US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: the ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada; Charge d'Affaires Dennis CARTER embassy: Point Salines, Saint George's mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, W.I. telephone: [1] (809) 444-1173 through 1178 FAX: [1] (809) 444-4820
Flag: a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side) with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the seven administrative divisions
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy is essentially agricultural and centers on the traditional production of spices and tropical plants. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and 80% of exports and employs 24% of the labor force. Tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner, followed by agricultural exports. Manufacturing remains relatively undeveloped, but is growing due to a favorable private investment climate since 1983. The economy achieved an impressive average annual growth rate of 5.5% in 1986-91 but has slowed since 1992. The new MITCHELL government has moved forward with a plan to eliminate personal income tax in the hope of spurring domestic consumption.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $284 million (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 3% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $3,000 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10.2% industry: 40.3% services: 49.5% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 36,000by occupation: services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%,manufacturing 5%, other 32% (1985)
Unemployment rate: 14% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $75.7 million (1996 est.)expenditures: $126.7 million, including capital expenditures of $51million (1996 est.)
Industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assemblyoperations, tourism, construction
Industrial production growth rate: 1.8% (1992 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 12,500 kW production: 60 million kWh consumption per capita: 639 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables
Illicit drugs: produces and exports marijuana for US markets
Exports: $24.2 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing,macepartners: Caricom 32.3%, UK 20%, US 13%, Netherlands 8.8% (1991)
Imports: $162.2 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%,chemicals 10%, fuel 6% (1989)partners: US 31.2%, Caricom 23.6%, UK 13.8%, Japan 7.1% (1991)
External debt: $89.1 million (1995 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 994 km paved: 597 km unpaved: 397 km (1988 est.)
Ports: Grenville, Saint George's
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 3with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 5,650 (1988 est.)
Telephone system: automatic, islandwide telephone system domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links international: new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 80,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (1988 est.)
Televisions: 30,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Guadeloupe —————
(overseas department of France)
Map —-
Location: 16 15 N, 61 35 W — Caribbean, islands in the easternCaribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Flag ——
Description: three horizontal bands, a narrow green band (top), a wide red band, and a narrow green band; the green bands are separated from the red band by two narrow white stripes; a five-pointed gold star is centered in the red band toward the hoist side; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea,southeast of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates: 16 15 N, 61 35 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 1,780 sq kmland area: 1,706 sq kmcomparative area: 10 times the size of Washington, DCnote: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands, ofwhich Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, and Marie-Galante are the threelargest
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 306 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity
Terrain: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grand-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,467 m
Natural resources: cultivable land, beaches and climate thatfoster tourism
Land use:arable land: 18%permanent crops: 5%meadows and pastures: 13%forest and woodland: 40%other: 24%
Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is anactive volcanointernational agreements: NA
People ———
Population: 407,768 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 26% (male 53,118; female 51,219)15-64 years: 66% (male 132,846; female 136,147)65 years and over: 8% (male 14,617; female 19,821) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.2% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 17.78 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.59 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.4 years male: 74.37 years female: 80.58 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.92 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Guadeloupian(s) adjective: Guadeloupe
Ethnic divisions: black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian,Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%,Protestant sects 1%
Languages: French (official) 99%, Creole patois
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982 est.)total population: 90%male: 90%female: 90%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Department of Guadeloupeconventional short form: Guadeloupelocal long form: Departement de la Guadeloupelocal short form: Guadeloupe
Data code: GP
Type of government: overseas department of France
Capital: Basse-Terre
Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)
Independence: none (overseas department of France)
National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)
Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Legal system: French legal system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President (of France) Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May1995), represented by Prefect Michel DIEFENBACHER (since NA March1995), who was appointed by the French Ministry of Interiorhead of government: President of the General Council DominiqueLARIFLA (since NA); President of the Regional Council LucetteMICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)
Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and unicameralRegional CouncilGeneral Council: elections last held 22 March 1992 (next to be heldby NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (43total) FRUI.G 13, RPR/DUD 13, PPDG 8, FGPS 3, PCG 3, UPLG 1, PSG 1,independent 1Regional Council: elections last held 31 January 1994 (next to beheld by 16 March 1998); results - RPR/FGPS-dissadents 48.30%, FGPS17.09%, FRUI.G 7.44%, PPDG 8.90%, UPLG 7.75% PCG 6.05%; seats - (41total) RPR/FGPS-dissadents 22, FGPS/FRUI.G 9, PPDG 5, PCG 3, UPLG 2French Senate: elections last held in September 1995 (next to beheld NA September 2004); Guadeloupe elects two representatives;results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PPDG 1,FGPS 1French National Assembly: elections last held on 21 and 28 March1993 (next to be held NA March 1998); Guadeloupe elects fourrepresentatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4total) FGPS 1, RPR 1, PPDG 1, independent 1
Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) with jurisdictionover Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique
Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR),Daniel BEAUBRUN; Communist Party of Guadeloupe (PCG), ChristianMedard CELESTE; Socialist Party (FGPS), Georges LOUISOR; PopularUnion for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG), Claude MAKOUKE; FGPSDissidents (FRUI.G), Dominique LARIFLA; Union for French Democracy(UDF), Marcel ESDRAS; Progressive Democratic Party (PPDG), HenriBANGOU
Other political or pressure groups: Movement for IndependentGuadeloupe (MPGI); General Union of Guadeloupe Workers (UGTG);General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers (CGT-G); Christian Movementfor the Liberation of Guadeloupe (KLPG)
