@Comoros, People
Population: 530,136 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.55% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.95 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 79.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.81 years male: 55.63 years female: 60.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.79 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Comoran(s) adjective: Comoran Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Religions: Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14% Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and Arabic) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 48% male: 56% female: 40% Labor force: 140,000 (1982) by occupation: agriculture 80%, government 3% note: 51% of population of working age (1985)
@Comoros, Government
Names:conventional long form:Federal Islamic Republic of the Comorosconventional short form:Comoroslocal long form:Republique Federale Islamique des Comoreslocal short form:ComoresDigraph:CNType:independent republicCapital:MoroniAdministrative divisions:three islands; Grand Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli(Mwali)note:there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, andMutsamuduIndependence:6 July 1975 (from France)National holiday:Independence Day, 6 July (1975)Constitution:7 June 1992Legal system:French and Muslim law in a new consolidated codeSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state::President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); election lastheld 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - SaidMohamed DJOHAR (UDZIMA) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%head of government::Prime Minister Mohamed Abdou MADI (since 6 January 1994) appointed byPresident DJOHAR 6 January 1994 (DJOHAR has appointed 14 primeministers in the last three years)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralFederal Assembly (Assemblee Federale):elections last held 12-20 December 1993 (next to be held by NA January1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total)Ruling Coalition: RDR 15, UNDC 5, MWANGAZA 2; Opposition: UDZIMA 8,other smaller parties 10; 2 seats remained unfillednote:opposition is boycotting the National Assembly until the governmentpromises to investigate fraud in the last electionJudicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:over 20 political parties are currently active, the most important ofwhich are; Comoran Union for Progress (UDZIMA), Omar TAMOU; Islands'Fraternity and Unity Party (CHUMA), Said Ali KEMAL; Comoran Party forDemocracy and Progress (PCDP), Ali MROUDJAE; Realizing Freedom'sCapability (UWEZO), Mouazair ABDALLAH; Democratic Front of the Comoros(FDR), Moustapha CHELKH; Dialogue Proposition Action (DPA/MWANGAZA),Said MCHAWGAMA; Rally for Change and Democracy (RACHADE), HassanHACHIM; Union for Democracy and Decentralization (UNDC), Mohamed TakiHalidi IBRAHAM; Rally for Democracy and Renewal (RDR); Comoran PopularFront (FPC), Mohamed HASSANALI, Mohamed El Arif OUKACHA, AbdouMOUSTAKIM (Secretary General)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMINchancery:(temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45thStreet, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017telephone:(212) 972-8010FAX:(212) 983-4712US diplomatic representation:none; post closed in September 1993Flag:green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of thecrescent points to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there arefour white five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points ofthe crescent; the crescent, stars, and color green are traditionalsymbols of Islam; the four stars represent the four main islands ofthe archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is aterritorial collectivity of France, but claimed by the Comoros)
@Comoros, Economy
Overview:One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of severalislands that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidlyincreasing population, and few natural resources. The low educationallevel of the labor force contributes to a low level of economicactivity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grantsand technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, andforestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% toGDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports.The country is not self-sufficient in food production, and rice, themain staple, accounts for 90% of imports. During 1982-86 theindustrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but itscontribution to GDP is small. Despite major investment in the touristindustry, which accounts for about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnatedsince 1983. A sluggish growth rate of 1.5% during 1985-90 has led tolarge budget deficits, declining incomes, and balance-of-paymentsdifficulties. Estimates for 1992 show a moderate increase in thegrowth rate based on increased exports, tourism, and governmentinvestment outlays.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $360 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:5% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$700 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):4% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:over 15.9% (1989)Budget:revenues:$96 millionexpenditures:$88 million, including capital expenditures of $33 million (1991 est.)Exports:$21 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylangpartners:US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988)Imports:$60 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)commodities:rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goodspartners:Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988)External debt:$160 million (1992 est.)Industrial production:growth rate -6.5% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity:capacity:16,000 kWproduction:25 million kWhconsumption per capita:50 kWh (1991)Industries:perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, constructionmaterials, soft drinksAgriculture:accounts for 40% of GDP; most of population works in subsistenceagriculture and fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export -vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra; principal food crops -coconuts, bananas, cassava; world's leading producer of essence ofylang-ylang (for perfumes) and second-largest producer of vanilla;large net food importerEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $18 millionCurrency:1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 444.03 (January 1994), 254.57 (1993),264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994, the Comoran franc was devalued to 75 perFrench franc from 50 per French franc at which it had been fixed since1948Fiscal year:calendar year
@Comoros, Communications
Highways:total:750 kmpaved:bituminous 210 kmunpaved:crushed stone, gravel 540 kmPorts:Mutsamudu, MoroniAirports:total:4usable:4with permanent-surface runways:4with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:3Telecommunications:sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communicationstations for interisland and external communications to Madagascar andReunion; over 1,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV
@Comoros, Defense Forces
Branches:Comoran Defense Force (FDC)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 112,918; fit for military service 67,522Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Congo, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Gabon andZaireMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:342,000 sq kmland area:341,500 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than MontanaLand boundaries:total 5,504 km, Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central AfricanRepublic 467 km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 kmCoastline:169 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea:200 nmInternational disputes:long segment of boundary with Zaire along the Congo River isindefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made)Climate:tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October);constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervatingclimate astride the EquatorTerrain:coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basinNatural resources:petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates,natural gasLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:29%forest and woodland:62%other:7%Irrigated land:40 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumpingof raw sewage; deforestationnatural hazards:NAinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Tropical Timber; signed, but notratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone LayerProtectionNote:about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, oralong the railroad between them
