southern Africa, in the South Atlantic Ocean, 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total area: 58 sq km land area: 58 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all ice) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: covered by glacial ice
@Bouvet Island, People
Population: uninhabited
@Bouvet Island, Government
Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island Digraph: BV Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway Independence: none (territory of Norway)
@Bouvet Island, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
@Bouvet Island, Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage onlyTelecommunications:automatic meteorological station
@Bouvet Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway
@Brazil, Geography
Location:Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic OceanMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:8,511,965 sq kmland area:8,456,510 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than the USnote:includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha daTrindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao PauloLand boundaries:total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 kmCoastline:7,491 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:short section of the boundary with Paraguay, just west of Salto dasSete Quedas (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, is in dispute; two shortsections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arroio Invernada(Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and theislands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay RiverClimate:mostly tropical, but temperate in southTerrain:mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills,mountains, and narrow coastal beltNatural resources:iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin,hydropower, gold, platinum, petroleum, timberLand use:arable land:7%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:19%forest and woodland:67%other:6%Irrigated land:27,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation in Amazon Basin; air and water pollution in Rio deJaneiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradationand water pollution caused by improper mining activitiesnatural hazards:recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in southinternational agreements:party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-EnvironmentalProtocol, Tropical TimberNote:largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with everySouth American country except Chile and Ecuador
@Brazil, People
Population: 158,739,257 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.28% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 21.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 59.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.25 years male: 57.41 years female: 67.32 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.44 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%, mixed 38%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 70% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 81% male: 82% female: 80% Labor force: 57 million (1989 est.) by occupation: services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%
@Brazil, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federative Republic of Brazilconventional short form:Brazillocal long form:Republica Federativa do Brasillocal short form:BrasilDigraph:BRType:federal republicCapital:BrasiliaAdministrative divisions:26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district*(distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara,Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, MatoGrosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui,Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia,Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, TocantinsIndependence:7 September 1822 (from Portugal)National holiday:Independence Day, 7 September (1822)Constitution:5 October 1988Legal system:based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over18 and under 70 years of ageExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Itamar FRANCO (since 29 December 1992); election last held15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be heldOctober 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis InacioLULA da Silva 47%; note - first free, direct presidential electionsince 1960; Fernando COLLOR de Mello was impeached in December 1992and succeeded by former Vice President Itamar FRANCOcabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional)Federal Senate (Senado Federal):election last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994);results - percent of vote by party PMBD 33%, PFL 16%, PSDB 12%, PDS4%, PDT 6%, PT 1%, other 28%; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991)PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados):election last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994);results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%,other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109Judicial branch:Supreme Federal TribunalPolitical parties and leaders:National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president;Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Luiz HENRIQUE da Silveira,president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Jorge BORNHAUSEN, president;Workers' Party (PT), Luis Inacio LULA da Silva, president; BrazilianWorkers' Party (PTB), Rodrigues PALMA, president; Democratic Workers'Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Progressive Renewal Party(PPR), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party(PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS),Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), JoaoAMAZONAS, secretary general; Liberal Party (PL), Flavio ROCHA,presidentOther political or pressure groups:left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftistWorkers' Party are critical of government's social and economicpoliciesMember of:AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77,GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA,RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR,UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Paulo Tarso FLECHA de LIMAchancery:3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 745-2700FAX:(202) 745-2827consulate(s) general:Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong (Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands),Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)consulate(s):Houston and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Melvyn LEVITSKYembassy:Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federalmailing address:APO AA 34030telephone:[55] (61) 321-7272FAX:[55] (61) 225-9136consulate(s) general:Rio de Janeiro, Sao Pauloconsulate(s):Porto Alegre, RecifeFlag:green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a bluecelestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each stateand district) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky overBrazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM EPROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
@Brazil, Economy
Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990, launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government also obtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements with commercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reduction of debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation (the rate doubled in 1992 and by March 1994 had risen to 42% per month) continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumed the presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992, was out of step with COLLOR'S reform agenda; initiatives to redress fiscal problems, privatize state enterprises, and liberalize trade and investment policies have lost momentum. Brazil's natural resources remain a major, long-term economic strength National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $785 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5% (1993) National product per capita: $5,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2,709% (1993) Unemployment rate: 4.9% (1993) Budget: revenues: $113 billion expenditures: $109 billion, including capital expenditures of $23 billion (1992) Exports: $38.8 billion (f.o.b. 1993) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts partners: EC 27.6%, Latin America 21.8%, US 17.4%, Japan 6.3% (1993) Imports: $25.7 billion (f.o.b. 1993) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: US 23.3%, EC 22.5%, Middle East 13.0%, Latin America 11.8%, Japan 6.5% (1993) External debt: $119 billion (1993) Industrial production: growth rate 9.5% (1993); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 63,765,000 kW production: 242.184 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,531 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin Agriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second-largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: 1 cruzeiro real (CR$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: CR$ per US$1 - 390.845 (January 1994), 88.449 (1993), 4.513 (1992), 0.407 (1991), 0.068 (1990), 0.003 (1989) note: on 1 August 1993 the cruzeiro real, equal to 1,000 cruzeiros, was introduced; another new currency, the real, will be introduced on 1 July 1994 Fiscal year: calendar year
@Brazil, Communications
Railroads:30,133 km total; 24,690 km 1.000-meter gauge, 5,120 km 1.600-metergauge, 310 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge;2,150 km electrifiedHighways:total:1,670,148 kmpaved:161,503 kmunpaved:gravel/earth 1,508,645 km (1990)Inland waterways:50,000 km navigablePipelines:crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 kmPorts:Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Riode Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, SantosMerchant marine:220 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,139,176 GRT/8,695,682 DWT,bulk 53, cargo 40, chemical tanker 14, combination ore/oil 12,container 11, liquified gas 11, oil tanker 62, passenger-cargo 5,refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11note:in addition, 1 naval tanker is sometimes used commerciallyAirports:total:3,581usable:3,024with permanent-surface runways:436with runways over 3,659 m:2with runways 2,440-3,659 m:22with runways 1,220-2,439 m:598Telecommunications:good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 milliontelephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations
@Brazil, Defense Forces
Branches:Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian AirForce, Military Police (paramilitary)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 43,489,704; fit for military service 29,286,530; reachmilitary age (18) annually 1,674,930 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)
@British Indian Ocean Territory
Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@British Indian Ocean Territory, Geography
Location: Southern Asia, in the Indian Ocean, south of India about halfway between Africa and Indonesia Map references: Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 60 sq km land area: 60 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Diego Garcia Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility
@British Indian Ocean Territory, People
Population:no indigenous inhabitantsnote:there are UK-US military personnel; civilian inhabitants, known as theIlois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US militaryfacilities
@British Indian Ocean Territory, Government
Names:conventional long form:British Indian Ocean Territoryconventional short form:noneAbbreviation:BIOTDigraph:IOType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:noneIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Executive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government:Commissioner Thomas GEORGE (since September 1991); Administrator Mr.R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UKDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and sixblue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crowncentered on the outer half of the flag
@British Indian Ocean Territory, Economy
Overview:All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of DiegoGarcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Constructionprojects and various services needed to support the militaryinstallations are done by military and contract employees from the UK,Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial oragricultural activities on the islands.Electricity:provided by the US military
@British Indian Ocean Territory, Communications
Highways: total: NA paved: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia unpaved: NA Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 on Diego Garcia with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,229-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@British Indian Ocean Territory, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@British Virgin Islands
Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@British Virgin Islands, Geography
Location: Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east of Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 150 sq km land area: 150 sq km comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Anegada Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 33% forest and woodland: 7% other: 33% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) international agreements: NA Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
@British Virgin Islands, People
Population:12,864 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.24% (1994 est.)Birth rate:20.31 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.09 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:19.51 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:72.67 yearsmale:70.83 yearsfemale:74.65 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:2.27 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:British Virgin Islander(s)adjective:British Virgin IslanderEthnic divisions:black 90%, white, AsianReligions:Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%,Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981)Languages:English (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1970)total population:98%male:98%female:98%Labor force:4,911 (1980)by occupation:NA
@British Virgin Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:British Virgin IslandsAbbreviation:BVIDigraph:VIType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:Road TownAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday:Territory Day, 1 JulyConstitution:1 June 1977Legal system:English lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by GovernorPeter Alfred PENFOLD (since 14 October 1991)head of government:Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA September 1986)cabinet:Executive Council; appointed by the governorLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Council:election last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6,IPM 1, independents 2Judicial branch:Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H.Lavity STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), E. WalwylnBREWLEYMember of:CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau),IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate)Diplomatic 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 theVirgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag;the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a verticalcolumn of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE(Be Watchful)
