Legislative branch: unicameralNational Assembly: elected by proportional representation for afive-year term; election last held 12 January 1995 (next to be heldNA September 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(83 total) MNSD-NASSARA 29, CDS 24, PNDS 12, ANDP-Z 9, UDFP 3, UDPS2, PADN 2, PPN-RDA 1, UPDP 1; note - this National Assemblydissolved by President BARE after the coup on 28 January 1996
Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat); Court of Appeal (Courd'Apel)
Political parties and leaders: National Movement of theDevelopment Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Mamadou TANDJA, chairman;Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), Jacoub SANOUSSI; NigerienParty for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Mahamadou ISSOUFOU;Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress-Zamanlahia (ANDP-Z),Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Union of Popular Forces for Democracyand Progress-Sawaba (UDFP), Djibo BAKARY, chairman; Union forDemocracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Akoli DAOUEL; Niger SocialDemocrat Party (PADN), Malam Adji WAZIRI; Niger ProgressiveParty-African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Dori ABDOULAI, chairman;Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), ProfessorAndre SALIFOU, chairman
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA,IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM,OAU, OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU,WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John S. DAVISON embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64 FAX: [227] 73 31 67
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Niger is one of the world's poorest countries, with recent GDP growth barely matching the rapid growth of population. The economy is centered on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and reexport trade, and increasingly less on uranium, its major export throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Uranium revenues dropped by almost 50% between 1983 and 1990 with the end of the uranium boom. Terms of trade with Nigeria, Niger's largest regional trade partner, have improved dramatically since the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994; this devaluation boosted exports of livestock, peas, onions, and the products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs designed by the IMF and the World Bank.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.5 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6.7% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $600 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 38.5% industry: 17.9% services: 43.6% (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35.6% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 2.5 million wage earners (1982) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $188 millionexpenditures: $400 million, including capital expenditures of $125million (1993 est.)
Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium mining
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 60,000 kW production: 200 million kWh consumption per capita: 42 kWh (1992)
Agriculture: cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats
Exports: $232 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: uranium ore 67%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions partners: France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy
Imports: $234 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: consumer goods, primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals partners: France 23%, Cote d'Ivoire, Germany, Italy, Japan
External debt: $1.41 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: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 11,258 km paved: 3,265 km unpaved: 7,993 km (1990 est.)
Waterways: Niger river is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through March
Ports: none
Airports:total: 23with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 6with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 2with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 14,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: small system of wire, radiotelephonecommunications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated insouthwestern areadomestic: wire, radiotelephone communications, and microwave radiorelay; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 plannedinternational: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 AtlanticOcean and 1 Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 5, shortwave 0
Radios: 500,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 18
Televisions: 38,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Republican Guard,National Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,920,244 males fit for military service: 1,035,218 males reach military age (18) annually: 92,132 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $32 million, 1.3% of GDP (FY92/93)
======================================================================
@Nigeria ———-
Map —-
Location: 10 00 N, 8 00 E — Western Africa, bordering the Gulf ofGuinea, between Benin and Cameroon
Flag ——
Description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side),white, and green
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, betweenBenin and Cameroon
Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 8 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 923,770 sq kmland area: 910,770 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California
Land boundaries:total: 4,047 kmborder countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger1,497 km
Coastline: 853 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 30 nm
International disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Cameroon over land and maritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula has been referred to the ICJ
Climate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north
Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m
Natural resources: petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal,limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas
Land use:arable land: 31%permanent crops: 3%meadows and pastures: 23%forest and woodland: 15%other: 28%
Irrigated land: 8,650 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: soil degradation; rapid deforestation;desertification; recent droughts in north severely affectingmarginal agricultural activitiesnatural hazards: periodic droughtsinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, MarineDumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification
People ———
Population: 103,912,489 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 45% (male 23,455,266; female 23,245,099)15-64 years: 52% (male 27,645,106; female 26,553,135)65 years and over: 3% (male 1,522,862; female 1,491,021) (July 1996est.)