@Congo, People
Population: 2,446,902 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.38% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.49 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.56 years male: 45.76 years female: 49.41 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Ethnic divisions: south: Kongo 48% north: Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12% center: Teke 17%, Europeans 8,500 (mostly French) Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% Languages: French (official), African languages (Lingala and Kikongo are the most widely used) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 57% male: 70% female: 44% Labor force: 79,100 wage earners by occupation: agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25% note: 51% of population of working age; 40% of population economically active (1985)
@Congo, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of the Congoconventional short form:Congolocal long form:Republique Populaire du Congolocal short form:Congoformer:Congo/BrazzavilleDigraph:CFType:republicCapital:BrazzavilleAdministrative divisions:9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza,Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux,Pool, SanghaIndependence:15 August 1960 (from France)National holiday:Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960)Constitution:new constitution approved by referendum March 1992Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary lawSuffrage:18 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Pascal LISSOUBA (since August 1992); election last held 2-16August 1992 (next to be held August 1997); results - President PascalLISSOUBA won with 61% of the votehead of government:Prime Minister Jacques Joachim YHOMBI-OPANGO (since 23 June 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; named by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):election last held 3 October 1993; results - percentage vote by partyNA; seats - (125 total) UPADS 64, URD/PCT 58, others 3Senate:election last held 26 July 1992 (next to be held July 1998); results -percentage vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) UPADS 23, MCDDI 14,RDD 8, RDPS 5, PCT 2, others 8Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:Congolese Labor Party (PCT), Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president;Pan-African Union for Social Development (UPADS), Pascal LISSOUBA,leader; Association for Democracy and Development (RDD) - JoachimYhombi OPANGO, president; Congolese Movement for Democracy andIntegral Development (MCDDI), Bernard KOLELAS, leader; Association forDemocracy and Social Progress (RDPS), Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA,president; Union of Democratic Forces (UFD), David Charles GANAO,leader; Union for Development and Social Progress (UDPS), Jean-MichaelBOKAMBA-YANGOUMA, leadernote:Congo has many political parties of which these are among the mostimportantOther political or pressure groups:Union of Congolese Socialist Youth (UJSC); Congolese Trade UnionCongress (CSC); Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women (URFC); GeneralUnion of Congolese Pupils and Students (UGEEC)Member of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,LORCS, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Pierre Damien BOUSSOUKOU-BOUMBAchancery:4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011telephone:(202) 726-5500 or 5501US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador William RAMSEYembassy:Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzavillemailing address:B. P. 1015, Brazzavilletelephone:(242) 83-20-70FAX:[242] 83-63-38Flag:red, divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band;the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle isred; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
@Congo, Economy
Overview:Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts,an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and agovernment characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. A reformprogram, supported by the IMF and World Bank, ran into difficulties in1990-91 because of problems in changing to a democratic politicalregime and a heavy debt-servicing burden. Oil has supplanted forestryas the mainstay of the economy, providing about two-thirds ofgovernment revenues and exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oilrevenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projectswith growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa.Subsequently, growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5%annually, only half the population growth rate. Political turmoil andmisguided government investment have derailed economic reform programssponsored by the IMF and World Bank.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NANational product per capita:$2,900 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):-0.6% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$765 millionexpenditures:$952 million, including capital expenditures of $65 million (1990)Exports:$1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:crude oil 72%, lumber, plywood, coffee, cocoa, sugar, diamondspartners:US, France, other EC countriesImports:$704 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:foodstuffs, consumer goods, intermediate manufactures, capitalequipmentpartners:France, Germany, Italy, Spain, other EC countries, US, Japan, BrazilExternal debt:$4.1 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP; includes petroleumElectricity:capacity:140,000 kWproduction:315 million kWhconsumption per capita:135 kWh (1991)Industries:petroleum, cement, lumbering, brewing, sugar milling, palm oil, soap,cigaretteAgriculture:accounts for 13% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cassavaaccounts for 90% of food output; other crops - rice, corn, peanuts,vegetables; cash crops include coffee and cocoa; forest productsimportant export earner; imports over 90% of food needsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $63 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2.5billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $15 million; Communistcountries (1970-89), $338 millionCurrency:1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05(January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26(1990), 319.01 (1989)note:beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 perFrench franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948Fiscal year:calendar year
@Congo, Communications
Railroads:797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that areprivately owned)Highways:total:11,960 kmpaved:560 kmunpaved:gravel or crushed stone 850 km; improved earth 5,350 km; unimprovedearth 5,200 kmInland waterways:the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km ofcommercially navigable water transport; the rest are used for localtraffic onlyPipelines:crude oil 25 kmPorts:Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port)Airports:total:41usable:37with permanent-surface runways:5with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:16Telecommunications:services adequate for government use; primary network is composed ofradio relay routes and coaxial cables; key centers are Brazzaville,Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; 18,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 4AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean satellite earth station
@Congo, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National PoliceManpower availability:males age 15-49 551,151; fit for military service 280,372; reachmilitary age (20) annually 24,441 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:$NA, NA% of GDP
@Cook Islands
Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand)
@Cook Islands, Geography
Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 240 sq km land area: 240 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 22% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 74% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (November to March) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