@British Virgin Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, ishighly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% ofthe national income. In 1985 the government offered offshoreregistration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and,in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987.The economy slowed in 1991 because of the poor performances of thetourist sector and tight commercial bank credit. Livestock raising isthe most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops,limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $133 million (1991)National product real growth rate:2% (1991)National product per capita:$10,600 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.5% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:NEGL% (1992)Budget:revenues:$51 millionexpenditures:$88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991)Exports:$2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)commodities:rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animalspartners:Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USImports:$11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)commodities:building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinerypartners:Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, USExternal debt:$4.5 million (1985)Industrial production:growth rate 4% (1985)Electricity:capacity:10,500 kWproduction:43 million kWhconsumption per capita:3,510 kWh (1990)Industries:tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshorefinancial centerAgriculture:livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetablesEconomic aid:$NACurrency:1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates:US currency is usedFiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@British Virgin Islands, Communications
Highways:total:106 km (1983)paved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:Road TownAirports:total:3usable:3with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarinecable communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, noFM, 1 TV
@British Virgin Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Brunei, Geography
Location:Southeastern Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo almost completelysurrounded by MalaysiaMap references:Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:5,770 sq kmland area:5,270 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than DelawareLand boundaries:total 381 km, Malysia 381 kmCoastline:161 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country;all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam;parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984,Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses LouisaReef, but has not publicly claimed the islandClimate:tropical; hot, humid, rainyTerrain:flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in westNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, timberLand use:arable land:1%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:79%other:18%Irrigated land:10 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:NAinternational agreements:party to - Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but notratified - Law of the Seanatural hazards:typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rareNote:close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian andPacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost anenclave of Malaysia
@Brunei, People
Population:284,653 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.7% (1994 est.)Birth rate:26.18 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:5.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:25.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.1 yearsmale:69.46 yearsfemale:72.78 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.43 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Bruneian(s)adjective:BruneianEthnic divisions:Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16%Religions:Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefsand other 15% (1981)Languages:Malay (official), English, ChineseLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1981)total population:77%male:85%female:69%Labor force:89,000 (includes members of the Army)by occupation:government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, andconstruction 41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986)note:33% of labor force is foreign (1988)
@Brunei, Government
Names:conventional long form:Negara Brunei Darussalamconventional short form:BruneiDigraph:BXType:constitutional sultanateCapital:Bandar Seri BegawanAdministrative divisions:4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei andMuara, Temburong, TutongIndependence:1 January 1984 (from UK)National holiday:National Day 23 February (1984)Constitution:29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State ofEmergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January1984)Legal system:based on Islamic lawSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan HajiHASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967)cabinet:Council of Cabinet Ministers; composed chiefly of members of the royalfamilyLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri):elections last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed toan appointive body by decree of the sultan; an elected legislativeCouncil is being considered as part of constitution reform, butelections are unlikely for several yearsJudicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman;Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party andnow banned), leader NAMember of:APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTELSAT(nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM,OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, UNTAC, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador JAYA bin Abdul Latifchancery:2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037telephone:(202) 342-0159FAX:(202) 342-0158US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Theresa A. TULLembassy:Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawanmailing address:American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440telephone:[673] (2) 229-670FAX:[673] (2) 225-293Flag:yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) andblack starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in redis superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailedflag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above ascroll and flanked by two upraised hands
@Brunei, Economy
Overview:The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship,government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. Itis almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas,with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50%of GDP. Per capita GDP is among the highest in the Third World, andsubstantial income from overseas investment supplements domesticproduction. The government provides for all medical services andsubsidizes food and housing.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:1% (1991)National product per capita:$9,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:3.7% (1989)Budget:revenues:$1.3 billionexpenditures:$1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989est.)Exports:$2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum productspartners:Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990)Imports:$2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicalspartners:Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990)External debt:$0Industrial production:growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDPElectricity:capacity:310,000 kWproduction:890 million kWhconsumption per capita:3,300 kWh (1990)Industries:petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, constructionAgriculture:imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestockinclude rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153millionCurrency:1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.6032 (January 1994), 1.6158 (1993),1.6290 (1992), 1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989); note - theBruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollarFiscal year:calendar year