International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU
Diplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department ofFrance)
US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France)
Flag: three horizontal bands, a narrow green band (top), a wide red band, and a narrow green band; the green bands are separated from the red band by two narrow white stripes; a five-pointed gold star is centered in the red band toward the hoist side; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists from the US. In addition, an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditionally important sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, which comes mainly from France. Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production. Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.7 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $9,200 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 9% services: 85% (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1990)
Labor force: 129,700 by occupation: agriculture 15%, industry 20%, services 65% (1993)
Unemployment rate: 31.3% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $395 millionexpenditures: $407 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995)
Industries: construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 320,000 kW production: 650 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,421 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats
Exports: $130 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: bananas, sugar, rum partners: France 70%, Martinique 17% (1991)
Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: foodstuffs, fuels, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods, construction materials partners: France 60%, EC, US, Japan (1991)
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: substantial annual French subsidies
Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.0056 (January 1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: NA km; privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation lines
Highways:total: 2,082 km (national 329 km, regional 582 km, community/local1171 km)paved: 1,742 kmunpaved: 340 km (1985 est.)
Ports: Basse-Terre, Gustavia, Marigot, Pointe-a-Pitre
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 9with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2with paved runways under 914 m: 6 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 64,916 (1984 est.)
Telephone system: domestic facilities inadequatedomestic: NAinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (AtlanticOcean); microwave radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, andMartinique
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 8 (private stations licensed tobroadcast FM 30), shortwave 0
Radios: 100,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 9
Televisions: 150,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France
======================================================================
@Guam ——
(territory of the US)
Map —-
Location: 13 28 N, 144 47 E — Oceania, island in the NorthPacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to thePhilippines
Flag ——
Description: territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, aboutthree-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 47 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 541.3 sq kmland area: 541.3 sq kmcomparative area: three times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 125.5 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center, mountains in south lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m
Natural resources: fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism(especially from Japan)
Land use:arable land: 11%permanent crops: 11%meadows and pastures: 15%forest and woodland: 18%other: 45%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: frequent squalls during rainy season; relativelyrare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (especially inAugust)international agreements: NA
Geographic note: largest and southernmost island in the MarianaIslands archipelago; strategic location in western North PacificOcean
People ———
Population: 156,974 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 2.34% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 24.24 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 3.86 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: NA male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: NA male(s)/female15-64 years: NA male(s)/female65 years and over: NA male(s)/femaleall ages: NA male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate: 15.17 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.29 years male: 72.42 years female: 76.13 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Guamanian(s) adjective: Guamanian
Ethnic divisions: Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, white 10%, Chinese,Japanese, Korean, and other 18%
Religions: Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%
Languages: English, Chamorro, Japanese
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population: 99%male: 99%female: 99%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Territory of Guam conventional short form: Guam
Data code: GQ
Type of government: organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Capital: Agana
Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US)
Independence: none (territory of the US)
National holiday: Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March) (1521); Liberation Day, 21 July
Constitution: Organic Act of 1 August 1950
Legal system: modeled on US; federal laws apply
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not votein US presidential elections
Executive branch:chief of state: President (of the United States) William JeffersonCLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr.(since 20 January 1993)head of government: Governor Carl GUTIERREZ (since 8 November 1994)and Lieutenant Governor Madeleine BORDALLO (since 8 November 1994)were elected for a four-year term by popular vote; election lastheld 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1998); results -Carl GUTIERREZ (Democrat) defeated Tommy TANAKA (Republican) with54.6% of the votecabinet: executive departments; heads appointed by the governor withthe consent of the Guam legislature
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislature: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) Democrats 14, Republican 7 US House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); Guam elects one delegate; results - Robert UNDERWOOD was reelected as delegate; seats - (1 total) Democrat 1
Judicial branch: Federal District Court, judge is appointed by the president; Territorial Superior Court, judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor
Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (controls thelegislature); Republican Party (party of the Governor)
International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), IOC,SPC
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of the US)
US diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US)
Flag: territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy depends mainly on US military spending and on revenues from tourism. Over the past 20 years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. Visitors numbered about 900,000 in 1992. The slowdown in Japanese economic growth has been reflected in less vigorous growth in the tourism sector. About 60% of the labor force works for the private sector and the rest for government. Most food and industrial goods are imported, with about 75% from the US. Guam faces the problem of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of military downsizing.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $2 billion (1991 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $14,000 (1991 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1992 est.)