@Cook Islands, People
Population:19,124 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:1.15% (1994 est.)Birth rate:23.22 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-6.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:71.14 yearsmale:69.2 yearsfemale:73.1 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:3.3 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Cook Islander(s)adjective:Cook IslanderEthnic divisions:Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%,Polynesian and other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%Religions:Christian (majority of populace members of Cook Islands ChristianChurch)Languages:English (official), MaoriLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:5,810by occupation:agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, other 4%(1981)
@Cook Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Cook IslandsDigraph:CWType:self-governing parliamentary government in free association with NewZealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; NewZealand retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultationwith the Cook IslandsCapital:AvaruaAdministrative divisions:noneIndependence:none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independenceby unilateral action)National holiday:Constitution Day, 4 AugustConstitution:4 August 1965Legal system:NASuffrage:universal adult at age NAExecutive branch:chief of state:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of theQueen Apenera SHORT (since NA); Representative of New Zealand AdrianSINCOCK (since NA)head of government:Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy PrimeMinister Inatio AKARURU (since 1 February 1989)cabinet:Cabinet; collectively responsible to the ParliamentLegislative branch:unicameralParliament:elections last held 24 March 1994 (next to be held NA); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) Cook Islands Party 20,Democratic Party 3, Alliance Party 2note:the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but hasno legislative powersJudicial branch:High CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Party, Sir ThomasDAVIS; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People'sParty, Sadaraka SADARAKA; Alliance, Norman GEORGEMember of:AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, INTELSAT (nonsignatoryuser), IOC, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHODiplomatic representation in US:none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)US diplomatic representation:none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)Flag:blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and alarge circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island)centered in the outer half of the flag
@Cook Islands, Economy
Overview:Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners arefruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to afruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economicdevelopment is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreignmarkets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links.A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances fromemigrants and from foreign aid, largely from New Zealand. Currenteconomic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potentialand expanding the fishing industry.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $57 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$3,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):6.2% (1990)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues:$38 millionexpenditures:$34.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports:$3.4 million (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothingpartners:NZ 80%, JapanImports:$50 million (c.i.f., 1990)commodities:foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timberpartners:NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, USExternal debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%; accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity:capacity:14,000 kWproduction:21 million kWhconsumption per capita:1,170 kWh (1990)Industries:fruit processing, tourismAgriculture:accounts for 12% of GDP, export crops - copra, citrus fruits,pineapples, tomatoes, bananas; subsistence crops - yams, taroEconomic aid:recipient:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments(1970-89), $128 millionCurrency:1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 centsExchange rates:New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495(1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6708 (1989)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
@Cook Islands, Communications
Highways:total:187 kmpaved:35 kmunpaved:gravel 35 km; improved earth 84 km; unimproved earth 33 km (1980)Ports:AvatiuMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWTAirports:total:7usable:7with permanent-surface runways:1with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:5Telecommunications:broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 11,000 radio receivers; 17,000TV receivers (1989); 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
@Cook Islands, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
@Coral Sea Islands
Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia)
@Coral Sea Islands, Geography
Location: Southwestern Oceania, just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea Map references: Oceania Area: total area: less than 3 sq km land area: less than 3 sq km comparative area: NA note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with Willis Islets the most important Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: no permanent fresh water resources natural hazards: subject to occasional tropical cyclones international agreements: NA Note: important nesting area for birds and turtles
@Coral Sea Islands, People
Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 3 meteorologists
@Coral Sea Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:Coral Sea Islands Territoryconventional short form:Coral Sea IslandsDigraph:CRType:territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Environment,Sport, and TerritoriesCapital:none; administered from Canberra, AustraliaIndependence:none (territory of Australia)Flag:the flag of Australia is used
@Coral Sea Islands, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
@Coral Sea Islands, Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorages only
@Coral Sea Islands, Defense Forces
Note:defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by theRoyal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities ofvisitors
@Costa Rica, Geography
Location:Middle America, between Nicaragua and PanamaMap references:Central America and the Caribbean, South AmericaArea:total area:51,100 sq kmland area:50,660 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than West Virginianote:includes Isla del CocoLand boundaries:total 639 km, Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 kmCoastline:1,290 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May toNovember)Terrain:coastal plains separated by rugged mountainsNatural resources:hydropower potentialLand use:arable land:6%permanent crops:7%meadows and pastures:45%forest and woodland:34%other:8%Irrigated land:1,180 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation, largely a result of land clearing for cattle ranching;soil erosionnatural hazards:subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast;frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; activevolcanoesinternational agreements:party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, NuclearTest Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but notratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation
@Costa Rica, People
Population: 3,342,154 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.31% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 3.52 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.8 years male: 75.88 years female: 79.81 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.06 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish (official), English; spoken around Puerto Limon Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 93% male: 93% female: 93% Labor force: 868,300 by occupation: industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.)
