Transportation ———————
Railways: total: 789 km narrow gauge: 789 km 1.067-m gauge
Highways: total: 27,294 km (1990 est.) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km
Waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km
Ports: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota
Airports:total: 41with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4with paved runways under 914 m: 20with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 43,000 (1985 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: fair system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relaylinks, and radiotelephone communications stationsinternational: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Oceanand 1 Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 0
Radios: 1.011 million (1995)
Television broadcast stations: 0 (1987 est.)
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Branches: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police(includes paramilitary Mobile Force Unit)
Manpower availability:males age 15-49: 2,106,905males fit for military service: 1,076,788 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $10.4 million,NA% of GDP (FY94/95)
======================================================================
@Malaysia ————
Map —-
Location: 2 30 N, 112 30 E — Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Flag ——
Description: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US
Geography ————-
Location: Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates: 2 30 N, 112 30 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area:total area: 329,750 sq kmland area: 328,550 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries: total: 2,669 km border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km
Coastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia2,607 km)
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation;specified boundary in the South China Seaexclusive fishing zone: 200 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: involved in a complex dispute over theSpratly Islands with China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, andpossibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by the Philippines; Bruneimay wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides Brunei intotwo parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; two islands indispute with Indonesia
Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) andnortheast (October to February) monsoons
Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Kinabalu 4,100 m
Natural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore,natural gas, bauxite
Land use:arable land: 3%permanent crops: 10%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 63%other: 24%
Irrigated land: 3,420 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicularemissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestationnatural hazards: floodinginternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation,Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83,Tropical Timber 94, Whaling; signed, but not ratified -Desertification, Law of the Sea
Geographic note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca andsouthern South China Sea
People ———
Population: 19,962,893 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 36% (male 3,684,510; female 3,483,893)15-64 years: 60% (male 5,996,369; female 6,017,327)65 years and over: 4% (male 342,742; female 438,052) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.07% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 26.2 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.49 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.07 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 24 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.75 years male: 66.82 years female: 72.89 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.27 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian
Ethnic divisions: Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%,Indian 9%
Religions:Peninsular Malaysia: Muslim (Malays), Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu(Indians)Sabah: Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45%Sarawak: tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim20%, Christian 16%, other 5%
Languages:Peninsular Malaysia: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects,TamilSabah: English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarinand Hakka dialects predominate)Sarawak: English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 83.5%male: 89.1%female: 78.1%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia former: Malayan Union
Data code: MY
Type of government: constitutional monarchy note: Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing state, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Administrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*
Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK)
National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957)
Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963
Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Paramount Ruler TUANKU JA'AFAR ibni Al-Marhum TuankuAbdul Rahman (since 26 April 1994) and Deputy Paramount Ruler SultanTUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan HisammuddinAlam Shah (since 26 April 1994) were elected for five-year terms byand from the hereditary rulers of nine of the stateshead of government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since16 July 1981) was appointed by the paramount ruler; Deputy PrimeMinister ANWAR bin Ibrahim (since 1 December 1993)cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the paramount ruler from among themembers of Parliament
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) Senate (Dewan Negara): elected members serve six-year terms; elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (58 total, 32 appointed by the paramount ruler and 26 elected by the state legislatures) seats by party NA House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat): members elected for five-year terms; elections last held NA April 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); results - National Front 63%, other 37%; seats - (192 total) National Front 162, DAP 9, PBS 8, PAS 7, Semangat'46 6
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the paramountruler
Political parties and leaders:Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 politicalparties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNOBaru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA),LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, LIM Keng Yaik; MalaysianIndian Congress (MIC), S. Samy VELLU; Spirit of '46 (Semangat '46),Tengku Tan Sri RAZALEIGH, presidentSabah: National Front, SALLEH Said Keruak, Sabah Chief Minister,Sakaran DANDAI, head of Sabah State; United Sabah NationalOrganizaton (USNO), leader NA; Sabah United Party (Parti BersatuSabah, PBS), Datuk Seri Joseph PAIRIN KitinganSarawak: coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the PartyPesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIBMahmud; Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONGSoon Kai; Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG;Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major oppositionparties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang andPan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR
International organization participation: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C,CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol,IOC, ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM III,UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR,UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador DALI Mahmud Hashimchancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 328-2700FAX: [1] (202) 483-7661consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador John R. MALOTTembassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpurmailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur, APO AP96535-8152telephone: [60] (3) 2489011FAX: [60] (3) 2422207
Flag: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and public management, has posted a remarkable record of 9% average annual growth in 1988-95. The official growth target for 1996 is 8.3%. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and a marked rise in real wages. Manufactured goods exports expanded rapidly, and foreign investors continued to commit large sums in the economy. The government is aware of the inflationary potential of this rapid development and is closely monitoring fiscal and monetary policies.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $193.6 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 9.5% (1995)
GDP per capita: $9,800 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 25% services: 67%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.3% (1995)
Labor force: 7.627 million (1993)
Unemployment rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $20.2 billionexpenditures: $19.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.8billion (1995 est.)