Labor force: 46,930 (1990) by occupation: federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%, services 15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990)
Unemployment rate: 2% (1992 est.)
Budget:revenues: $525 millionexpenditures: $395 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1991)
Industries: US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 300,000 kW production: 750 million kWh consumption per capita: 4,797 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef
Exports: $34 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products partners: US 25%, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12%
Imports: $493 million (c.i.f., 1984)commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufacturedgoodspartners: US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58%
External debt: $NA
Economic aid:recipient: although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receivelarge transfer payments from the general revenues of the US FederalTreasury into which Guamanians pay no income or excise taxes; underthe provisions of a special law of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury,rather than the US Treasury, receives federal income taxes paid bymilitary and civilian Federal employees stationed in Guam
Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: US currency is used
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: 674 km (all-weather roads)paved: NA kmunpaved: NA km
Ports: Apra Harbor
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 4with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 26,317 (1989 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: NAinternational: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (PacificOcean); submarine cables to US and Japan
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 3
Televisions: 75,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US
======================================================================
@Guatemala ————-
Map —-
Location: 15 30 N, 90 15 W — Middle America, bordering theCaribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize and bordering the NorthPacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico
Flag ——
Description: three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath
Geography ————-
Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, betweenHonduras and Belize and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, betweenEl Salvador and Mexico
Geographic coordinates: 15 30 N, 90 15 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 108,890 sq kmland area: 108,430 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Tennessee
Land boundaries:total: 1,687 kmborder countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256km, Mexico 962 km
Coastline: 400 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: border with Belize in dispute; talks toresolve the dispute are stalled
Climate: tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m
Natural resources: petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle
Land use:arable land: 12%permanent crops: 4%meadows and pastures: 12%forest and woodland: 40%other: 32%
Irrigated land: 780 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollutionnatural hazards: numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequentviolent earthquakes; Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and othertropical stormsinternational agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea
Geographic note: no natural harbors on west coast
People ———
Population: 11,277,614 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 43% (male 2,464,498; female 2,362,457)15-64 years: 54% (male 3,026,834; female 3,031,278)65 years and over: 3% (male 184,927; female 207,620) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.48% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 33.96 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 7.15 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 50.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.24 years male: 62.64 years female: 67.97 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Guatemalan(s)adjective: Guatemalan
Ethnic divisions: Mestizo - mixed Amerindian-Spanish ancestry (inlocal Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Amerindian or predominantlyAmerindian 44%
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan
Languages: Spanish 60%, Indian language 40% (23 Indian dialects,including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 55.6%male: 62.5%female: 48.6%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Guatemalaconventional short form: Guatemalalocal long form: Republica de Guatemalalocal short form: Guatemala
Data code: GT
Type of government: republic
Capital: Guatemala
Administrative divisions: 22 departments (departamentos, singular- departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango,Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango,Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu,Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez,Totonicapan, Zacapa
Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Constitution: 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986 note: suspended 25 May 1993 by President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president
Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Alvaro Enrique ARZUIrigoyen (since 14 January 1996); Vice President Luis Alberto FLORESAsturias (since 14 January 1996); results - Alvaro Enrique ARZUIrigoyen (PAN) 51.2%, Jorge PORTILLO Cabrera (FRG) 48.8%; ARZU waselected for a four-year term by universal suffrage; election runoffheld on 14 January 1996 (next to be held November 2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers was named by the president
Legislative branch: unicameralCongress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica): elections wereheld on 12 November 1995 to select 80 new congressmen (next electionwill be held in November 2000); results - seats (80 total) PAN 43,FRG 21, FDNG 6, DCG 4, UCN 3, UD 2, MLN 1note: on 11 November 1993 the congress approved a procedure thatreduced its number from 116 seats to 80; the procedure provided fora special election in mid-1994 to elect an interim congress of 80members to serve until replaced in the November 1995 generalelection; the plan was approved in a general referendum in January1994 and the special election was held on 14 August 1994
Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema deJusticia); additionally the Court of Constitutionality is presidedover by the President of the Supreme Court, judges are elected for afive-year term by Congress
Political parties and leaders: National Centrist Union (UCN),(vacant); Solidarity Action Movement (MAS), Oliverio GARCIA Rodas;Christian Democratic Party (DCG), Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo; NationalAdvancement Party (PAN), Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen; National LiberationMovement (MLN), Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon; Social Democratic Party(PSD), Mario SOLORZANO Martinez; Revolutionary Party (PR), CarlosCHAVARRIA Perez; Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG), Efrain RIOSMontt; Democratic Union (UD), Jose CHEA Urruela; New GuatemalanDemocratic Front (FDNG), Jorge GONZALEZ del Valle
Other political or pressure groups: Coordinating Committee ofAgricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations(CACIF); Mutual Support Group (GAM); Agrarian Owners Group (UNAGRO);Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC); leftist guerrilla movementknown as Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union (URNG) has fourmain factions - Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP); RevolutionaryOrganization of the People in Arms (ORPA); Rebel Armed Forces (FAR);Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT/O)
International organization participation: BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC,FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES,LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNMIH, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pedro LAMPORT Kelsall chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952 through 4954 FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marilyn McAFEE embassy: 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City mailing address: APO AA 34024 telephone: [502] (2) 311541 FAX: [502] (2) 318885
Flag: three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles and a pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, which accounts for 25% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and supplies two-thirds of exports. Manufacturing, predominantly in private hands, accounts for about 20% of GDP and 12% of the labor force. In both 1990 and 1991, the economy grew by 3%, the fourth and fifth consecutive years of mild growth. In 1992 growth picked up to almost 5% as government policies favoring competition and foreign trade and investment took stronger hold. In 1993-94, despite political unrest, this momentum continued, foreign investment held up, and annual growth averaged 4%. Strong international prices for Guatemala's traditional commodity exports featured 4.9% growth in 1995. Given the markedly uneven distribution of land and income, the government faces major obstacles in its program of economic modernization and the reduction of poverty.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $36.7 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 4.9% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $3,300 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 25% industry: 20% services: 55%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 3.2 million (1994 est.) by occupation: agriculture 60%, services 13%, manufacturing 12%, commerce 7%, construction 4%, transport 3%, utilities 0.7%, mining 0.3% (1985)
Unemployment rate: 4.9%; underemployment 30%-40% (1994 est.)
Budget:revenues: $1.6 billionexpenditures: $1.88 billion, including capital expenditures of $570million (1996 est.)
Industries: sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals,petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 700,000 kW production: 2.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 211 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens
Illicit drugs: transit country for cocaine shipments; illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; the government has an active eradication program for cannabis and opium poppy
Exports: $2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: coffee, sugar, bananas, cardamom, beef partners: US 30%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, Honduras
Imports: $2.85 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motor vehicles partners: US 44%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Germany
External debt: $3.1 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $84 million (1993)
Currency: 1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos
Exchange rates: free market quetzales (Q) per US$1 - 5.9346 (December 1995), 5.8103 (1995), 5.7512 (1994), 5,6354 (1993), 5.1706 (1992), 5.0289 (1991); note - black-market rate 2.800 (May 1989)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 884 km (102 km privately owned)narrow gauge: 884 km 0.914-m gauge (single track)
Highways:total: 12,033 kmpaved: 3,117 km (including 125 km of expressways)unpaved: 8,916 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: 260 km navigable year round; additional 730 kmnavigable during high-water season
Pipelines: crude oil 275 km
Ports: Champerico, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, San Jose, SantoTomas de Castilla
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 463with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5with paved runways under 914 m: 320with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 9with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 124 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 210,000 (1993 est.)