@Costa Rica, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Costa Ricaconventional short form:Costa Ricalocal long form:Republica de Costa Ricalocal short form:Costa RicaDigraph:CSType:democratic republicCapital:San JoseAdministrative divisions:7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago,Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San JoseIndependence:15 September 1821 (from Spain)National holiday:Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Constitution:9 November 1949Legal system:based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative actsin the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994); First VicePresident Rodrigo OREAMUNO Blanco (since 8 May 1994); Second VicePresident Rebeca GRYNSPAN Mayufis (since 8 May 1994); election lastheld 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998); results -President FIGUERES (PLN party) 49.7%, Miquel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSCparty) 47.5%cabinet:Cabinet; selected by the presidentLegislative branch:unicameralLegislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa):elections last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (61 total) PLN 28, PUSC29, minority parties 4Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Political parties and leaders:National Liberation Party (PLN), Manuel AGUILAR Bonilla; SocialChristian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; MarxistPopular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New RepublicMovement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP),Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC),Lenin CHACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan JoseECHEVERRIA BrealeyOther political or pressure groups:Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD; LiberationParty affiliate); Confederated Union of Workers (CUT, Communist Partyaffiliate); Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD,Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; NationalAssociation for Economic Development (ANFE); Free Costa Rica Movement(MCRL, rightwing militants); National Association of Educators (ANDE)Member of:AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Gonzalo FACIO Segredachancery:2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 234-2945FAX:(202) 265-4795consulate(s) general:Albuquerque, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego,San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)consulate(s):Austin and RaleighUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:(vacant); Charge d' Affaires Joseph BECELIAembassy:Pavas Road, San Josemailing address:APO AA 34020telephone:[506] 20-39-39FAX:(506) 20-2305Flag:five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white,and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side ofthe red band
@Costa Rica, Economy
Overview:In 1993 the economy grew at an estimated 6.5%, compared with 7.7% in1992 and 2.1% in 1991. Increases in agricultural production (coffeeand bananas), nontraditional exports, and tourism are responsible formuch of the growth. Inflation in 1993 dropped to 9% from 17% in 1992and 25% in 1991, an indication of basic financial stability.Unemployment is officially reported at 4.0%, but much underemploymentremains.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:6.5% (1993 est.)National product per capita:$5,900 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):9% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:4% (1993); much underemploymentBudget:revenues:$1.1 billionexpenditures:$1.34 billion, including capital expenditures of $110 million (1991est.)Exports:$1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:coffee, bananas, textiles, sugarpartners:US, Germany, Italy, Guatemala, El Salvador, Netherlands, UK, FranceImports:$2.9 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleumpartners:US, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, GermanyExternal debt:$3.2 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 10.5% (1992); accounts for 22% of GDPElectricity:capacity:927,000 kWproduction:3.612 billion kWhconsumption per capita:1,130 kWh (1992)Industries:food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials,fertilizer, plastic productsAgriculture:accounts for 19% of GDP and 70% of exports; cash commodities - coffee,beef, bananas, sugar; other food crops include corn, rice, beans,potatoes; normally self-sufficient in food except for grain; depletionof forest resources resulting in lower timber outputIllicit drugs:transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America;illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plotsEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $935million; Communist countries (1971-89), $27 millionCurrency:1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimosExchange rates:Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 150.67 (December 1993), 142.17(1993), 134.51 (1992), 122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Costa Rica, Communications
Railroads:950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrifiedHighways:total:35,536 kmpaved:5,600 kmunpaved:gravel and earth 29,936 km (1991)Inland waterways:about 730 km, seasonally navigablePipelines:petroleum products 176 kmPorts:Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, PuntarenasMerchant marine:1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,878 GRT/4,506 DWTAirports:total:184usable:165with permanent-surface runways:27with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:2with runways 1,220-2,439 m:9Telecommunications:very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connectioninto Central American Microwave System; broadcast stations - 71 AM, noFM, 18 TV, 13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
@Costa Rica, Defense Forces
Branches:Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guardnote:constitution prohibits armed forcesManpower availability:males age 15-49 873,987; fit for military service 588,223; reachmilitary age (18) annually 32,308 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989)
@Cote d'Ivoire
Header Affiliation: (also known as Ivory Coast)
@Cote d'Ivoire, Geography