Industries:Peninsular Malaysia: rubber and oil palm processing andmanufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin miningand smelting, logging and processing timberSabah: logging, petroleum productionSarawak: agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining,logging
Industrial production growth rate: 12% (1994)
Electricity:capacity: 6,700,000 kWproduction: 31 billion kWhconsumption per capita: 1,528 kWh (1993)
Agriculture:Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, riceSabah: subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconut, riceSarawak: rubber, pepper; timber
Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World despite severe penalties for drug trafficking
Exports: $72 billion (1995)commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products,palm oil, wood and wood products, rubber, textilespartners: Singapore 21%, US 20%, Japan 12%, UK 4%, Thailand 4%,Germany 3% (1994)
Imports: $72.2 billion (1995)commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, food, petroleumproductspartners: Japan 26%, US 17%, Singapore 14%, Taiwan 5%, Germany 4%,UK 3%, South Korea 3% (1993)
External debt: $27.4 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $45 million (1993)
Currency: 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen
Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.5567 (January 1996), 2.5044 (1995), 2.6243 (1994), 2.5741 (1993), 2.5474 (1992), 2.7501 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 1,806 km (Peninsular Malaysia 1,672 km; Sabah 134 km; Sarawak0 km)narrow gauge: 1,806 km 1.000-m gauge (Peninsular Malaysia 1,672 km;Sabah 134 km)
Highways:total: 92,545 kmpaved: 69,409 km (including 574 km of expressways)unpaved: 23,136 km (1992 est.)
Waterways:Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 kmSabah: 1,569 kmSarawak: 2,518 km
Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km
Ports: Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Labuan,Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Dickson, Port Kelang,Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjong Berhala, Tanjong Kidurong, Tawau
Merchant marine:total: 248 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,035,684GRT/4,494,476 DWTships by type: bulk 43, cargo 83, chemical tanker 13, container 31,liquefied gas tanker 12, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 55,roll-on/roll-off cargo 5, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 4(1995 est.)