@Brunei, Communications
Railroads:13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private lineHighways:total:1,090 kmpaved:bituminous 370 km (with another 52 km under construction)unpaved:gravel or earth 720 kmInland waterways:209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 metersPipelines:crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 kmPorts:Kuala Belait, MuaraMerchant marine:7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476GRT/340,635 DWTAirports:total:2usable:2with permanent-surface runways:1with runway over 3,659 m:1with runway 2,440-3,659 m:0with runway 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:service throughout country is adequate for present needs;international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcastcoverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM,1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
@Brunei, Defense Forces
Branches:Land Force, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 79,486; fit for military service 46,258; reachmilitary age (18) annually 2,756 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 9% of GDP (1990)
@Bulgaria, Geography
Location:Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, betweenRomania and TurkeyMap references:Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, MiddleEast, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:110,910 sq kmland area:110,550 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries:total 1,808 km, Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km (allwith Serbia), Turkey 240 kmCoastline:354 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summersTerrain:mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southNatural resources:bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable landLand use:arable land:34%permanent crops:3%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:35%other:10%Irrigated land:10 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from rawsewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage fromair pollution; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgicalplants and industrial wastesnatural hazards:subject to earthquakes, landslidesinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-VolatileOrganic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote:strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes fromEurope to Middle East and Asia
@Bulgaria, People
Population:8,799,986 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:-0.32% (1994 est.)Birth rate:11.71 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:11.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-3.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:12 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.24 yearsmale:69.99 yearsfemale:76.67 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.71 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Bulgarian(s)adjective:BulgarianEthnic divisions:Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6%Religions:Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%,Uniate Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5%Languages:Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdownLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.)total population:93%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:4.3 millionby occupation:industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987)
@Bulgaria, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Bulgariaconventional short form:BulgariaDigraph:BUType:emerging democracyCapital:SofiaAdministrative divisions:9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya,Khaskovo, Lovech, Montana, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofiya, VarnaIndependence:22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire)National holiday:Independence Day 3 March (1878)Constitution:adopted 12 July 1991Legal system:based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state:President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Vice President(vacant); election last held January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV waselected by popular votehead of government:Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Lyuben BorisovBEROV (since 30 December 1992); Deputy Chairman of the Council ofMinisters (Deputy Prime Minister) Evgeniy MATINCHEV (since 30 December1992)cabinet:Council of Ministers; elected by the National AssemblyLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly (Narodno Sobranie):last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF (and breakaway factions) 34%,BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement forRights and Freedoms 24note:the UDF split in March 1993 to form the New Union for Democracy (NUD)with 18 seats, and the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) with 92 seatsJudicial branch:Supreme Court, Constitutional CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, analliance of approximately 20 pro-Democratic parties including UnitedDemocratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party,Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party,Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, and about a dozen othergroups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (mainly ethnic Turkish party)(MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman; Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), ZhanVIDENOV, chairman; New Union for Democracy (NUD), Dimitar LUDZHEV,chairmanOther political or pressure groups:Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union;Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union);Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB);Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant YouthLeague; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); BulgarianDemocratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union;Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of MacedonianSocieties (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interestgroups with various agendasMember of:ACCT (observer), BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI (participating), CSCE, EBRD,ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer),ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Ognyan Raytchev PISHEVchancery:1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 387-7969FAX:(202) 234-7973US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William D. MONTGOMERYembassy:1 Saborna Street, Sofiamailing address:Unit 25402, Sofia; APO AE 09213telephone:[359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05FAX:[359] (2) 80-19-77Flag:three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; thenational emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe hasbeen removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheatears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing thedates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberationfrom Nazi control)