Location:Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Ghana andLiberiaMap references:Africa, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:322,460 sq kmland area:318,000 sq kmcomparative area:slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries:total 3,110 km, Burkina 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia716 km, Mali 532 kmCoastline:515 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depthexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm anddry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (Juneto October)Terrain:mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwestNatural resources:petroleum, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copperLand use:arable land:9%permanent crops:4%meadows and pastures:9%forest and woodland:26%other:52%Irrigated land:620 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues:deforestation; water pollution from sewage and industrial andagricultural effluentsnatural hazards:coast has heavy surf and no natural harborsinternational agreements:party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, OzoneLayer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Climate Change, Tropical Timber
@Cote d'Ivoire, People
Population:14,295,501 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:3.44% (1994 est.)Birth rate:46.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:15.01 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:2.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:95 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:48.92 yearsmale:46.75 yearsfemale:51.16 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:6.67 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Ivorian(s)adjective:IvorianEthnic divisions:Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreignAfricans (mostly Burkinabe and Malians, about 3 million), non-Africans130,000 to 330,000 (French 30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000)Religions:indigenous 25%, Muslim 60%, Christian 12%Languages:French (official), 60 native dialects Dioula is the most widely spokenLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:54%male:67%female:40%Labor force:5.718 millionby occupation:over 85% of population engaged in agriculture, forestry, livestockraising; about 11% of labor force are wage earners, nearly half inagriculture and the remainder in government, industry, commerce, andprofessionsnote:54% of population of working age (1985)
@Cote d'Ivoire, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cote d'Ivoireconventional short form:Cote d'Ivoirelocal long form:Republique de Cote d'Ivoirelocal short form:Cote d'Ivoireformer:Ivory CoastDigraph:IVType:republic multiparty presidential regime established 1960Capital:Yamoussoukronote:although Yamoussoukro has been the capital since 1983, Abidjan remainsthe administrative center; foreign governments, including the UnitedStates, maintain presence in AbidjanAdministrative divisions:50 departments (departements, singular - departement); Abengourou,Abidjan, Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilckrou, Bangolo, Beoumi,Biankouma, Bondoukou, Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali,Dabakala, Daloa, Danane, Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue,Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou, Guiglo, Issia, Katiola, Korhogo,Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne, Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro,Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda, Tingrela, Tiassale,Touba, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, ZuenoulaIndependence:7 August 1960 (from France)National holiday:National Day, 7 DecemberConstitution:3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time November1990Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review inthe Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:21 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Henri Konan BEDIE (since 7 December 1993) constitutionalsuccessor who will serve during the remainder of the term of formerPresident Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY who died in office after continuousservice from November 1960 (next election October 1995)head of government:Prime Minister Kablan Daniel DUNCAN (since 10 December 1993)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale):elections last held 25 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) PDCI 163,FPI 9, PIT 1, independents 2Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders:Democratic Party of the Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI), Henri Konan BEDIE;Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent GBAGBO; Ivorian Worker's Party(PIT), Francis WODIE; Ivorian Socialist Party (PSI), Morifere BAMBA;over 20 smaller partiesMember of:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77,GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jean-Marie KACOU-GERVAISchancery:2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 797-0300US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Hume A. HORANembassy:5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjanmailing address:01 B. P. 1712, Abidjantelephone:[225] 21-09-79 or 21-46-72FAX:[225] 22-32-59Flag:three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green;similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colorsreversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to theflag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design wasbased on the flag of France
@Cote d'Ivoire, Economy
Overview:Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters ofcoffee, cocoa beans, and palm-kernel oil. Consequently, the economy ishighly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for coffeeand cocoa and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by thegovernment to diversify, the economy is still largely dependent onagriculture and related industries. The agricultural sector accountsfor over one-third of GDP and about 80% of export earnings and employsabout 85% of the labor force. A collapse of world cocoa and coffeeprices in 1986 threw the economy into a recession, from which thecountry has yet to fully recover. Continuing weak prices for commodityexports, a bloated public-sector wage bill, and a large foreign debtwill continue to constrain economic development, this despite the 50%currency devaluation in January 1994 designed to restore internationalprice competitiveness. A large, non-competitive import-substitutionsector continues to thrive under steep tariff and import quotabarriers.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate:NANational product per capita:$1,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):1% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate:14% (1985)Budget:revenues:$2.3 billionexpenditures:$3.