@Burma, Communications
Railroads:3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double trackHighways:total:27,000 kmpaved:bituminous 3,200 kmunpaved:gravel, improved earth 17,700 km; unimproved earth 6,100 kmInland waterways:12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vesselsPipelines:crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 kmPorts:Rangoon, Moulmein, BasseinMerchant marine:47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 665,628 GRT/941,512 DWT, bulk15, cargo 15, chemical 1, combination bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1,container 2, oil tanker 2, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 5,vehicle carrier 2Airports:total:83usable:78with permanent-surface runways:24with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:38Telecommunications:meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service forbusiness and government; international service is good; 53,000telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the mostpopulous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 IndianOcean INTELSAT earth station
@Burma, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air ForceManpower availability:males age 15-49 11,199,531; females age 15-49 11,273,643; males fitfor military service 5,979,710; females fit for military service6,034,810; males reach military age (18) annually 445,933 (1994 est.);females reach military age (18) annually 430,738 (1994 est.); bothsexes liable for military serviceDefense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Burundi, Geography
Location:Central Africa, between Tanzania and ZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:27,830 sq kmland area:25,650 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries:total 974 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplandsTerrain:mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plainsNatural resources:nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (notyet exploited), vanadiumLand use:arable land:43%permanent crops:8%meadows and pastures:35%forest and woodland:2%other:12%Irrigated land:720 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:soil exhaustion and erosion; deforestation; habitat loss threateningwildlife populationsnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test BanNote:landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershedPopulation:6,124,747 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.26% (1994 est.)Birth rate:44.02 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:21.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:113.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:40.3 yearsmale:38.31 yearsfemale:42.35 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.69 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Burundian(s)adjective:BurundiEthnic divisions:Africans:Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1% (other Africansinclude about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians)non-Africans:Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000Religions:Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs32%, Muslim 1%Languages:Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyikaand in the Bujumbura area)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:50%male:61%female:40%Labor force:1.9 million (1983 est.)by occupation:agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%,services 1.5%note:52% of population of working age (1985)
@Burundi, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Burundiconventional short form:Burundilocal long form:Republika y'u Burundilocal short form:BurundiDigraph:BYType:republicCapital:BujumburaAdministrative divisions:15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega,Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana,RuyigiIndependence:1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)National holiday:Independence Day, 1 July (1962)Constitution:13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural political systemLegal system:based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:universal adult at age NAExecutive branch:chief of state:Interim President Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA, Speaker of the NationalAssembly, succeeded deceased President NTARYAMIRA in early April 1994with a mandate for at least 90 days; on 11 July 1994 the mandate wasextended by the Constitutional Court for three more months at therequest of 12 political parties locked in negotiations on a newbroad-based government; elections will be held later in 1994note:President Melchior NDADAYE died in the military coup of 21 October1993 and was succeeded on 5 February 1994 by President CyprienNTARYAMIRA, who was killed in a mysterious airplane explosion on 6April 1994head of government:Prime Minister Anatole KANYENKIKO (since 7 February 1994); chosen bythe presidentcabinet:Council of Ministers ; appointed by prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):elections last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA): results -FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats - (81 total) FRODIBU 65, UPRONA 16;other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in theassemblynote:The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutionalgovernment was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:Unity for National Progress (UPRONA); Burundi Democratic Front(FRODEBU); Organization of the People of Burundi (RBP); SocialistParty of Burundi (PSB); People's Reconciliation Party (PRP)Other political or pressure groups:opposition parties legalized in March 1992; Burundi African Alliancefor the Salvation (ABASA); Rally for Democracy and Economic and SocialDevelopment (RADDES)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jacques BACAMURWANKO, designated (January 1994)chancery:Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 342-2574US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Leonard J. LANGEembassy:Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumburamailing address:B. P. 34, 1720, Bujumburatelephone:[257] (223) 454FAX:[257] (222) 926Flag:divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) andgreen panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disksuperimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed starsoutlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, twostars below)
@Burundi, Economy