@Bulgaria, Economy
Overview:The Bulgarian economy continued its painful adjustment in 1993 fromthe misdirected development undertaken during four decades ofCommunist rule. Many aspects of a market economy have been put inplace and have begun to function, but much of the economy, especiallythe industrial sector, has yet to re-establish market links lost withthe collapse of other centrally planned Eastern European economies.The prices of many imported industrial inputs, especially energyproducts, have risen markedly, and falling real wages have notsufficed to restore competitiveness. The trade deficit, exacerbated byUN trade sanctions against neighboring Serbia, grew in late 1993,accelerating the depreciation of the lev. These difficulties inadjusting to the challenges of a more open system, together with asevere drought, caused nonagricultural output to fall by perhaps 8% in1993. The government plans more extensive privatization in 1994 toimprove the management of state enterprises and to encourage foreigninvestment in ailing state firms. Bulgaria resumed payments on its $10billion in commercial debt in 1993 following the negotiation of a 50%write-off. An IMF program and second agreement with official creditorson Bulgaria's smaller amount of official debt are required to closethe debt deal.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $33.9 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-4% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$3,800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):64% (1993)Unemployment rate:16% (1993)Budget:revenues:$14 billionexpenditures:$17.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $610 million (1993est.)Exports:$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:machinery and equipment 30.6%; agricultural products 24%; manufacturedconsumer goods 22.2%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals10.5%; other 12.7% (1991)partners:former CEMA countries 57.7% (USSR 48.6%, Poland 2.1%, Czechoslovakia0.9%); developed countries 26.3% (Germany 4.8%, Greece 2.2%); lessdeveloped countries 15.9% (Libya 2.1%, Iran 0.7%) (1991)Imports:$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:fuels, minerals, and raw materials 58.7%; machinery and equipment15.8%; manufactured consumer goods 4.4%; agricultural products 15.2%;other 5.9%partners:former CEMA countries 51.0% (former USSR 43.2%, Poland 3.7%);developed countries 32.8% (Germany 7.0%, Austria 4.7%); less developedcountries 16.2% (Iran 2.8%, Libya 2.5%)External debt:$12 billion (1993)Industrial production:growth rate -10% (1993 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990)Electricity:capacity:11,500,000 kWproduction:45 billion kWhconsumption per capita:5,070 kWh (1992)Industries:machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals,textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metalsAgriculture:climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growingof various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco;more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world'sfourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producerIllicit drugs:transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the BalkanrouteEconomic aid:$NACurrency:1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinkiExchange rates:leva (Lv) per US$1 - 32.00 (January 1994), 24.56 (January 1993), 17.18(January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84(1989); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991Fiscal year:calendar year
@Bulgaria, Communications
Railroads:4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meterstandard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,640 kmelectrifiedHighways:total:36,930 kmpaved:33,902 km (including 276 km expressways)unpaved:earth 3,028 km (1991)Inland waterways:470 km (1987)Pipelines:crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 525 km; natural gas 1,400 km(1992)Ports:coastal - Burgas, Varna, Varna West; inland - Ruse, Vidin, and Lom onthe DanubeMerchant marine:111 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,225,996 GRT/1,829,642 DWT,bulk 48, cargo 30, chemical carrier 4, container 2, oil tanker 16,passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6,short-sea passenger 2note:Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 DWT operatingunder Liberian registryAirports:total:487usable:85with permanent-surface runways:32with runways over 3659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:21with runways 1,060-2,439 m:36note:a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstripTelecommunications:extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable andmicrowave radio relay; 2.6 million telephones; direct dialing to 36countries; phone density is 29 phones per 100 persons (1992); almosttwo-thirds of the lines are residential; 67% of Sofia households havephones (November 1988); telephone service is available in mostvillages; broadcast stations - 20 AM, 15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 SovietTV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of countryreceives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1 satellite groundstation using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a Greek earthstation
@Bulgaria, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, InternalTroopsManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,175,921; fit for military service 1,816,484; reachmilitary age (19) annually 70,306 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:5.77 billion leva, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion ofdefense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange ratecould produce misleading results
@Burkina, Geography
Location:Western Africa, between Ghana and MaliMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:274,200 sq kmland area:273,800 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than ColoradoLand boundaries:total 3,192 km, Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali wassubmitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sidesagreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundarydemarcation, including the tripoint with NigerClimate:tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summersTerrain:mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west andsoutheastNatural resources:manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony,copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silverLand use:arable land:10%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:37%forest and woodland:26%other:27%Irrigated land:160 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agriculturalactivities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing;soil degradation; deforestationnatural hazards:recurring droughtsinternational agreements:party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, MarineLife Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but notratified - Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test BanNote:landlocked
@Burkina, People
Population:10,134,661 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.81% (1994 est.)Birth rate:48.42 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:18.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-2.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:118.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:47.03 yearsmale:46.18 yearsfemale:47.9 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.94 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Burkinabe (singular and plural)adjective:BurkinabeEthnic divisions:Mossi (about 2.5 million), Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, FulaniReligions:indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic)10%Languages:French (official), tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spokenby 90% of the populationLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:18%male:28%female:9%Labor force:NA (most adults are employed in subsistance agriculture; 52% ofpopulation is 15 years of age or older)by occupation:agriculture 80%, industry 15%, commerce, services, and government 5%note:20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries forseasonal employment (1984)
