Exports: $NAcommodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lambpartners: UK
Imports: $NAcommodities: timber, fertilizers, fishpartners: UK
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Manx pound (LM) = 100 pence
Exchange rates: Manx pounds (LM) per US$1 - 0.6537 (January 1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 52 km (27 km electrified)
Highways: total: 640 km paved: 320 km unpaved: 320 km
Ports: Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey
Merchant marine:total: 83 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,099,888 GRT/3,569,632DWTships by type: bulk 13, cargo 10, chemical tanker 4, container 12,liquefied gas tanker 8, oil tanker 18, passenger 2, roll-on/roll-offcargo 13, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 2note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 10 ships, Switzerland2, South Africa 2, Denmark 1, and Netherlands 1 (1995 est.)
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 41,000 (1995)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 4
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
======================================================================
@Marshall Islands ————————
Map —-
Location: 9 00 N, 168 00 E — Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Papua New Guinea
Flag ——
Description: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North PacificOcean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Papua New Guinea
Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 168 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 181.3 sq kmland area: 181.3 sq kmcomparative area: about the size of Washington, DCnote: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, and Kwajalein
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 370.4 km
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claims US territory of Wake Island
Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt
Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m
Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deepseabed minerals
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 60%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 40%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: inadequate supplies of potable waternatural hazards: occasional typhoonsinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
Geographic note: two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands; Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range
People ———
Population: 58,363 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 51% (male 15,043; female 14,435)15-64 years: 47% (male 14,084; female 13,399)65 years and over: 2% (male 657; female 745) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.85% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 45.75 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 7.28 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: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.04 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 46.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.81 years male: 62.25 years female: 65.45 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.83 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)adjective: Marshallese
Ethnic divisions: Micronesian
Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant)
Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population: 93%male: 100%female: 88%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islandsconventional short form: Marshall Islandsformer: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the PacificIslands)
Data code: RM
Type of government: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986
Capital: Majuro
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UNtrusteeship)
National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the MarshallIslands, 1 May (1979)
Constitution: 1 May 1979
Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Amata KABUA (sinceNA 1979) was elected for a four-year term by the Nitijela from amongits own members; election last held 20 November 1995 (next to beheld NA 1999); results - President Amata KABUA was reelectedcabinet: Cabinet; president selects from among the members ofParliament
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Nitijela): elections last held 20 November 1995 (next to be held NA November 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) seats by party NA
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; High Court
Political parties and leaders:government: Our Islands Party, President Amata KABUAopposition: Ralik/Ratak Democratic Party (RRDP), Ramsey REIMERS
International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol,Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Los Angeles
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joan PLAISTED embassy: Oceanside, Long Island, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379; Majuro, 20521-4380 (pouch) telephone: [692] 247-4011 FAX: [692] 247-4012
Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. The government is drafting economic reforms designed to increase revenue and compensate for reductions in US Government grants - in 1994, the US Government provided grants of $50 million, equal to 55% of the Marshall Islands' GDP. About 25% of the government's 1995/96 budget is devoted to debt repayment.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $94 million (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 1.5% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,680 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 4,800 (1986) by occupation: NA
Unemployment rate: 16% (1991 est.)
Budget:revenues: $67.2 millionexpenditures: $79.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY94/95 est.)
Industries: copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood,and pearls, offshore banking (embryonic)
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 42,000 kW production: 80 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,840 kWh (1990)
Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens
Exports: $21.3 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: coconut oil, fish, live animals, trochus shells partners: US, Japan, Australia
Imports: $69.9 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.)commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, beverages andtobacco, fuelspartners: US, Japan, Australia
External debt: $170 million (1994)
Economic aid:recipient: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, theUS is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually
Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: US currency is used
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: NA kmpaved: NA kmunpaved: NA kmnote: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwisestone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks
Ports: Majuro
Merchant marine:total: 78 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,068,782 GRT/5,073,125DWTships by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 4, combination ore/oil 1,container 17, oil tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1(1995 est.)
Airports:total: 16with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 5with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 7 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 800 (1988 est.)