Overview:A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economicdevelopment, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a fewbasic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop,which accounts for 80% of foreign exchange earnings. The ability topay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries ofthe climate and the international coffee market. As part of itseconomic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and WorldBank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its agricultural exportsand attract foreign investment in industry. Several state-owned coffeecompanies were privatized via public auction in September 1991.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $4.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:-3.8% (1991)National product per capita:$700 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$318 millionexpenditures:$326 million, including capital expenditures of $150 million (1991est.)Exports:$40.8 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:coffee 81%, tea, cotton, hides, and skinspartners:EC 57%, US 19%, Asia 1%Imports:$188 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goodspartners:EC 45%, Asia 29%, US 2%External debt:$970 million (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 11% (1991 est.); accounts for about 15% of GDPElectricity:capacity:55,000 kWproduction:105 million kWhconsumption per capita:20 kWh (1991)Industries:light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly ofimported components; public works construction; food processingAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistencefarming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops -coffee, cotton, tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes,bananas, manioc; livestock - meat, milk, hides and skinsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $175 millionCurrency:1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 247.94 (November 1993), 208.30 (1992),181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Burundi, Communications
Highways:total:6,285 kmpaved:1,099 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone 2,500 km; improved, unimproved earth 2,686 km(1990)Inland waterways:Lake TanganyikaPorts:Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzaniaand ZaireAirports:total:5usable:3with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity microwaveradio relay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM,1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Burundi, Defense Forces
Branches:Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,315,660; fit for military service 687,474; reachmilitary age (16) annually 67,949 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989)
@Cambodia, Geography
Location:Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailandand VietnamMap references:Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:181,040 sq kmland area:176,520 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than OklahomaLand boundaries:total 2,572 km, Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 kmCoastline:443 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone:24 nmcontinental shelf:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:offshore islands and sections of the boundary with Vietnam are indispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; parts of borderwith Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearlydefinedClimate:tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (Decemberto March); little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and northNatural resources:timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropowerpotentialLand use:arable land:16%permanent crops:1%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:76%other:4%Irrigated land:920 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (inparticular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens naturalfisheries)natural hazards:monsoonal rains (June to November)international agreements:party to - Marine Life Conservation; signed, but not ratified -Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine DumpingNote:a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and TonleSap
@Cambodia, People
Population: 10,264,628 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.87% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 45.09 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 110.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.26 years male: 47.8 years female: 50.8 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.81 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Cambodian(s) adjective: Cambodian Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% Religions: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% Languages: Khmer (official), French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 35% male: 48% female: 22% Labor force: 2.5 million to 3 million by occupation: agriculture 80% (1988 est.)
@Cambodia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Kingdom of Cambodiaconventional short form:Cambodialocal long form:Reacheanachak Kampuchealocal short form:KampucheaDigraph:CBType:multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchyestablished in September 1993Capital:Phnom PenhAdministrative divisions:20 provinces (khet, singular and plural); Banteay Meanchey,Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum,Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh,Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-OtdarMeanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, TakevIndependence:9 November 1949 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 9 November 1949Constitution:promulgated September 1993Legal system:currently being definedSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated NA September 1993)head of government:power shared between First Prime Minister Prince Norodom RANARIDDH andSecond Prime Minister HUN SENcabinet:Council of Ministers; elected by the National AssemblyLegislative branch:unicameral; a 120-member constituent assembly based on proportionalrepresentation within each province was establised following theUN-supervised election in May 1993; the constituent assembly wastransformed into a legislature in September 1993 after delegatespromulgated the constitutionJudicial branch:Supreme Court established under the constitution has not yet beenestablished and the future judicial system is yet to be defined by lawPolitical parties and leaders:National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, andCooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH;Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) underCHEA SIM; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party under SON SANN; DemocraticKampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHANMember of:ACCT (observer), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU,LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:Ambassador SISOWATH SIRIRATH represents Cambodia at the United NationsUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Charles H. TWININGembassy:27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penhmailing address:Box P, APO AP 96546telephone:(855) 23-26436 or (855) 23-26438FAX:(855) 23-26437Flag:horizontal band of red separates two equal horizontal bands of bluewith a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in thecenter