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $274 million (1990est.)Exports:$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:cocoa 30%, coffee 20%, tropical woods 11%, petroleum, cotton, bananas,pineapples, palm oil, cottonpartners:France, FRG, Netherlands, US, Belgium, Spain (1985)Imports:$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990)commodities:food, capital goods, consumer goods, fuelpartners:France 29%, other EC 29%, Nigeria 16%, US 4%, Japan 3% (1989)External debt:$17.3 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 6% (1990); accounts for 11% of GDPElectricity:capacity:1,210,000 kWproduction:1.97 billion kWhconsumption per capita:150 kWh (1991)Industries:foodstuffs, wood processing, oil refinery, automobile assembly,textiles, fertilizer, beverageAgriculture:most important sector, contributing one-third to GDP and 80% toexports; cash crops include coffee, cocoa beans, timber, bananas, palmkernels, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, manioc, sweet potatoes; notself-sufficient in bread grain and dairy productsIllicit drugs:illicit producer of cannabis; mostly for local consumption; someinternational drug trade; transshipment point for Southwest andSoutheast Asian heroin to Europe and occasionally to the USEconomic aid:recipient:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $356 million; Western(non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $5.2billionCurrency: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:calendar year
@Cote d'Ivoire, Communications
Railroads:660 km (Burkina border to Abidjan, 1.00-meter gauge, single track,except 25 km Abidjan-Anyama section is double track)Highways:total:46,600 kmpaved:3,600 kmunpaved:gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 32,000 km; unimproved earth11,000 kmInland waterways:980 km navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoonsPorts:Abidjan, San-PedroMerchant marine:8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 92,828 GRT/ 134,606 DWT, bulk 1,chemical tanker 1, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3Airports:total:41usable:37with permanent-surface runways:7with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:3with runways 1,220-2,439 m:15Telecommunications:well-developed by African standards but operating well below capacity;consists of open-wire lines and radio relay microwave links; 87,700telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 17 FM, 13 TV, 1 Atlantic Oceanand 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; 2 coaxial submarine cables
@Cote d'Ivoire, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard,Military Fire GroupManpower availability:males age 15-49 3,224,673; fit for military service 1,674,127; reachmilitary age (18) annually 149,991 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $200 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988)
@Croatia, Geography
Location:Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, borderingthe Adriatic Sea, between Slovenia and Bosnia and HerzegovinaMap references:Africa, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zonesof the WorldArea:total area:56,538 sq kmland area:56,410 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than West VirginiaLand boundaries:total 2,028 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbiaand Montenegro 266 km (241 km with Serbia; 25 km with Montenego),Slovenia 501 kmCoastline:5,790 km (mainland 1,778 km, islands 4,012 km)Maritime claims:continental shelf:200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone:12 nmexclusive fishing zone:12 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Serbs have occupied UN protected areas in eastern Croatia and alongthe western Bosnia and Herzegovinian border; dispute with Sloveniaover fishing rights in AdriaticClimate:Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant withhot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coastTerrain:geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, lowmountains and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islandsNatural resources:oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt,silica, mica, clays, saltLand use:arable land:32%permanent crops:20%meadows and pastures:18%forest and woodland:15%other:15%Irrigated land:NA sq kmEnvironment:current issues:air pollution from metallurgical plants is damaging the forests;coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; widespreadcasualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affectedby civil strifenatural hazards:subject to frequent and destructive earthquakesinternational agreements:party to - Air Pollution, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, OzoneLayer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote:controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea andTurkish Straits
@Croatia, People
Population:4,697,614 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.07% (1994 est.)Birth rate:11.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:10.54 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:73.6 yearsmale:70.14 yearsfemale:77.26 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.65 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Croat(s)adjective:CroatianEthnic divisions:Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslim 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%,others 8.1%Religions:Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 0.4%,others and unknown 10.8%Languages:Serbo-Croatian 96%, other 4%Literacy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:1,509,489by occupation:industry and mining 37%, agriculture 16% (1981 est.), government NA%,other