Telephone system: telex services domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Branches: no regular military forces (a coast guard may beestablished); Police Force
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US
======================================================================
@Martinique —————
(overseas department of France)
Map —-
Location: 14 40 N, 61 00 W — Caribbean, island in the CaribbeanSea, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Flag ——
Description: a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north ofTrinidad and Tobago
Geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 1,100 sq kmland area: 1,060 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than six times the size ofWashington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 350 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June toOctober); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) everyeight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid
Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcanolowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 mhighest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m
Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land
Land use:arable land: 10%permanent crops: 8%meadows and pastures: 30%forest and woodland: 26%other: 26%
Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (anaverage of one major natural disaster every five years)international agreements: NA
People ———
Population: 399,151 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 23% (male 46,851; female 45,300)15-64 years: 67% (male 132,161; female 135,707)65 years and over: 10% (male 16,542; female 22,590) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.1% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 16.92 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.85 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.1 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: 0.97 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.81 years male: 76.07 years female: 81.68 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural)adjective: Martiniquais
Ethnic divisions: African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%,white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%
Languages: French, Creole patois
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982 est.)total population: 93%male: 92%female: 93%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Department of Martiniqueconventional short form: Martiniquelocal long form: Departement de la Martiniquelocal short form: Martinique
Data code: MB
Type of government: overseas department of France
Capital: Fort-de-France
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); Prefect Jean-Francois CORDET (since NA) was appointed by theFrench Ministry of the Interiorhead of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council EmileCAPGRAS (since 22 March 1992);
Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and a unicameralRegional AssemblyGeneral Council: elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be heldNA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total)number of seats by party NA; note - the PPM won a pluralityRegional Assembly: elections last held on 22 March 1992 (next to beheld by March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(41 total) RPR-UDF 16, MIM 9, PPM 9, PCM 5, independents 2French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1989 (next to beheld September 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1French National Assembly: elections last held 21 March 1993 (next tobe held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats- (4 total) RPR 2, UDF 1, PPM 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), AlexURSULET; Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP); MartiniqueProgressive Party (PPM), Aime CESAIRE; Socialist Federation ofMartinique (FSM), Jean CRUSOL; Martinique Communist Party (PCM),George ERICHOT; Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for French Democracy(UDF), Miguel LAVENTURE; Martinique Independence Movement (MIM),Alfred MARIE-JEANNE; Republican Party (PR), Jean BAILLY
Other political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Parti Martiniquais Socialiste (PMS); Association for the Protection of Martinique's Heritage (ecologist)
International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU
Diplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department ofFrance)
US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France)
Flag: a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. Banana workers launched protests late in 1992 because of falling banana prices and fears of greater competition in the European market from other producers.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.95 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $10,000 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 11% services: 83% (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1990)
Labor force: 121,600 by occupation: agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1992)
Unemployment rate: 32.1% (1990)
Budget:revenues: $657 millionexpenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1992 est.)
Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 113,100 kW production: 761 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,677 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables,sugarcane for rum
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana boundfor the US and Europe
Exports: $218 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 57%, Guadeloupe 31%, French Guiana (1991)
Imports: $1.76 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 62%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1991)
External debt: $180 million (1994)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: French aid $600 million (1989-93); EU aid $137 million
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: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,690 km paved: 1,300 km unpaved: 390 km
Ports: Fort-de-France, La Trinite
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 2with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 159,000 (1990 est.)
Telephone system: domestic facilities are adequatedomestic: NAinternational: microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, andSaint Lucia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0
Radios: 74,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 10
Televisions: 65,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France
======================================================================
@Mauritania —————
Map —-
Location: 20 00 N, 12 00 W — Northern Africa, bordering the NorthAtlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Flag ——
Description: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
Geography ————-
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,between Senegal and Western Sahara
Geographic coordinates: 20 00 N, 12 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 1,030,700 sq kmland area: 1,030,400 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of NewMexico
Land boundaries:total: 5,074 kmborder countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,Western Sahara 1,561 km
Coastline: 754 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 nmcontinental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental marginexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: boundary with Senegal in dispute
Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some centralhillslowest point: Sebkha de Ndrhamcha -3 mhighest point: Kediet Ijill 910 m
Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate
Land use:arable land: 1%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 38%forest and woodland: 5%other: 56%
Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosionaggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; verylimited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which isthe only perennial rivernatural hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blowsprimarily in March and April; periodic droughtsinternational agreements: party to - Climate Change, Nuclear TestBan, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea
Geographic note: most of the population concentrated along theSenegal River in the southern part of the country
People ———
Population: 2,336,048 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 48% (male 568,828; female 562,342)15-64 years: 49% (male 560,540; female 592,914)65 years and over: 3% (male 21,753; female 29,671) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.17% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 46.92 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 15.24 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.04 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 81.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.01 years male: 46.09 years female: 52.06 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.84 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian
Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%
Religions: Muslim 100%
Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof(official)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 37.7%male: 49.6%female: 26.3%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritaniaconventional short form: Mauritanialocal long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyahlocal short form: Muritaniyah
Data code: MR
Type of government: republic
Capital: Nouakchott
Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza note: there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott
Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Constitution: 12 July 1991
Legal system: three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, and state security courts (in the process of being eliminated)
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA (since 12December 1984) was reelected for a six-year term by universalsuffrage; election last held 17 January 1992 (next to be held NAJanuary 1998); results - President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYAwas reelectedhead of government: Prime Minister Cheikh El Afia Ould MohamedKHOUNA (since NA January 1996) was appointed by the presidentcabinet: Council of Ministers
Legislative branch: bicameral legislatureSenate (Majlis al-Shuyukh): elections last held 15 April 1994 (nextto be held 12 April 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA;seats (56 total, with 17 up for election every two years) PRDS 16,UFD/NE 1National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani): elections last held 6 and 13March 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (79 total) UFD/NE 67, PMR 1, RDU 1,independents 10
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces-New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADI
Other political or pressure groups: Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM)
International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT (associate),ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77,IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ismail Ould IYAHI chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Dorothy Myers SAMPAS embassy: address NA, Nouakchott mailing address: B. P. 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] (2) 526-60, 526-63 FAX: [222] (2) 515-92
Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
Economy ———-
Economic overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, drought and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. Short-term growth prospects are gloomy because of the heavy debt service burden, rapid population growth, and vulnerability to climatic conditions.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.8 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 4% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,200 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 27.1% industry: 29.5% services: 43.4% (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10%
Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.)