@Cambodia, Economy
Overview:The Cambodian economy - virtually destroyed by decades of war - isslowly recovering. Government leaders are moving toward restoringfiscal and monetary discipline and have established good workingrelations with international financial institutions. Despite suchpositive developments, the reconstruction effort faces many toughchallenges. Rural Cambodia, where 90% of almost ten million Khmerlive, remains mired in poverty. The almost total lack of basicinfrastructure in the countryside will hinder development and willcontribute to a growing imbalance in growth between urban and ruralareas over the near term. Moreover, the new government's lack ofexperience in administering economic and technical assistanceprograms, and rampant corruption among officials, will slow the growthof critical public sector investment. Inflation for 1993 as a wholewas 60%, less than a quarter of the 1992 rate, and was decliningduring the year. The government hoped the rate would fall to 10% inearly 1994.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:7.5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$600 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):60% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$350 millionexpenditures:$350 million, including capital expenditures of $133 million (1994est.)Exports:$70 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:natural rubber, rice, pepper, raw timberpartners:Thailand, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, China, VietnamImports:$360 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)commodities:international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinerypartners:Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, VietnamExternal debt:total outstanding bilateral official debt to OECD members $248 million(yearend 1991), plus 840 million ruble debt to former CEMA countriesIndustrial production:growth rate 15.6% (year NA); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:capacity:35,000 kWproduction:70 million kWhconsumption per capita:9 kWh (1990)Industries:rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gemminingAgriculture:accounts for 50% of GDP; mainly subsistence farming except for rubberplantations; main crops - rice, rubber, corn; food shortages - rice,meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flourIllicit drugs:secondary transshipment country for heroin produced in the GoldenTriangleEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western(non-US countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries(1970-89), $1.8 billion; donor countries and multilateral institutionspledged $880 million in assistance in 1992Currency:1 new riel (CR) = 100 senExchange rates:riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,390 (December 1993), 2,800 (September 1992),500 (December 1991), 560 (1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Cambodia, Communications
Railroads:612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government ownedHighways:total:13,351 km (some roads in serious disrepair)paved:bituminous 2,622 kmunpaved:crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth 7,105 km; unimproved earth3,624 kmInland waterways:3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 kmnavigable to craft drawing 1.8 metersPorts:Kampong Saom, Phnom PenhAirports:total:20usable:13with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:8Telecommunications:service barely adequate for government requirements and virtuallynonexistent for general public; international service limited toVietnam and other adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, noFM, 1 TV
@Cambodia, Defense Forces
Branches:Khmer Royal Armed Forces (KRAF):created in 1993 by the merger of the Cambodian People's Armed Forcesand the two non-Communist resistance armies; note - the KRAF is alsoknown as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF)Resistance forces:National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 2,182,912; fit for military service 1,217,357; reachmilitary age (18) annually 67,463 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Cameroon, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between EquatorialGuinea and NigeriaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:475,440 sq kmland area:469,440 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries:total 4,591 km, Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 kmCoastline:402 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:50 nmInternational disputes:demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack ofwhich has led to border incidents in the past, is completed andawaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundarycommission, created with Nigeria to discuss unresolved land andmaritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula, has notyet convened, but a commission was formed in January 1994 to study aflare-up of the disputeClimate:varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot innorthTerrain:diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center,mountains in west, plains in northNatural resources:petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potentialLand use:arable land:13%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:54%other:13%Irrigated land:280 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing;desertification; poachingnatural hazards:recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gasesinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Nuclear Test BanNote:sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa
@Cameroon, People
Population:13,132,191 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.91% (1994 est.)Birth rate:40.53 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:11.41 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:77.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:57.07 yearsmale:55.03 yearsfemale:59.17 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:5.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Cameroonian(s)adjective:CameroonianEthnic divisions:Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%,Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%,non-African less than 1%Religions:indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16%Languages:24 major African language groups, English (official), French(official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990)total population:55%male:66%female:45%Labor force:NAby occupation:agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2%(1983)note:50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985)