@Burkina, Government
Names:conventional long form:Burkina Fasoconventional short form:Burkinaformer:Upper VoltaDigraph:UVType:parliamentaryCapital:OuagadougouAdministrative divisions:30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde,Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi,Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore,Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa,Yatenga, ZoundweogoIndependence:5 August 1960 (from France)National holiday:Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983)Constitution:2 June 1991Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary lawSuffrage:noneExecutive branch:chief of state:President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987); electionlast held December 1991head of government:Prime Minister Roch KABORE (since March 1994)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralAssembly of People's Deputies:elections last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (107 total), ODP-MT 78, CNPP-PSD12, RDA 6, ADF 4, other 7note:the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, whichhad not been formally constituted as of 1 July 1992Judicial branch:Appeals CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Organization for People's Democracy- Labor Movement (ODP-MT), rulingparty, Simon COMPAORE, Secretary General; National Convention ofProgressive Patriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Moussa BOLY;African Democratic Rally (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance forDemocracy and Federation (ADF), Amadou Michel NANAOther political or pressure groups:committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/politicalaction groups throughout the country in both organizations andcommunitiesMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Thomas Yara KAMBOUchancery:2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-5577 or 6895US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Donald J. McCONNELLembassy:Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougoumailing address:01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougoutelephone:[226] 30-67- 23 through 25FAX:[226] 31-23-68Flag:two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellowfive-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colorsof Ethiopia
@Burkina, Economy
Overview:One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a highpopulation density, few natural resources, and relatively infertilesoil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communicationsnetwork within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% ofGDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated byunprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about15% of GDP.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:0.7% (1992)National product per capita:$700 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-0.8% (1992)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$483 millionexpenditures:$548 million, including capital expenditures of $189 million (1992)Exports:$300 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:cotton, gold, animal productspartners:EC 42%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, Taiwan 15%Imports:$685 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:machinery, food products, petroleumpartners:EC 49%, Africa 24%, Japan 6%External debt:$865 million (December 1991 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6.7% (1992); accounts for about 15% of GDPElectricity:capacity:120,000 kWproduction:320 million kWhconsumption per capita:40 kWh (1991)Industries:cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes,textiles, gold mining and extractionAgriculture:accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts,sesame, cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock;not self-sufficient in food grainsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993),264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 perFrench franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948Fiscal year:calendar year
@Burkina, Communications
Railroads:620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Cote d'Ivoire border and 100 kmOuagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single trackHighways:total:16,500 kmpaved:1,300 kmunpaved:improved earth 7,400 km; unimproved earth 7,800 km (1985)Airports:total:48usable:38with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:8Telecommunications:all services only fair; microwave radio relay, wire, and radiocommunication stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV;1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Burkina, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People'sMilitiaManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,013,763; fit for military service 1,029,960Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Burma, Geography
Location:Southeastern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh andThailandMap references:Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:678,500 sq kmland area:657,740 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:total 5,876 km, Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km,Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 kmCoastline:1,930 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nm or to the edge of continental marginexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwestmonsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mildtemperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon,December to April)Terrain:central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlandsNatural resources:petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal,some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gasLand use:arable land:15%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:1%forest and woodland:49%other:34%Irrigated land:10,180 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:deforestationnatural hazards:subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding andlandslides common during rainy season (June to September)international agreements:party to - Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Law of the SeaNote:strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes
@Burma, People
Population:44,277,014 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.86% (1994 est.)Birth rate:28.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:9.84 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:63.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:59.98 yearsmale:57.94 yearsfemale:62.15 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.64 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Burmese (singular and plural)adjective:BurmeseEthnic divisions:Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian2%, other 5%Religions:Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%,animist beliefs 1%, other 2%Languages:Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languagesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:81%male:89%female:72%Labor force:16.007 million (1992)by occupation:agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other4.1% (FY89 est.)