Budget:revenues: $254 millionexpenditures: $280 million, including capital expenditures of $94million (1994 est.)
Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 110,000 kW production: 135 million kWh consumption per capita: 61 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; cattle, sheep; fish products
Exports: $390 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: iron ore, fish and fish products partners: Japan 27%, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg
Imports: $355 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.)commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capitalgoodspartners: Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%, France, Germany, Spain, Italy
External debt: $1.9 billion (1992 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums
Exchange rates: ouguiyas (UM) per US$1 - 135.690 (January 1996), 129.768 (1995), 123.575 (1994), 120.806 (1993), 87.027 (1992), 81.946 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 704 km (single track); note - owned and operated bygovernment mining companystandard gauge: 704 km 1.435-m gauge (1995)
Highways:total: 7,496 kmpaved: 1,342 kmunpaved: 6,154 km (1987 est.)
Waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River
Ports: Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 24with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 2with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 9 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 17,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations (improvements being made) domestic: mostly cable and open-wire lines international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 2 Arabsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 300,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 50,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, NationalGuard, National Police, Presidential Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 500,754 males fit for military service: 244,546 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $33 million, 2.5% of GDP (1995)
======================================================================
@Mauritius ————-
Map —-
Location: 20 17 S, 57 33 E — Southern Africa, island in theIndian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Flag ——
Description: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue,yellow, and green
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east ofMadagascar
Geographic coordinates: 20 17 S, 57 33 E
Map references: World
Area:total area: 1,860 sq kmland area: 1,850 sq kmcomparative area: almost 11 times the size of Washington, DCnote: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (SaintBrandon), and Rodrigues
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 177 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental marginexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claims the island of Diego Garcia inUK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claimsFrench-administered Tromelin Island
Climate: tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, drywinter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)
Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire 828 m
Natural resources: arable land, fish
Land use:arable land: 54%permanent crops: 4%meadows and pastures: 4%forest and woodland: 31%other: 7%
Irrigated land: 170 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: water pollutionnatural hazards: cyclones (November to April); almost completelysurrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazardsinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, OzoneLayer Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification
People ———
Population: 1,140,256 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 27% (male 157,174; female 152,980)15-64 years: 67% (male 379,840; female 383,295)65 years and over: 6% (male 27,429; female 39,538) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.23% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 18.97 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.67 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 17.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.53 years male: 66.72 years female: 74.33 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Mauritian(s) adjective: Mauritian
Ethnic divisions: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%
Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%,Protestant 2.3%), Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1%
Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka,Bojpoori
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 82.9%male: 87.1%female: 78.8%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius conventional short form: Mauritius
Data code: MP
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Port Louis
Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; AgalegaIslands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka,Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart,Rodrigues*, Savanne
Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968)
Constitution: 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992
Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements ofEnglish common law in certain areas
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992) and VicePresident Rabindranath GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992) were electedfor five-year terms by the National Assemblyhead of government: Prime Minister Navin RAMGOOLAM (since 27December 1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Paul BERENGER (since 27December 1995) were appointed by the president and are responsibleto the National Assemblycabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president onrecommendation of the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 20 December 1995 (next to be held by December 2000); results - MMM/MLP 65%, MSM/RMM 20%, other 15%; seats - (66 total; 62 elected, 4 appointed) MLP 35, MMM 25, allies of MLP and MMM on Rodrigues Island 2; appointed were Rodrigues Movement 2, Gaetan Duval Party 1, Hizballah 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders:government coalition: MLP/MMM alliance - Mauritian Labor Party(MLP), Navin RAMGOOLAM; Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), PaulBERENGERopposition: Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), LouisSerge CLAIR; Rodrigues Movement, Nicolas VONMALLY; Gaetan DuvalParty, Gaetan DUVAL; Hizbullah, Imam Mustapha BEEHARRY; MilitantSocialist Movement (MSM); Mauritian Militant Resurgence (MMR)
Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC,ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Anund Priyay NEEWOORchancery: Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie M. ALEXANDER embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [230] 208-2347, 208-2354, 208-9763 through 9767 FAX: [230] 208-9534
Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, andgreen
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low income, agriculturally based economy to middle income diversified economy with growing industrial and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on industrialization (with a view to modernization and to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in 1991-93 continued strong with solid real growth and low unemployment.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $10.9 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.7% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $9,600 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (1993 est.)