@Cameroon, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cameroonconventional short form:Cameroonformer:French CameroonDigraph:CMType:unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition partieslegalized 1990)Capital:YaoundeAdministrative divisions:10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-OuestIndependence:1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)National holiday:National Day, 20 May (1972)Constitution:20 May 1972Legal system:based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:20 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982); election last held 11October 1992; results - President Paul BIYA reelected with about 40%of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud; SDF candidate JohnFRU NDI got 36% of the vote; UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI got19% of the votehead of government:Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992)cabinet:Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):elections last held 1 March 1992 (next scheduled for March 1997);results - (180 seats) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), Paul BIYA, president, isgovernment-controlled and was formerly the only party, but oppositionparties were legalized in 1990major opposition parties:National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP); Social DemocraticFront (SDF); Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of CameroonianPopulations (UPC)Other political or pressure groups:NAMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, GATT,IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA,UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGAchancery:2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 265-8790 through 8794US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Harriet ISOMembassy:Rue Nachtigal, Yaoundemailing address:B. P. 817, Yaoundetelephone:[237] 23-40-14 and 23-05-12FAX:[237] 23-07-53consulate(s):none (Douala closed July 1993)Flag:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow witha yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popularpan-African colors of Ethiopia
@Cameroon, Economy
Overview:Because of its offshore oil resources and favorable agriculturalconditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed, most diversifiedprimary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it facesmany of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries,such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and agenerally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The developmentof the oil sector led rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985.Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986, precipitated by steep declinesin the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Exportearnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscalmanagement were exposed. In 1990-93, with support from the IMF andWorld Bank, the government began to introduce reforms designed to spurbusiness investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, andrecapitalize the nation's banks. Political instability followingsuspect elections in 1992 brought IMF/WB structural adjustment to ahalt. Although the 50% devaluation of the currency in January 1994improves the potential for export growth, mismanagement remains and isthe main barrier to economic improvement.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.1 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NANational product per capita:$1,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):3% (1990 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1990 est.)Budget:revenues:$1.7 billionexpenditures:$2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $422 million (FY90est.)Exports:$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:petroleum products 51%, coffee, beans, cocoa, aluminum products,timberpartners:EC (particularly France) about 50%, US, African countriesImports:$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transportequipmentpartners:EC about 60% (France 41%, Germany 9%), African countries, Japan, US 4%External debt:$6 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDPElectricity:capacity:755,000 kWproduction:2.19 billion kWhconsumption per capita:190 kWh (1991)Industries:petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumergoods, textiles, sawmillsAgriculture:the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for themajority of the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP andproviding a high degree of self-sufficiency in staple foods;commercial and food crops include coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton,rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock, root starchesEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $479 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $4.75billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $125 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26(1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 perFrench franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
@Cameroon, Communications
Railroads:1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gaugeHighways:total:65,000 kmpaved:2,682 kmunpaved:gravel, improved earth 32,318 km; unimproved earth 30,000 kmInland waterways:2,090 km; of decreasing importancePorts:DoualaMerchant marine:2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWTAirports:total:61usable:49with permanent-surface runways:11with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:6with runways 1,220-2,439 m:21Telecommunications:good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and microwave radiorelay; 26,000 telephones, 2 telephones per 1,000 persons, availableonly to business and government; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
@Cameroon, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, NationalGendarmerie, Presidential GuardManpower availability:males age 15-49 2,939,761; fit for military service 1,481,750; reachmilitary age (18) annually 137,020 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $219 million, less than 2% of GDP (1990est.)