@Croatia, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Croatiaconventional short form:Croatialocal long form:Republika Hrvatskalocal short form:HrvatskaDigraph:HRType:parliamentary democracyCapital:ZagrebAdministrative divisions:21 counties (zupanijas, zupanija - singular): Bjelovar-Bilogora, Cityof Zagreb, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Istra, Karlovac, Koprivnica-Krizevci,Krapina-Zagorje, Lika-Senj, Medimurje, Osijek-Baranja,Pozega-Slavonija, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Sibenik, Sisak-Moslavina,Slavonski Brod-Posavina, Split-Dalmatia, Varazdin,Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Zadar-Knin, ZagrebIndependence:NA June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)National holiday:Statehood Day, 30 May (1990)Constitution:adopted on 2 December 1990Legal system:based on civil law systemSuffrage:16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universalExecutive branch:chief of state:President Franjo TUDJMAN (since 30 May 1990); election last held 4August 1992 (next to be held NA 1995); Franjo TUDJMAN reelected withabout 56% of the vote; his opponent Dobroslav PARAGA got 5% of thevotehead of government:Prime Minister Nikica VALENTIC (since 3 April 1993); Deputy PrimeMinisters Mato GRANIC (since 8 September 1992), Ivica KOSTOVIC (sinceNA), Vladimir SEKS (since September 1992), Borislav SKEGRO (since NA)cabinet:Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch:bicameral parliament Assembly (Sabor)House of Districts (Zupanije Dom):elections last held 7 and 21 February 1993 (next to be held NAFebruary 1997); seats - (68 total; 63 elected, 5 presidentiallyappointed) HDZ 37, HSLS 16, HSS 5, Istrian Democratic Assembly 3,SPH-SDP 1, HNS 1House of Representatives (Predstavnicke Dom):elections last held 2 August 1992 (next to be held NA August 1996);seats - (138 total) HDZ 85, HSLS 14, SPH-SDP 11, HNS 6, DalmatianAction/Istrian Democratic Assembly/ Rijeka Democratic Alliancecoalition 6, HSP 5, HSS 3, SNS 3, independents 5Judicial branch:Supreme Court, Constitutional CourtPolitical parties and leaders:Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan MESIC, chairman of theexecutive council; Croatian People's Party (HNS), SavkaDABCEVIC-KUCAR, president; Serbian People's Party (SNS), Milan DUKIC;Croatian Party of Rights (HSP), leader NA; Croatian Social LiberalParty (HSLS), Drazen BUDISA, president; Croatian Peasant Party (HSS),leader NA; Dalmatian Action/Istrian Democratic Assembly/RijeckaDemocratic Alliance coalition; Social Democratic Party ofCroatia-Party of Democratic Changes (SPH-SDP), Ivica RACANOther political or pressure groups:NAMember of:CE (guest), CEI, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM(observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Petr A. SARCEVICchancery:(temporary) 236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002telephone:(202) 543-5580US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Peter W. GALBRAITHembassy:Andrije Hebranga 2, Zagrebmailing address:US Embassy, Zagreb, Unit 1345, APO AE 09213-1345telephone:[385] (41) 444-800FAX:[385] (41) 45 85 85Flag:red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms (redand white checkered)
@Croatia, Economy
Overview:Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the republic of Croatia, afterSlovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a percapita output roughly comparable to that of Portugal and perhapsone-third above the Yugoslav average. At present, Croatian SerbNationalists control approximately one-third of the Croatianterritory, and one of the overriding determinants of Croatia'slong-term political and economic prospects will be the resolution ofthis territorial dispute. Croatia faces monumental economic problemsstemming from: the legacy of longtime Communist mismanagement of theeconomy; large foreign debt; damage during the fighting to bridges,factories, power lines, buildings, and houses; the large refugeepopulation, both Croatian and Bosnian; and the disruption of economicties to Serbia and the other former Yugoslav republics, as well aswithin its own territory. At the minimum, extensive Western aid andinvestment, especially in the tourist and oil industries, would seemnecessary to salvage a desperate economic situation. However, peaceand political stability must come first; only then will recentgovernment moves toward a "market-friendly" economy reverse the sharpdrop in output. As of May 1994, fighting continues among Croats,Serbs, and Muslims, and national boundaries and final politicalarrangements are still in doubt.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21.8 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:-19% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$4,500 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):26% monthly average (1993 est.)Unemployment rate:21% (December 1993)Budget:revenues:$NAexpenditures:$NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports:$3.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 30%, other manufacturers 37%,chemicals 11%, food and live animals 9%, raw materials 6.5%, fuels andlubricants 5% (1990)partners:EC countries, SloveniaImports:$4.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 21%, fuels and lubricants 19%, foodand live animals 16%, chemicals 14%, manufactured goods 13%,miscellaneous manufactured articles 9%, raw materials 6.5%, beveragesand tobacco 1% (1990)partners:EC countries, Slovenia, FSU countriesExternal debt:$2.6 billion (December 1993)Industrial production:growth rate -5.9% (1993 est.)Electricity:capacity:3,570,000 kWproduction:11.5 billion kWhconsumption per capita:2,400 kWh (1992)Industries:chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics,pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum reduction, paper, woodproducts (including furniture), building materials (including cement),textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, foodprocessing and beveragesAgriculture:Croatia normally produces a food surplus; most agricultural land inprivate hands and concentrated in Croat-majority districts in Slavoniaand Istria; much of Slavonia's land has been put out of production byfighting; wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflowers, alfalfa, and cloverare main crops in Slavonia; central Croatian highlands are lessfertile but support cereal production, orchards, vineyards, livestockbreeding, and dairy farming; coastal areas and offshore islands growolives, citrus fruits, and vegetablesEconomic aid:$NACurrency:1 Croatian dinar (CD) = 100 paras; a new currency, the kuna, replacedthe dinar on 30 May 1994Exchange rates:Croatian dinar per US $1 - 6,544 (January 1994), 3,637 (15 July 1993),60.00 (April 1992)Fiscal year:calendar year
@Croatia, Communications