Population growth rate: 3.05% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 42.89 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 12.71 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.34 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: 1.02 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 72.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.34 years male: 53.06 years female: 55.65 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.24 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian
Ethnic divisions: non-Africans 27,000north: Hausa and Fulaninote: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% ofpopulationsouthwest: Yorubasoutheast: Ibos
Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 57.1%male: 67.3%female: 47.3%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeriaconventional short form: Nigeria
Data code: NI
Type of government: military government; Nigeria has been ruled by one military regime after another since 31 December 1983; on 1 October 1995, the present military government announced it will turn power over to democratically elected civilian authorities in October 1998
Capital: Abujanote: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved fromLagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pendingcompletion of facilities in Abuja
Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, AbujaCapital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue,Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano,Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo,Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe; note - some newadministrative units may have been created
Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960)
Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implemented
Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and triballaw
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the ProvisionalRuling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and DefenseMinister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice Chairman ofthe Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993)cabinet: Federal Executive Council
Legislative branch: bicameral National AssemblySenate: suspended after military takeover of 17 November 1993House of Representatives: suspended after military takeover of 17November 1993
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the ArmedForces Ruling Council; Federal Court of Appeal, judges are appointedby the federal government on the advice of the Advisory JudicialCommittee
Political parties and leaders: note: political party system suspended after the military takeover of 17 November 1993; the military regime has made successive promises to allow political parties to register at various times in 1996
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C(suspended), CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OPEC,PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU,WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400 consulate(s) general: New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter C. CARRINGTON embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (1) 261-0097 FAX: [234] (1) 261-0257
Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, andgreen
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by political instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic management. Nigeria's unpopular military rulers failed to make significant progress in diversifying the economy away from overdependence on the capital intensive oil sector which provides almost all foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Regime officials also appear divided on how to redress fundamental economic imbalances that result in troublesome inflation, the steady depreciation of the naira, and the discouragement of investors. The government's domestic and international arrears continue to limit economic growth and prevent an agreement with the IMF and bilateral creditors on debt relief. The largely subsistence agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $135.9 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,300 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 22% services: 40% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 57% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15%
Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.)
Budget:revenues: $2.7 billionexpenditures: $6.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8billion (1994 est.)
Industries: crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts,cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and otherconstruction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals,fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 4,570,000 kW production: 11.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 109 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forest resources extensively exploited
Illicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from South America intended for West European, East Asian, and North American markets
Exports: $9.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: oil 98%, cocoa, rubber partners: US 52%, EC 34%
Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and animals partners: EC 50%, US 13%, Japan 7%
External debt: $32.5 billion (1993)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo
Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (January 1996), 21.895 (1995), 21.996 (1994), 22.065 (1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 3,557 km (1995)narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gaugestandard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge
Highways:total: 112,140 kmpaved: 31,500 kmunpaved: 80,640 km (1991 est.)
Waterways: 8,575 km consisting of the Niger and Benue rivers andsmaller rivers and creeks
Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km;natural gas 500 km
Ports: Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri
Merchant marine:total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 387,552 GRT/636,578 DWTships by type: bulk 1, cargo 16, chemical tanker 3, oil tanker 12,roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 66with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 10with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 10with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8with paved runways under 914 m: 18with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 12 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 492,204 (1990 est.)
Telephone system: average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and 20 domestic satellite earth stations carry intercity traffic international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 1 coaxial submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations: AM 35, FM 17, shortwave 0
Radios: 20 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 28
Televisions: 3.8 million (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 23,739,192 males fit for military service: 13,587,780 males reach military age (18) annually: 1,065,410 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992)
======================================================================
@Niue ——
(free association with New Zealand)
Map —-
Location: 19 02 S, 169 52 W — Oceania, island in the SouthPacific Ocean, east of Tonga
Flag ——
Description: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga
Geographic coordinates: 19 02 S, 169 52 W
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 260 sq kmland area: 260 sq kmcomparative area: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 64 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds
Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m
Natural resources: fish, arable land
Land use:arable land: 61%permanent crops: 4%meadows and pastures: 4%forest and woodland: 19%other: 12%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: traditional methods of burning brush and trees toclear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which arenot naturally very abundantnatural hazards: typhoonsinternational agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
Geographic note: one of world's largest coral islands
People ———
Population: 2,174 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: -0.62% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
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: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
Nationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean
Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)
Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist)
Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Niue
Data code: NE
Type of government: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs
Capital: Alofi
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territoryin free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974)
National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty ofWaitangi established British sovereignty)
Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952)is a hereditary monarch; the queen and New Zealand are representedby New Zealand High Commissioner Warren SEARELL (since NA August1993)head of government: Premier Frank Fakaotimanava LUI (acting premiersince NA December 1992, premier since 12 March 1993) was reelectedby the Legislative Assembly; election last held 23 February 1996(next to be held NA March 1999)cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 23 February 1996 (next to be held NA March 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) NPP 9, independents 11
Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand; High Court
Political parties and leaders: Niue Peoples Party (NPP), YoungVIVIAN
International organization participation: ESCAP (associate),Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory infree association with New Zealand)
US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory infree association with New Zealand)
Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.4 million (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1992)
Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.) by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $5.5 millionexpenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1985 est.)
Industries: tourism, handicrafts, food processing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 1,500 kW production: 2.7 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1992)
Agriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle
Exports: $117,500 (f.o.b., 1989)commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruitproducts, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicraftspartners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia
Imports: $4.1 million (c.i.f., 1989)commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery,fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugspartners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138 (January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 229 km unpaved: 229 km
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
Merchant marine: none
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 276 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages onislandinternational: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1987 est.)