@Canada, Geography
Location:Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and NorthPacific Ocean north of the USMap references:Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:9,976,140 sq kmland area:9,220,970 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than USLand boundaries:total 8,893 km, US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)Coastline:243,791 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:maritime boundary disputes with the US; Saint Pierre and Miquelon isfocus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and FranceClimate:varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in northTerrain:mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeastNatural resources:nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish,timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gasLand use:arable land:5%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:35%other:57%Irrigated land:8,400 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metalsmelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting onagricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becomingcontaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestryactivitiesnatural hazards:continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to developmentinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - AirPollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-EnvironmentalProtocol, Law of the SeaNote:second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic locationbetween Russia and US via north polar route; nearly 90% of thepopulation is concentrated in the region near the US/Canada border
@Canada, People
Population:28,113,997 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.18% (1994 est.)Birth rate:14.1 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:7.39 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:5.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78.13 yearsmale:74.73 yearsfemale:81.71 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.84 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Canadian(s)adjective:CanadianEthnic divisions:British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%,indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5%Religions:Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10%, other 28%Languages:English (official), French (official)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1986)total population:97%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:13.38 millionby occupation:services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%,other 4% (1988)
@Canada, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:CanadaDigraph:CAType:confederation with parliamentary democracyCapital:OttawaAdministrative divisions:10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba,New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia,Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*Independence:1 July 1867 (from UK)National holiday:Canada Day, 1 July (1867)Constitution:amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April1982; charter of rights and unwritten customsLegal system:based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law systembased on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,with reservationsSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by GovernorGeneral Raymond John HNATYSHYN (since 29 January 1990)head of government:Prime Minister Jean CHRETIEN (since 4 November 1993) was elected on 25October 1993, replacing Kim CAMBELL; Deputy Prime Minister SheilaCOPPScabinet:Federal Ministry; chosen by the prime minister from members of his ownparty sitting in ParliamentLegislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlement)Senate (Senat):consisting of a body whose members are appointed to serve until 75years of age by the governor general and selected on the advice of theprime minister; its normal limit 104 senatorsHouse of Commons (Chambre des Communes):elections last held 25 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October1998); results - number of votes by percent NA; seats - (295 total)Liberal Party 178, Bloc Quebecois 54, Reform Party 52, New DemocraticParty 8, Progressive Conservative Party 2, independents 1Judicial branch:Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; Bloc Quebecois, Lucien BOUCHARD; ReformParty, Preston MANNING; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN;Progressive Conservative Party, Jean CHARESTMember of:ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC,CDB (non-regional), COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperatingstate), FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA,NSG, OAS, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO,UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WIPO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Raymond CHRETIENchancery:501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001telephone:(202) 682-1740FAX:(202) 682-7726consulate(s) general:Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, and Seattleconsulate(s):Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburg, Princeton, San Diego, SanFrancisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador James Johnston BLANCHARDembassy:100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawamailing address:P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430telephone:(613) 238-5335 or 4470FAX:(613) 238-5720consulate(s) general:Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and VancouverFlag:three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width,square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band
@Canada, Economy
Overview:As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closelyresembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economicsystem, and pattern of production. Since World War II the impressivegrowth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors hastransformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarilyindustrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canada registered one of thehighest rates of real growth among the OECD nations, averaging about3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, andmodern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects,although the country still faces high unemployment and a growing debt.Moreover, the continuing constitutional impasse between English- andFrench-speaking areas has observers discussing a possible split in theconfederation; foreign investors have become edgy.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $617.7 billion (1993)National product real growth rate:2.4% (1993)National product per capita:$22,200 (1993)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.9% (1993)Unemployment rate:11% (December 1993)Budget:revenues:$92.34 billion (Federal)expenditures:$123.04 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY93 est.)Exports:$133.