Telephone system: fairly modern network centered in the city of ======================================================================
@Guernsey ————
(British crown dependency)
Map —-
Location: 49 28 N, 2 35 W — Western Europe, islands in theEnglish Channel, northwest of France
Flag ——
Description: white with the red cross of Saint George (patronsaint of England) extending to the edges of the flag
Geography ————-
Location: Western Europe, islands in the English Channel,northwest of France
Geographic coordinates: 49 28 N, 2 35 W
Map references: Europe
Area:total area: 194 sq kmland area: 194 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DCnote: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some othersmaller islands
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 50 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 3 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast
Terrain: mostly level with low hills in southwest lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m
Natural resources: cropland
Land use:arable land: NA%permanent crops: NA%meadows and pastures: NA%forest and woodland: NA%other: NA%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA
Geographic note: large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port
People ———
Population: 62,920 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 18% (male 5,592; female 5,439)15-64 years: 67% (male 20,636; female 21,472)65 years and over: 15% (male 3,925; female 5,856) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.28% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 13.06 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 9.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 9.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.04 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.92 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.22 years male: 75.28 years female: 81.27 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.56 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander
Ethnic divisions: UK and Norman-French descent
Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist,Congregational, Methodist
Languages: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken incountry districts
Literacy: NA
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey conventional short form: Guernsey
Data code: GK
Type of government: British crown dependency
Capital: Saint Peter Port
Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)
Independence: none (British crown dependency)
National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)
Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law andpractice
Legal system: English law and local statute; justice isadministered by the Royal Court
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6February 1952) is a hereditary monarchhead of government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in ChiefVice-Admiral Sir John COWARD (since NA 1994) and Bailiff Mr. GrahamMartyn DOREY (since February 1992) were appointed by the queencabinet: Advisory and Finance Committee (other committees);appointed by the Assembly of the States
Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the States: elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party since all are independents; seats - (60 total, 33 elected), all independents
Judicial branch: Royal Court
Political parties and leaders: none; all independents
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)
US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)
Flag: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint ofEngland) extending to the edges of the flag
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Financial services account for about 55% of total income. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Bank profits (1992) registered a record 26% growth. Fund management and insurance are the two other major income generators.
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $NA
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1988)
Labor force: NA
Unemployment rate: 3%-4% (1994 est.)
Budget:revenues: $238.3 millionexpenditures: $223.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1993 est.)
Industries: tourism, banking
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 173,000 kW production: 525 million kWh consumption per capita: 9,060 kWh (1992)
Agriculture: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers,eggplant, other vegetables, fruit; Guernsey cattle
Exports: $NAcommodities: tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant,other vegetablespartners: UK (regarded as internal trade)
Imports: $NAcommodities: coal, gasoline, and oilpartners: UK (regarded as internal trade)
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: none
Currency: 1 Guernsey (LG) pound = 100 pence
Exchange rates: Guernsey pounds (LG) per US$1 - 0.6535 (January 1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991); note - the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km
Ports: Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 2with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 41,850 (1983 est.)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: 1 submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
======================================================================
@Guinea ———
Map —-
Location: 11 00 N, 10 00 W — Western Africa, bordering the NorthAtlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone
Flag ——
Description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone
Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 10 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 245,860 sq kmland area: 245,860 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries:total: 3,399 kmborder countries: Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Cote d'Ivoire 610 km,Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km
Coastline: 320 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season(June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December toMay) with northeasterly harmattan winds
Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainousinteriorlowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 mhighest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m
Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium,hydropower, fish
Land use:arable land: 6%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 12%forest and woodland: 42%other: 40%
Irrigated land: 240 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water;desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishingnatural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reducevisibility during dry seasoninternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection,Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, HazardousWastes
People ———
Population: 7,411,981 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 44% (male 1,632,414; female 1,637,007)15-64 years: 53% (male 1,928,586; female 2,013,343)65 years and over: 3% (male 84,005; female 116,626) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.85% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 42.59 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 18.71 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -5.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) note: in prior years Guinea received several hundred thousand refugees from the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, many of whom are now returning to their own countries
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 134.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.06 years male: 42.73 years female: 47.47 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.72 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Guinean(s) adjective: Guinean
Ethnic divisions: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller tribes 10%
Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%
Languages: French (official), each tribe has its own language
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 35.9%male: 49.9%female: 21.9%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea conventional short form: Guinea local long form: Republique de Guinee local short form: Guinee former: French Guinea
Data code: GV
Type of government: republic
Capital: Conakry
Administrative divisions: 33 administrative regions (regionsadministratives, singular - region administrative); Beyla, Boffa,Boke, Conakry, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Faranah,Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia,Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele,Tougue, Yomou