Radios: 1,000
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 312 (1991 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Police Force
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
======================================================================
@Norfolk Island ———————
(territory of Australia)
Map —-
Location: 29 02 S, 167 57 E — Oceania, island in the SouthPacific Ocean, east of Australia
Flag ——
Description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east ofAustralia
Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 34.6 sq kmland area: 34.6 sq kmcomparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 32 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Bates 319 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 25%forest and woodland: 0%other: 75%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: typhoons (especially May to July)international agreements: NA
People ———
Population: 2,209 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: -0.68% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
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: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
Nationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)
Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian,New Zealander
Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church inAustralia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)
Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th centuryEnglish and ancient Tahitian
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Islandconventional short form: Norfolk Island
Data code: NF
Type of government: territory of Australia
Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center)
Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856)
Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979
Legal system: based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and Australia arerepresented by Administrator Alan Gardner KERR (since NA April 1992)who was appointed by the governor general of Australiahead of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister JohnTerrence BROWN (since NA) was elected for not more than three yearsby the Legislative Assemblycabinet: Executive Council is made up of executive members of theLegislative Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 20 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) independents 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)
US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)
Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY88/89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $NA
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $NA
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Labor force: 1,395 (1991 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $4.6 millionexpenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY92/93)
Industries: tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 8 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990)
Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry
Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., FY91/92) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe
Imports: $17.9 million (c.i.f., FY91/92) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: none
Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3477 (January 1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km
Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade
Merchant marine: none
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 1,087 (1983 est.)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 2,000 (1991 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 900 (1991 est.)
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
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@Northern Mariana Islands ————————————
(commonwealth in political union with the US)
Map —-
Location: 15 12 N, 145 45 E — Oceania, islands in the NorthPacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to thePhilippines
Flag ——
Description: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, aboutthree-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 477 sq kmland area: 477 sq kmcomparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCnote: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,482 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m
Natural resources: arable land, fish
Land use:arable land: 5% on Saipanpermanent crops: NA%meadows and pastures: 19%forest and woodland: NA%other: NA%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewagecontributes to diseasenatural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons(especially August to November)international agreements: NA
Geographic note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
People ———
Population: 52,284 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 3.04% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 33.05 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 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: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.53 years female: 69.48 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NA
Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians,Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean
Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, althoughtraditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Languages: English, Chamorro, Caroliniannote: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)total population: 97%male: 97%female: 96%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islandsconventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands
Data code: CQ
Type of government: commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs
Capital: Saipan
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and theConstitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages,immigration laws, and taxation
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants areUS citizens but do not vote in 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 Froilan C. TENORIO (since NA January1994) and Lieutenant Governor Jesus C. BORJA (since NA January 1994)were elected for four-year terms by universal suffrage; electionlast held in NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997);results - Froilan C. TENORIO (Democrat) was elected governor with56% of the vote
Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature Senate: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican)
Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;Federal District Court
Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Benigno R.FITIAL, leader; Democratic Party, Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO, chairman
International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), SPC
Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly handicrafts, light manufacturing, and garment production.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $524 million (1994 est.) note: GDP numbers reflect US spending
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $10,500 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers (1990) by occupation: NA
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $190.4 millionexpenditures: $190.4 million, including capital expenditures of$19.1 million (FY94/95)
Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 105,000 kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh
Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle
Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.) commodities: garments partners: NA
Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.)commodities: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleumproductspartners: US, Japan
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: none
Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: US currency is used
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 381.5 km (1991 est.) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km
Waterways: none
Ports: Saipan, Tinian
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 5with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with paved runways under 914 m: 1with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 13,618 (1993 est.)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1984)
Radios: 15,350 (1987 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 note: there are 2 cable TV stations
Televisions: 10,650 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US
======================================================================
@Norway ———
Map —-
Location: 62 00 N, 10 00 E — Northern Europe, bordering the NorthSea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Flag ——
Description: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
Geography ————-
Location: Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the NorthAtlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 10 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area:total area: 324,220 sq kmland area: 307,860 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:total: 2,515 kmborder countries: Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km
Coastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minorindentations 16,093 km)
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nm
International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (QueenMaud Land); maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion ofBarents Sea
Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North AtlanticCurrent; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast
Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m highest point: Glittertinden 2,472 m
Natural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites,nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower
Land use:arable land: 3%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 27%other: 70%
Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989)
Environment:current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests andadversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollutionfrom vehicle emissionsnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Air Pollution, AirPollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, AirPollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Lawof the Sea
Geographic note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia
People ———
Population: 4,383,807 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 19% (male 434,848; female 411,668)15-64 years: 65% (male 1,446,746; female 1,396,150)65 years and over: 16% (male 288,789; female 405,606) (July 1996est.)
Population growth rate: 0.48% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 11.96 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.68 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 3.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.53 years male: 74.63 years female: 80.61 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.63 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Norwegian(s) adjective: Norwegian
Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami)20,000
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), otherProtestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980)
Languages: Norwegian (official)note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.)total population: 99%male: NA%female: NA%
Government —————