Airports:total: 105with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 5with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 11with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 6with paved runways under 914 m: 74with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 2,550,957 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: international service good domestic: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations international: submarine cables to India, Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: 8.08 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 33
Televisions: 2 million (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal MalaysianAir Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, SarawakBorder Scouts
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 5,160,884 males fit for military service: 3,129,626 males reach military age (21) annually: 184,236 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1995)
======================================================================
@Maldives ————
Map —-
Location: 3 15 N, 73 00 E — Southern Asia, group of atolls in theIndian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Flag ——
Description: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean,south-southwest of India
Geographic coordinates: 3 15 N, 73 00 E
Map references: Asia
Area:total area: 300 sq kmland area: 300 sq kmcomparative area: nearly twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 644 km
Maritime claims:exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm as defined by geographiccoordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary withIndiaterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November toMarch); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Terrain: flat lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili 24 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:arable land: 10%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 3%forest and woodland: 3%other: 84%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens watersuppliesnatural hazards: low level of islands makes them very sensitive tosea level riseinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified -Law of the Sea
Geographic note: 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls; archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
People ———
Population: 270,758 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 47% (male 65,559; female 62,399)15-64 years: 50% (male 69,071; female 65,659)65 years and over: 3% (male 4,336; female 3,734) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.52% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 41.88 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.64 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.16 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.05 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.17 years male: 64.6 years female: 67.82 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.06 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Maldivian(s) adjective: Maldivian
Ethnic divisions: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Religions: Sunni Muslim
Languages: Maldivian Divehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derivedfrom Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 93.2%male: 93.3%female: 93%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Maldives conventional short form: Maldives
Data code: MV
Type of government: republic
Capital: Male
Administrative divisions: 19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa,Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu,Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani,Thaa, Waavu
Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Constitution: 4 June 1968
Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Maumoon AbdulGAYOOM (since 11 November 1978) was reelected for a five-year termby secret ballot of the Majlis; election last held 1 October 1993(next to be held NA 1998); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOMwas reelected with 92.76% of the votecabinet: Ministry of Atolls was appointed by the president; note -need not be members of Majilis
Legislative branch: unicameral; members elected for five-year terms or appointed by the president Citizens' Council (Majlis): elections last held 2 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected, 8 appointed by the president) independents 40
Judicial branch: High Court
Political parties and leaders: although political parties are notbanned, none exist
International organization participation: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO,G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, Intelsat(nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: Maldives does not have an embassyin the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York,headed by Ahmed ZAKI
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inMaldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldivesand makes periodic visits there
Flag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing avertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on thehoist side of the flag
Economy ———-
Economic overview: During the 1980s tourism became one of the most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1994, tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounted for about 18% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Fishing is a second leading growth sector. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. The Maldivian Government initiated an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. In 1994, industry which consisted mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts accounted for about 15% of GDP.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $390 million (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6.6% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,560 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 21.5% industry: 15.3% services: 63.2% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.5% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 66,000 (est.) by occupation: fishing industry 25%
Unemployment rate: NEGL%
Budget:revenues: $88 million (excluding foreign grants)expenditures: $141 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (1994 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 5,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 123 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fishing
Exports: $75.3 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: fish, clothing partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore, UK
Imports: $195.1 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)commodities: consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods,petroleum productspartners: Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand
External debt: $137.5 million (1994 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari
Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 11.770 (January 1996), 11.770 (1995), 11.586 (1994), 10.957 (1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: NA kmpaved: NA kmunpaved: NA km; note - Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within thecity (1988 est.)
Ports: Gan, Male