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas,aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipmentpartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, ChinaImports:$125.3 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumergoods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and partspartners:US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South KoreaExternal debt:$435 billion (1993)Industrial production:growth rate 3.5% (1993)Electricity:capacity:109,340,000 kWproduction:493 billion kWhconsumption per capita:17,900 kWh (1992)Industries:processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paperproducts, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products,petroleum and natural gasAgriculture:accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers andexporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agriculturalimports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area;commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons,of which 75% is exportedIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use ofhydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities ofhigh-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point forheroin and cocaine entering the US marketEconomic aid:donor:ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billionCurrency:1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.3174 (January 1994), 1.2901(1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Canada, Communications
Railroads:146,444 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems -Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway;passenger service - VIA (government operated); 158 km is electrifiedHighways:total:884,272 kmpaved:250,023 kmunpaved:gravel 462,913 km; earth 171,336 kmInland waterways:3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence SeawayPipelines:crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 kmPorts:Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's(Newfoundland), Toronto, VancouverMerchant marine:59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 448,357 GRT/639,319 DWT, bulk 9,cargo 8, chemical tanker 4, container 1, oil tanker 22, passenger 1,passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6,short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2note:does not include ships used exclusively in the Great LakesAirports:total:1,356usable:1,107with permanent-surface runways:458with runways over 3,659 m:4with runways 2,440-3,659 m:29with runways 1,220-2,439 m:326Telecommunications:excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones;broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxialsubmarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT(including 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems
@Canada, Defense Forces
Branches:Canadian Armed Forces (including Land Forces Command, MaritimeCommand, Air Command, Communications Command, Training Command), RoyalCanadian Mounted Police (RCMP)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 7,508,590; fit for military service 6,482,267; reachmilitary age (17) annually 191,850 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $10.3 billion, 1.9% of GDP (FY93/94)
@Cape Verde, Geography
Location:Western Africa, in the southeastern North Atlantic Ocean, 500 km westof Senegal in Western AfricaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:4,030 sq kmland area:4,030 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than Rhode IslandLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:965 kmMaritime claims:measured from claimed archipelagic baselinesexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erraticTerrain:steep, rugged, rocky, volcanicNatural resources:salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fishLand use:arable land:9%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:6%forest and woodland:0%other:85%Irrigated land:20 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; overgrazing; desertificationnatural hazards:subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility;volcanically and seismically activeinternational agreements:party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, ClimateChangeNote:strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near majornorth-south sea routes; important communications station; importantsea and air refueling site
@Cape Verde, People
Population: 423,120 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.01% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.23 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -7.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.59 years male: 60.7 years female: 64.58 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.32 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Cape Verdean(s) adjective: Cape Verdean Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 66% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 102,000 (1985 est.) by occupation: agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981) note: 51% of population of working age (1985)
@Cape Verde, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cape Verdeconventional short form:Cape Verdelocal long form:Republica de Cabo Verdelocal short form:Cabo VerdeDigraph:CVType:republicCapital:PraiaAdministrative divisions:14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo,Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina,Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, TarrafalIndependence:5 July 1975 (from Portugal)National holiday:Independence Day, 5 July (1975)Constitution:new constitution came into force 25 September 1992Legal system:NASuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (since 22 March 1991) electionlast held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results -Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (independent) received 72.6% of votehead of government:Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13January 1991);cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by prime minister from members of theAssemblyLegislative branch:unicameralPeople's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular):elections last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56,PAICV 23; note - this multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years ofsingle-party ruleJudicial branch:Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia)Political parties and leaders:Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder andchairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), PedroVerona Rodrigues PIRES, chairmanMember of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS,NAM, OAU, UN (Cape Verde assumed a nonpermanent seat on the SecurityCouncil on 1 January 1992), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL,WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVAchancery:3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 965-6820FAX:(202) 965-1207consulate(s) general:BostonUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph M. SEGARSembassy:Rua Hoji Ya Henda 81, Praiamailing address:C. P. 201, Praiatelephone:[238] 61-56-16 or 61-56-17FAX:[238] 61-13-55Flag:three horozontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (witha horozontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circleof 10 yellow five pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of thered stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands
@Cape Verde, Economy
Overview:Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base,a serious, long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy isservice oriented, with commerce, transport, and public servicesaccounting for 60% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population livesin rural areas, agriculture's share of GDP is only 20%; the fishingsector accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. Thefishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. In1988 fishing represented only 3.5% of GDP. Cape Verde annually runs ahigh trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreignaid. Economic reforms launched by the new democratic government inFebruary 1991 are aimed at developing the private sector andattracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $415 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:3.3% (1991 est.)National product per capita:$1,070 (1991)Inflation rate (consumer prices):8.7% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:25% (1988)Budget:revenues:$104 millionexpenditures:$133 million, including capital expenditures of $72 million (1991est.)Exports:$6 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:fish, bananas, hides and skinspartners:Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.)Imports:$145 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipmentpartners:Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%,Netherlands, US (1990 est.)External debt:$156 million (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity:capacity:15,000 kWproduction:15 million kWhconsumption per capita:40 kWh (1991)Industries:fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair,construction materials, food and beverage productionAgriculture:accounts for 20% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistencefarming; bananas are the only export crop; other crops - corn, beans,sweet potatoes, coffee; growth potential of agricultural sectorlimited by poor soils and scanty rainfall; annual food importsrequired; fish catch provides for both domestic consumption and smallexportsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-90), $93 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $586million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $36 millionCurrency:1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavosExchange rates:Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 85.992 (December 1993), 80.574(1993), 68.018 (1992), 71.408 (1991), 70.031 (1990), 77.978 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Cape Verde, Communications
Highways:total:NApaved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:Mindelo, PraiaMerchant marine:7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWTAirports:total:6usable:6with permanent-surface runways:6with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:interisland microwave radio relay system, high-frequency radio toSenegal and Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations -1 AM, 6 FM, 1 TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic OceanINTELSAT earth station
@Cape Verde, Defense Forces
Branches:People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) (including Army and Navy),Security ServiceManpower availability:males age 15-49 78,153; fit for military service 45,804Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Cayman Islands
Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
@Cayman Islands, Geography
Location: Caribbean, in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearly halfway between Cuba and Honduras Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 8% forest and woodland: 23% other: 69% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes international agreements: NA Note: important location between Cuba and Central America
@Cayman Islands, People
Population:31,790 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:4.33% (1994 est.)Birth rate:15.06 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.1 yearsmale:75.37 yearsfemale:78.81 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Caymanian(s)adjective:CaymanianEthnic divisions:mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups20%Religions:United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist,Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominationsLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)total population:98%male:98%female:98%Labor force:8,061by occupation:service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance andinvestment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)
@Cayman Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Cayman IslandsDigraph:CJType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:George TownAdministrative divisions:8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay,West End, WesternIndependence:none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday:Constitution Day (first Monday in July)Constitution:1959, revised 1972 and 1992Legal system:British common law and local statutesSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government:Governor and President of the Executive Council Michael GORE (since 15September 1992)cabinet:Executive Council; 3 members are appointed by the governor, 4 memberselected by the Legislative AssemblyLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly:election last held November 1992 (next to be held November 1996);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)Judicial branch:Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders:no formal political partiesMember of:CARICOM (observer), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOCDiplomatic 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 theCaymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half ofthe flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above ashield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scrollat the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS
@Cayman Islands, Economy