@Burma, Government
Names:conventional long form:Union of Burmaconventional short form:Burmalocal long form:Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government asUnion of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)local short form:Myanma Naingngandawformer:Socialist Republic of the Union of BurmaDigraph:BMType:military regimeCapital:Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon)Administrative divisions:7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya,singular - pyine); Chin State, Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State,Kayah State, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine State,Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tenasserim*Independence:4 January 1948 (from UK)National holiday:Independence Day, 4 January (1948)Constitution:3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); NationalConvention started on 9 January 1993 to draft chapter headings for anew constitutionLegal system:has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE(since 23 April 1992)State Law and Order Restoration Council:military junta which assumed power 18 September 1988Legislative branch:People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw):last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%;seats - (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79; wasdissolved after the coup of 18 September 1988Judicial branch:none; Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18September 1988Political parties and leaders:Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), leader NA;National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League forDemocracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWEOther political or pressure groups:National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), headed bythe elected prime minister SEIN WIN (consists of individualslegitimately elected to Parliament but not recognized by the militaryregime; the group fled to a border area and joined with insurgents inDecember 1990 to form a parallel government; Kachin Independence Army(KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen National Union (KNU);several Shan factions, including the Mong Tai Army (MTA); All BurmaStudent Democratic Front (ABSDF)Member of:AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador U THAUNGchancery:2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 332-9044 or 9045consulate(s) general:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P.HUDDLE, Jr.embassy:581 Merchant Street, Rangoonmailing address:American Embassy, Box B, APO AP 96546telephone:[95] (1) 82055, 82181FAX:[95] (1) 80409Flag:red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, allin white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing astalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions
@Burma, Economy
Overview:Burma has a mixed economy with about 70% private activity, mainly inagriculture, light industry, and transport, and with about 30%state-controlled activity, mainly in energy, heavy industry, andforeign trade. Government policy in the last five years, 1989-93, hasaimed at revitalizing the economy after four decades of tight centralplanning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreigninvestment has been encouraged, so far with moderate success; andefforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises.Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understatedbecause of the volume of black market trade. A major ongoing problemis the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Inflation hasbeen running at 25% to 30% annually. Good weather helped boost GDP byperhaps 5% in 1993. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, itsrich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-termincreases in income, exports, and living standards.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $41 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$950 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):30% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$8.1 billionexpenditures:$11.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$613.4 million (FY93)commodities:pulses and beans, teak, rice, hardwoodpartners:Singapore, China, Thailand, India, Hong KongImports:$1.02 billion (FY93)commodities:machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food productspartners:Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, MalaysiaExternal debt:$4 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 4.9% (FY93 est.); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:capacity:1,100,000 kWproduction:2.8 billion kWhconsumption per capita:65 kWh (1992)Industries:agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and woodproducts; petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron;construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizerAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP and 66% of employment (including fish andforestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops - paddy rice,corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwoodtrees; rice and timber account for 55% of export revenuesIllicit drugs:world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,575 metric tons in 1993)and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opiumproduction has doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcoticprogramsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $424 millionCurrency:1 kyat (K) = 100 pyasExchange rates:kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.2301 (December 1993), 6.1570 (1993), 6.1045(1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989); unofficial - 105Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March