Railroads:2,592 km of standard guage (1.435 m) of which 864 km are electrified(1992); note - disrupted by territorial disputeHighways:total:32,071 kmpaved:23,305 kmunpaved:gravel 8,439 km; earth 327 km (1990)Inland waterways:785 km perennially navigablePipelines:crude oil 670 km; petroleum products 20 km; natural gas 310 km (1992);note - now disrupted because of territorial disputePorts:coastal - Omisalj (oil), Ploce, Rijeka, Split; inland - Osijek,Slavonski Samac, Vukovar, ZupanjaMerchant marine:28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 108,194 GRT/131,880 DWT, cargo18, container 1, oil tanker 1, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1,roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 3note:also controlled by Croatian shipowners are 151 ships (1,000 GRT orover) under flags of convenience - primarily Malta and St. Vincent -totaling 2,221,931 GRT/3,488,263 DWT; includes cargo 60, roll-on/roll-off 8, refrigerated cargo 4, container 12, multifunction largeload carriers 3, bulk 45, oil tanker 9, liquified gas 1, chemicaltanker 4, service vessel 5Airports:total:75usable:70with permanent-surface runways:16with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:7with runways 1,220-2,439 m:5Telecommunications:350,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 8 FM, 12 (2 repeaters)TV; 1,100,000 radios; 1,027,000 TVs; satellite ground stations - none
@Croatia, Defense Forces
Branches:Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense ForcesManpower availability:males age 15-49 1,182,767; fit for military service 946,010; reachmilitary age (19) annually 33,166 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures:337 billion-393 billion Croatian dinars, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note- conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the currentexchange rate could produce misleading results
@Cuba, Geography
Location:Caribbean, in the northern Caribbean Sea, 145 km south of Key West(Florida)Map references:Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zonesof the WorldArea:total area:110,860 sq kmland area:110,860 sq kmcomparative area:slightly smaller than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries:total 29 km, US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 kmnote:Guantanamo is leased and as such remains part of CubaCoastline:3,735 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased to US and only mutualagreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the leaseClimate:tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April);rainy season (May to October)Terrain:mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in thesoutheastNatural resources:cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica,petroleumLand use:arable land:23%permanent crops:6%meadows and pastures:23%forest and woodland:17%other:31%Irrigated land:8,960 sq km (1989)Environment:current issues:overhunting threatens wildlife populations; deforestationnatural hazards:averages one hurricane every other yearinternational agreements:party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified -Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Marine Life ConservationNote:largest country in Caribbean
@Cuba, People
Population:11,064,344 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate:0.95% (1994 est.)Birth rate:16.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate:6.52 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate:-0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate:10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:76.89 yearsmale:74.72 yearsfemale:79.18 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate:1.83 children born/woman (1994 est.)Nationality:noun:Cuban(s)adjective:CubanEthnic divisions:mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%Religions:nominally Roman Catholic 85% prior to Castro assuming powerLanguages:SpanishLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population:94%male:95%female:93%Labor force:4,620,800 economically active population (1988); 3,578,800 in statesectorby occupation:services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce11%, construction 10%, transportation and communications 7% (June1990)
@Cuba, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Cubaconventional short form:Cubalocal long form:Republica de Cubalocal short form:CubaDigraph:CUType:Communist stateCapital:HavanaAdministrative divisions:14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 specialmunicipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila,Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla dela Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, SanctiSpiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa ClaraIndependence:20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from1898 to 1902)National holiday:Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)Constitution:24 February 1976Legal system:based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communistlegal theory; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage:16 years of age; universalExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government:President of the Council of State and President of the Council ofMinisters Fidel CASTRO Ruz (Prime Minister from February 1959 until 24February 1976 when office was abolished; President since 2 December1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First VicePresident of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2December 1976)cabinet:Council of Ministers; proposed by the president of the Council ofState, appointed by the National AssemblyLegislative branch:unicameralNational Assembly of People's Power:(Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular) elections last held February1993; seats - 589 total, indirectly elected from slates approved byspecial candidacy commissionsJudicial branch:People's Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Popular)Political parties and leaders:only party - Cuban Communist Party (PCC), Fidel CASTRO Ruz, firstsecretaryMember of:CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, INMARSAT,INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA(observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since1962), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Principal Officer Alfonso FRAGA Perez (since August 1992) representedby the Cuban Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Washington, DCchancery:2630 and 2639 16th Street NW, US Interests Section, Swiss Embassy,Washington, DC 20009telephone:(202) 797-8518 or 8519, 8520, 8609, 8610US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Principal Officer Joseph SULLIVANUS Interests Section:USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada Entre L y M, Vedado Seccion, Havanamailing address:use street addresstelephone:33-3351 or 33-3543FAX:no service available at this timenote:protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland - US Interests Section, SwissEmbassyFlag:five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating withwhite; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears awhite five-pointed star in the center