Overview:The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of foreigncurrency earnings) and offshore financial services, with the touristindustry aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitorsfrom North America. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goodsneeds must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the higheststandards of living in the region.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $670 million (1991 est.)National product real growth rate:4.4% (1991)National product per capita:$23,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.5% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:7% (1992)Budget:revenues:$141.5 millionexpenditures:$160.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991)Exports:$2.6 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)commodities:turtle products, manufactured consumer goodspartners:mostly USImports:$262.2 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)commodities:foodstuffs, manufactured goodspartners:US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, JapanExternal debt:$15 million (1986)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:capacity:74,000 kWproduction:256 million kWhconsumption per capita:8,780 kWh (1992)Industries:tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, buildingmaterials, furniture makingAgriculture:minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farmingIllicit drugs:a major money-laundering center for illicit drug profits;transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US andEuropeEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35millionCurrency:1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 centsExchange rates:Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 0.85 (22 November 1993)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Cayman Islands, Communications
Highways:total:160 km (main roads)paved:NAunpaved:NAPorts:George Town, Cayman BracMerchant marine:30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 368,037 GRT/581,060 DWT, bulk 9,cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, oil tanker 3, passenger-cargo 1,roll-on/roll-off cargo 7note:a flag of convenience registryAirports: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:2Telecommunications:35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and accessinternational services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV
@Cayman Islands, Defense Forces
Branches:Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)Note:defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Central African Republic, Geography
Location:Central Africa, between Chad and ZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:622,980 sq kmland area:622,980 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries:total 5,203 km, Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan1,165 km, Zaire 1,577 kmCoastline:0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims:none; landlockedInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summersTerrain:vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills innortheast and southwestNatural resources:diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oilLand use:arable land:3%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:5%forest and woodland:64%other:28%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildliferefuges; desertificationnatural hazards:hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areasinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Law of the SeaNote:landlocked; almost the precise center of AfricaPopulation:3,142,182 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:2.16% (1994 est.)Birth rate:42.3 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:20.69 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:137.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:42.54 yearsmale:41.07 yearsfemale:44.06 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:5.42 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Central African(s)adjective:Central AfricanEthnic divisions:Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%,Europeans 6,500 (including 3,600 French)Religions:indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim15%, other 11%note:animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the ChristianmajorityLanguages:French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language),Arabic, Hunsa, SwahiliLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:27%male:33%female:15%Labor force:775,413 (1986 est.)by occupation:agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%note:about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985)
@Central African Republic, Government
Names:conventional long form:Central African Republicconventional short form:nonelocal long form:Republique Centrafricainelocal short form:noneformer:Central African EmpireAbbreviation:CARDigraph:CTType:republic; one-party presidential regime since 1986Capital:BanguiAdministrative divisions:14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economicprefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefectureeconomique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto,Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui,Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham,Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, VakagaIndependence:13 August 1960 (from France)National holiday:National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic)Constitution:21 November 1986Legal system:based on French lawSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Felix (Ange) PATASSE (since 22 October 1993) election lastheld 19 September 1993; PATASSE received 52.45% of the votes and AbelGOUMBA received 45.62%; next election schelduled for 1998head of government:Prime Minister Dr. Jean-Luc MANDABA (since 25 October 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):elections last held 19 September 1993; results - percentage vote byparty NA; seats - (85 total) MLPC 33, RDC 14, PLD 7, ADP 6, PSD 3,others 22note:the National Assembly is advised by the Economic and Regional Council(Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together they arecalled the Congress (Congres)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), theparty of the new president, Ange Felix PATASSE; Central AfricanDemocratic Party (RDC), Laurent GOMINA-PAMPALI; Council of ModeratesCoalition includes; Union of the People for Economic and SocialDevelopment (UPDS), Katossy SIMANI; Liberal Republican Party (PARELI),Augustin M'BOE; Central African Socialist Movement (MSCA), MichelBENGUE; Concerted Democratic Forces (CFD), a coalition of 13 parties,including; Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Francois PEHOUA;Central African Republican party (PRC), Ruth ROLLAND; SocialDemocratic Party (PSD), Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE; Civic Forum (FC), Gen.Timothee MALENDOMA; Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), NestorKOMBOT-NAGUEMON; Movement for the Liberation of the Central AfricanPeople (MLPC), Felix (Ange) PATASSEMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS,NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Henri KOBAchancery:1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 483-7800 or 7801US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Robert E. GRIBBINembassy:Avenue David Dacko, Banguimailing address:B. P. 924, Banguitelephone:[236] 61-02-00, 61-25-78, 61-43-33, 61-02-10FAX:[236] 61-44-94Flag:four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellowwith a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointedstar on the hoist side of the blue band