Labor force: 335,000by occupation: government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%,manufacturing 22%, other 22%
Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.)
Budget:revenues: $653 millionexpenditures: $567 million, including capital expenditures of $143million (FY92/93 est.)
Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: 5.8% (1992)
Electricity: capacity: 340,000 kW production: 920 million kWh consumption per capita: 777 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: sugarcane, tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses;cattle, goats; fish
Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the internationaldrug trade; heroin consumption and transshipment are growing problems
Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EU and US have preferential treatment, EU 77%, US 15%
Imports: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EU, US, South Africa, Japan
External debt: $996.8 million (1993 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 17.842 (January 1996), 17.386 (1995), 17.960 (1994), 17.648 (1993), 15.563 (1992), 15.652 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: 1,831 kmpaved: 1,703 km (including 29 km of expressways)unpaved: 128 km (1991 est.)
Ports: Port Louis
Merchant marine:total: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 221,446 GRT/308,478 DWTships by type: bulk 1, cargo 9, container 4, liquefied gas tanker 1,oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 4with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 65,000 (1985 est.)
Telephone system: small system with good service domestic: primarily microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several countries
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 395,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 4 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 151,096 (1991 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: National Police Force (includes the paramilitary SpecialMobile Force or SMF, Special Support Units or SSU, and NationalCoast Guard)
Manpower availability:males age 15-49: 327,403males fit for military service: 166,466 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $11.2 million,0.4% of GDP (FY92/93)
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@Mayotte ———-
(territorial collectivity of France)
Map —-
Location: 12 50 S, 45 10 E — Southern Africa, island in theMozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northernMadagascar to northern Mozambique
Flag ——
Description: the flag of France is used
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, aboutone-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 12 50 S, 45 10 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 375 sq kmland area: 375 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 185.2 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claimed by Comoros
Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season duringnortheastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May toNovember)
Terrain: generally undulating, with deep ravines and ancientvolcanic peakslowest point: Indian Ocean 0 mhighest point: Benara 660 m
Natural resources: NEGL
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: NAnatural hazards: cyclones during rainy seasoninternational agreements: NA
Geographic note: part of Comoro Archipelago
People ———
Population: 100,838 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 50% (male 25,099; female 24,881)15-64 years: 48% (male 24,790; female 23,727)65 years and over: 2% (male 1,152; female 1,189) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.78% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 47.93 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.12 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.02 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 75.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 58.7 years male: 56.43 years female: 61.05 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.63 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Mahorais (singular and plural)adjective: Mahoran
Ethnic divisions: NA
Religions: Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)
Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French
Literacy: NA
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotteconventional short form: Mayotte
Data code: MF
Type of government: territorial collectivity of France
Capital: Mamoutzou
Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France)
Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France)
National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)
Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Legal system: French law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President (of France) Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May1995) represented by Prefect Alain WEIL (since NA), who wasappointed by the French Ministry of the Interiorhead of government: President of the General Council YounoussaBAMANA (since NA 1976)
Legislative branch: unicameralGeneral Council (Conseil General): elections last held NA March 1994(next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(19 total) MPM 12, RPR 4, independents 3French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1995 (next to beheld 24 September 2001); results - percent of vote by party NA;seats - (1 total) MPM 1French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993(next to be held NA 1998); results - UDF-CDS 54.3%, RPR 44.3%; seats- (1 total) UDF-CDS 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)
Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM),Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM),Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RPR), MansourKAMARDINE; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Maoulida AHMED; Centerof Social Democrats (CDS)
International organization participation: FZ
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territorial collectivity ofFrance)
US diplomatic representation: none (territorial collectivity ofFrance)