Merchant marine:total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 73,284 GRT/113,669 DWTships by type: cargo 17, container 2, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 2with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 8,523 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: minimal domestic and international facilitiesdomestic: NAinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: 28,284 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: 7,309 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force)
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 59,179 males fit for military service: 33,016 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Mali ——
Map —-
Location: 17 00 N, 4 00 W — Western Africa, southwest of Algeria
Flag ——
Description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side),yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, southwest of Algeria
Geographic coordinates: 17 00 N, 4 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 1.24 million sq kmland area: 1.22 million sq kmcomparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries:total: 7,243 kmborder countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,Senegal 419 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina Faso and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina Faso and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger
Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast lowest point: Senegal River 23 m highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m
Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited
Land use:arable land: 2%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 25%forest and woodland: 7%other: 66%
Irrigated land: 50 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification;inadequate supplies of potable water; poachingnatural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dryseasons; recurring droughtsinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone LayerProtection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban
Geographic note: landlocked
People ———
Population: 9,653,261 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 48% (male 2,310,294; female 2,308,941)15-64 years: 49% (male 2,231,244; female 2,488,276)65 years and over: 3% (male 149,370; female 165,136) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.95% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 51.38 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 19.49 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 102.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.84 years male: 45.12 years female: 48.6 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 7.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian
Ethnic divisions: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%
Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous Africanlanguages
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 31%male: 39.4%female: 23.1%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Mali conventional short form: Mali local long form: Republique de Mali local short form: Mali former: French Sudan
Data code: ML
Type of government: republic
Capital: Bamako
Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region);Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou
Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France)
National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)
Constitution: adopted 12 January 1992
Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992) waselected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election lastheld NA April 1992 (next to be held NA April 1997); Alpha KONARE waselected in runoff race against Montaga TALLhead of government: Prime Minister Ibrahima Boubacar KEITA (since NAMarch 1994) was appointed by the presidentcabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameralNational Assembly: elections last held 8 March 1992 (next to be heldNA February 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(116 total) Adema 76, CNID 9, US/RAD 8, Popular Movement for theDevelopment of the Republic of West Africa 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3,UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy (Adema),Ibrahim Baubacar KEITA; National Congress for Democratic Initiative(CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally(US/RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; Popular Movement for theDevelopment of the Republic of West Africa; Rally for Democracy andProgress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union for Democracy and Development(UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally for Democracy and Labor (RDT);Union of Democratic Forces for Progress (UFDP), Dembo DIALLO; Partyfor Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union forDemocracy and Development (UMDD); Movement for the Independence, theRenaissance and Integration of Africa (MIRIA), Mohammed Lamine TRAORE
Other political or pressure groups: United Movement and Fronts ofAzawad (MFUA); Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Kaye (MPGK)
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU,OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU,WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Cheick Oumar DIARRAH chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David RAWSON embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] 22 54 70 FAX: [223] 22 37 12
Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow,and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The economy is beginning to turn around after contracting through 1992-93, largely because of enhanced exports and import substitute production in the wake of the 50% devaluation of 12 January 1994. Post-devaluation inflation peaked at 35% in 1994, and the government appears to be keeping on track with its IMF structural adjustment program.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.4 billion (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.4% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $600 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 42.4% industry: 15.4% services: 42.2%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 2.666 million (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $376 millionexpenditures: $697 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1992 est.)
Industries: minor local consumer goods production and foodprocessing; construction; phosphate and gold mining
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 90,000 kW production: 310 million kWh consumption per capita: 33 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats
Exports: $415 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: cotton, livestock, gold partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe
Imports: $842 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, construction materials, petroleum, textiles partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe
External debt: $2.8 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992),282.11 (1991)note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 641 km; note - linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayesnarrow gauge: 641 km 1.000-m gauge (1995)
Highways: total: 15,610 km paved: 1,661 km unpaved: 13,949 km (1987 est.)
Waterways: 1,815 km navigable
Ports: Koulikoro
Airports:total: 24with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2with paved runways under 914 m: 7with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 11,000 (1982 est.)
Telephone system: domestic system poor but improving; providesonly minimal servicedomestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open wire, andradiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radiorelay in progressinternational: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 AtlanticOcean and 1 Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0
Radios: 430,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 11,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, NationalGuard, National Police (Surete Nationale)
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,925,205 males fit for military service: 1,100,599 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 2.2% of GDP (1994)
======================================================================
@Malta ——-
Map —-
Location: 35 50 N, 14 35 E — Southern Europe, islands in theMediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Flag ——
Description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, southof Sicily (Italy)
Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Map references: Europe
Area:total area: 320 sq kmland area: 320 sq kmcomparative area: less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 140 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 nmcontinental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone: 25 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration
Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, drysummers
Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastalcliffslowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 mhighest point: Dingli Cliffs 245 m
Natural resources: limestone, salt
Land use:arable land: 38%permanent crops: 3%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 59%
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989)
Environment:current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources;increasing reliance on desalinationnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, OzoneLayer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but notratified - Biodiversity, Desertification
Geographic note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors
People ———
Population: 375,576 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 22% (male 42,067; female 39,958)15-64 years: 67% (male 126,179; female 125,321)65 years and over: 11% (male 17,766; female 24,285) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.01% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 14.79 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.83 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.11 years male: 75.77 years female: 80.6 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.17 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Maltese (singular and plural)adjective: Maltese
Ethnic divisions: Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English
Religions: Roman Catholic 98%
Languages: Maltese (official), English (official)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.)total population: 84%male: 86%female: 82%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: Malta
Data code: MT
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Valletta
Administrative divisions: none (administered directly fromValletta)
Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13December 1974
Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; hasaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994)was elected for a five-year term by the House of Representativeshead of government: Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI(since 12 May 1987) was appointed by the president; Deputy PrimeMinister (since 14 May 1987) and Foreign Minister (since 1990) Dr.Guido DE MARCOcabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president on advice of theprime minister
Legislative branch: unicameralHouse of Representatives: elections last held 22 February 1992 (nextto be held by February 1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats -(usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note - additional seats are givento the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislativemajority; current total: 69 (NP 36, MLP 33 after adjustment)
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, judges are appointed by thepresident on the advice of the prime minister; Court of Appeal,judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the primeminister
Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), EdwardFENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT
International organization participation: C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE,EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS,ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarset, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer),ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, NAM, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert Borg Olivier DE PUGET chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 consulate(s): New York
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph R. PAOLINO, Jr.embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,======================================================================
@Man, Isle of ——————
(British crown dependency)
Map —-
Location: 54 15 N, 4 30 W — Western Europe, island in the IrishSea, between Great Britain and Ireland
Flag ——
Description: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used
Geography ————-
Location: Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between GreatBritain and Ireland
Geographic coordinates: 54 15 N, 4 30 W
Map references: Europe
Area:total area: 588 sq kmland area: 588 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than three times the size ofWashington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 113 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time
Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 620 m
Natural resources: lead, iron ore
Land use:arable land: NA%permanent crops: NA%meadows and pastures: NA%forest and woodland: NA%other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA
Geographic note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to thesouthwest, and is a bird sanctuary
People ———
Population: 73,837 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 18% (male 6,606; female 6,348)15-64 years: 65% (male 23,917; female 23,815)65 years and over: 17% (male 5,239; female 7,912) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.94% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 12.43 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 12.09 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 9.02 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: 0.66 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.15 years male: 73.56 years female: 80.91 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: Manx
Ethnic divisions: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton
Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist,Presbyterian, Society of Friends
Languages: English, Manx Gaelic
Literacy: NA
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man
Data code: IM
Type of government: British crown dependency
Capital: Douglas
Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)
Independence: none (British crown dependency)
National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July
Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act
Legal system: English law and local statute
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UnitedKingdom since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant GovernorHis Excellency Sir Timothy DAUNT (since NA 1995) who was appointedfor a five-year term by the queenhead of government: President of the Legislative Council Sir CharlesKERRUISH (since NA 1990); was elected by the Tynwaldcabinet: Council of Ministers
Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald Legislative Council: consists of a 10-member body composed of the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys House of Keys: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (24 total) independents 24
Judicial branch: High Court of Justice, justices are appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor
Political parties and leaders: there is no party system; members sit as independents
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)
US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)
Flag: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP. Banking now contributes about 45% to GDP. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $780 million (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $10,800 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1992 est.)
Labor force: 31,829 (1991)by occupation: manufacturing 11%, construction 11%, transport andcommunication 6%, retail distribution 9%, professional andscientific services 17%, public administration 7%, banking andfinance 8%
Unemployment rate: 1% (1992 est.)
Budget:revenues: $130.4 millionexpenditures: $114.4 million, including capital expenditures of$18.1 million (1985 est.)
Industries: financial services, light manufacturing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 61,000 kW production: 190 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,965 kWh (1992)
Agriculture: cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry