(territory of the US)
Map —-
Location: 5 52 N, 162 06 W — Oceania, atoll in the North PacificOcean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American Samoa
Flag ——
Description: the flag of the US is used
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, aboutone-half of the way from Hawaii to American Samoa
Geographic coordinates: 5 52 N, 162 06 W
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 11.9 sq kmland area: 11.9 sq kmcomparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 14.5 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: equatorial, hot, and very rainy
Terrain: very low lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2 m
Natural resources: none
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 100%other: 0%
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA
Geographic note: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation,coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall
People ———
Population: uninhabited
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll
Data code: LQ
Type of government: incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC
Flag: the flag of the US is used
Economy ———-
Economic overview: no economic activity
Transportation ———————
Highways: much of the road and many causeways built during WorldWar II are unserviceable and overgrown
Ports: West Lagoon
Airports: airstrip has been overgrown by vegetation and is nolonger serviceable
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US
======================================================================
@Panama ———
Map —-
Location: 9 00 N, 80 00 W — Middle America, bordering both theCaribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia andCosta Rica
Flag ——
Description: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center
Geography ————-
Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and theNorth Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 80 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 78,200 sq kmland area: 75,990 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina
Land boundaries: total: 555 km border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km
Coastline: 2,490 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m
Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp
Land use:arable land: 6%permanent crops: 2%meadows and pastures: 15%forest and woodland: 54%other: 23%
Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatensfishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; landdegradationnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear TestBan, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of theSea, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94
Geographic note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmusforming land bridge connecting North and South America; controlsPanama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea withNorth Pacific Ocean
People ———
Population: 2,655,094 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 33% (male 445,382; female 426,111)15-64 years: 62% (male 828,384; female 806,205)65 years and over: 5% (male 71,823; female 77,189) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.64% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 23.2 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.42 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.04 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.92 years male: 71.19 years female: 76.75 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.71 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Panamanian(s) adjective: Panamanian
Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6%
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%note: many Panamanians bilingual
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 90.8%male: 91.4%female: 90.2%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Panamaconventional short form: Panamalocal long form: Republica de Panamalocal short form: Panama
Data code: PM
Type of government: constitutional republic
Capital: Panama
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular -provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui,Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*,Veraguas
Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independentfrom Spain 28 November 1821)
National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903)
Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983
Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Ernesto PEREZBALLADARES Gonzalez Revilla (since 1 September 1994), First VicePresident Tomas Gabriel ALTAMIRANO DUQUE (since 1 September 1994),Second Vice President Felipe Alejandro VIRZI Lopez (since 1September 1994) were elected for five-year terms by popular vote;election last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results- Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES (PRD) 33%, Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER (PA)29%, Ruben BLADES (MPE) 17%, Ruben Dario CARLES (MOLIRENA) 16%cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president
Legislative branch: unicameralLegislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): legislators fromoutlying rural districts are chosen on a plurality basis whiledistricts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiplelegislators by means of a proportion-based formula; elections lastheld 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (72 total) PRD 32, PS 4, PALA 1, PA 14,MPE 6, MOLIRENA 4, PLA 3, PRC 3, PL 2, PDC 1, UDI 1, MORENA 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema deJusticia), nine judges appointed for 10-year terms; five superiorcourts; three courts of appeal
Political parties and leaders:governing coalition: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), GerardoGONZALEZ; Liberal Republican Party (PLR), Rodolfo CHIARI; LaborParty (PALA), Carlos Lopez GUEVARAother parties: Solidarity Party (PS), Samuel LEWIS GALINDO;Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Delia CARDENAS;Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party(PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; Christian Democratic Party (PDC),Ruben AROSEMENA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; PapaEgoro Movement (MPE), Gloria YOUNG; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), TomasHERRERA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES;Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jacinto CARDENAS; NationalRenovation Movement (MORENA), Pedro VALLERINO
Other political or pressure groups: National Council of OrganizedWorkers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP);Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); NationalCivic Crusade; Chamber of Commerce; Panamanian IndustrialistsSociety (SIP); Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama (CTRP)
International organization participation: AG (associate), ECLAC,FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA(observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo Alberto ARIASchancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, NewYork, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador William John HUGHESembassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002telephone: [507] 227-1377FAX: [507] 227-1964
Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Because of its key geographic location, Panama's economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors have become inefficient under protectionist policies. After fast growth during the early 1990s, the economy has slowed down in the last two years, with GDP growth at 2.8% in 1994 and in 1995. The slowdown has been due mostly to a reduction in construction activities and stagnation in the Colon Free Zone and financial services, the three fastest growing sectors early in the decade. To counter the slowdown, the PEREZ BALLADARES administration has launched an economic reform program designed to reverse unemployment, attract foreign investment, cut back the size of government, and modernize the economy. In 1995, Panama reached an agreement in principle to reschedule its commercial debt - one of the highest in the world in per capita terms - which will allow the country to reenter international financial markets. Panama should complete all requirements to join the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in 1996.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $13.6 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $5,100 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 16% services: 74% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (1995)
Labor force: 979,000 (1994 est.) by occupation: government and community services 31.8%, agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%, manufacturing and mining 9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and communications 6.2%, finance, insurance, and real estate 4.3% note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor
Unemployment rate: 13.8% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $1.86 billionexpenditures: $1.86 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995)
Industries: construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement andother construction materials, sugar milling
Industrial production growth rate: 0.4% (1995 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 960,000 kW production: 2.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,047 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; fishing (shrimp)
Illicit drugs: major cocaine transshipment point and major drug money laundering center; minor producer of coca leaf; active eradication program
Exports: $548 million (f.o.b., 1995)commodities: bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee2%partners: US 39%, EU, Central America and Caribbean
Imports: $2.45 billion (c.i.f., 1995)commodities: capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%,consumer goods, chemicalspartners: US 40%, EU, Central America and Caribbean, Japan
External debt: $6.7 billion (yearend 1993 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $58 million (1993)
Currency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos
Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 355 kmbroad gauge: 76 km 1.524-m gaugenarrow gauge: 279 km 0.914-m gauge
Highways:total: 10,103 kmpaved: 3,233 kmunpaved: 6,870 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km PanamaCanal
Pipelines: crude oil 130 km
Ports: Balboa, Cristobal, Coco Solo North, Vacamonte
Merchant marine:total: 3,758 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 69,960,500GRT/107,632,713 DWTships by type: bulk 902, cargo 1,050, chemical tanker 168,combination bulk 40, combination ore/oil 19, container 307,liquefied gas tanker 155, livestock carrier 7, multifunctionlarge-load carrier 3, oil tanker 488, passenger 31, passenger-cargo5, refrigerated cargo 295, roll-on/roll-off cargo 93, short-seapassenger 34, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 150note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 83countries among which are Japan 1,212, Greece 360, Hong Kong 263,Taiwan 203, South Korea 198, US 160, China 152, Singapore 118, UK79, Switzerland 67, and Norway 58 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 99with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 5with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14with paved runways under 914 m: 60with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 18 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 273,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: domestic and international facilities welldevelopeddomestic: NAinternational: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth stations -2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central AmericanMicrowave System
Radio broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 564,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 23
Televisions: 420,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Panamanian Public Forces (PPF; includes the NationalPolice, National Maritime Service, National Air Service, andInstitutional Protective Service); Judicial Technical Police
Manpower availability:males age 15-49: 705,427males fit for military service: 484,571 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $78 million, NA%of GDP (1995); note - for police and security forces
======================================================================
@Papua New Guinea ————————
Map —-
Location: 6 00 S, 147 00 E — Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia
Flag ——
Description: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered
Geography ————-
Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia
Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 147 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 461,690 sq kmland area: 451,710 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than California
Land boundaries: total: 820 km border country: Indonesia 820 km
Coastline: 5,152 km
Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rollingfoothillslowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 mhighest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m
Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oilpotential
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 1%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 71%other: 28%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: rain forest subject to deforestation as a result ofgrowing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from miningprojectsnatural hazards: active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Rimof Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severeearthquakes; mud slidesinternational agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94
Geographic note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; oneof world's largest swamps along southwest coast
People ———
Population: 4,394,537 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 906,709; female 860,534)15-64 years: 57% (male 1,303,084; female 1,195,245)65 years and over: 3% (male 59,513; female 69,452) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.29% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 32.93 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.01 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: 1.09 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.07 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 60.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.25 years male: 56.4 years female: 58.15 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.45 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New Guinean
Ethnic divisions: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian,Polynesian
Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%,Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%,Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestantsects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34%
Languages: English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread,Motu spoken in Papua regionnote: 715 indigenous languages
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 72.2%male: 81%female: 62.7%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guineaconventional short form: Papua New Guineaabbreviation: PNG
Data code: PP
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Port Moresby
Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, EasternHighlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus,Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, NorthSolomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands,West New Britain
Independence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administeredUN trusteeship)
National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)
Constitution: 16 September 1975
Legal system: based on English common law
Suffrage: 19 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is ahereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI(since 11 November 1991), who was appointed by the NationalExecutive Councilhead of government: Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since 30 August1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (since 7 September1994) were appointed by the governor generalcabinet: National Executive Council was appointed by the governorgeneral on recommendation of the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of A: elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18; note - association with political parties is fluid
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice, other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission
Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party(Pangu Party), Chris HAIVETA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM),Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People'sProgress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), PaulTORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), PaulPORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS
International organization participation: ACP, APEC, AsDB, C, CP,ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Kepas Isimel WATANGIAchancery: 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC20009telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. TEAREembassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresbymailing address: P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresbytelephone: [675] 321-1455FAX: [675] 321-3423
Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for the bulk of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. In 1995, Port Moresby reached agreement with the IMF and World Bank on a structural adjustment program. PNG will receive loans totaling $350 million over the next two years from a variety of lenders including the Fund, the Bank, the Australian Government, and the Japanese Export-Import Bank. The loans will be provided only if Port Moresby implements significant reforms to liberalize trade and investment policies, reduce the public sector, and promote sustainable development of the forestry sector. At the start of 1996, Port Moresby is looking primarily to the exploitation of mineral and petroleum resources to drive economic development but new prospecting in Papua New Guinea has slumped as other mineral-rich countries have stepped up their competition for international investment. Output from current projects will probably begin to taper off in 1996, but no new large ventures are being developed to succeed them.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $10.2 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: -3% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $2,400 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1995)
Labor force: 1.941 million by occupation: agriculture 64% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $1.86 billionexpenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; construction, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 490,000 kW production: 1.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 390 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, tea, rubber,sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables; poultry, pork
Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: gold, copper ore, oil, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa,lobsterpartners: Australia, Japan, US, Singapore, New Zealand
Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.)commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,food, fuels, chemicalspartners: Australia, Japan, UK, New Zealand, Netherlands
External debt: $3.2 billion (1995)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $291 million (1993)
Currency: 1 kina (K) = 100 toea
Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 0.7552 (October 1995), 0.9950 (1994), 1.0221 (1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991); note - the government floated the kina on 10 October 1994
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 19,088 km paved: 640 km unpaved: 18,448 km (1988 est.)
Waterways: 10,940 km
Ports: Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul
Merchant marine:total: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,565 GRT/27,114 DWTships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, combination ore/oil 5, container 1,roll-on/roll-off 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 451with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 12with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5with paved runways under 914 m: 371with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 11with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 51 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 63,212 (1986 est.)
Telephone system: services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services domestic: mostly radiotelephone international: submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio communication service
Radio broadcast stations: AM 31, FM 2, shortwave 0
Radios: 298,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 10,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, AirForce, and Special Operations Unit)
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,143,015 males fit for military service: 635,923 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 0.9% of GDP (1995)
======================================================================
@Paracel Islands ———————-
Map —-
Location: 16 30 N, 112 00 E — Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines
Geography ————-
Location: Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines
Geographic coordinates: 16 30 N, 112 00 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area:total area: NA sq kmland area: NA sq kmcomparative area: NA
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 518 km
Maritime claims: NA
International disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam
Climate: tropical
Terrain: NAlowest point: South China Sea 0 mhighest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m
Natural resources: none
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 100%
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons international agreements: NA
People ———
Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scatteredChinese garrisons
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Paracel Islands
Data code: PF
Economy ———-
Economic overview: no economic activity
Transportation ———————
Ports: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and DuncanIsland being expanded
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (on Woody Island) (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: NA
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Defense note: occupied by China
======================================================================
@Paraguay ————
Map —-
Location: 23 00 S, 58 00 W — Central South America, northeast ofArgentina
Flag ——
Description: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)
Geography ————-
Location: Central South America, northeast of Argentina
Geographic coordinates: 23 00 S, 58 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total area: 406,750 sq kmland area: 397,300 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than California
Land boundaries: total: 3,920 km border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil, just west of Salto del Guaira (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, has not been determined
Climate: subtropical; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west
Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m highest point: Cerro San Rafael 850 m
Natural resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese,limestone
Land use:arable land: 20%permanent crops: 1%meadows and pastures: 39%forest and woodland: 35%other: 5%
Irrigated land: 670 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation (an estimated 2 million hectares offorest land have been lost from 1958-85); water pollution;inadequate means for waste disposal present health risks for manyurban residentsnatural hazards: local flooding in southeast (early September toJune); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed,but not ratified - Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear TestBan, Wetlands
Geographic note: landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, andBrazil
People ———
Population: 5,504,146 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 41% (male 1,144,644; female 1,096,430)15-64 years: 55% (male 1,518,661; female 1,513,577)65 years and over: 4% (male 106,121; female 124,713) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.67% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 30.97 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 4.31 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 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 23.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.84 years male: 72.33 years female: 75.43 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.15 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: Paraguayan
Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indian) 95%, whitesplus Amerindians 5%
Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestantdenominations
Languages: Spanish (official), Guarani
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 92.1%male: 93.5%female: 90.6%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Paraguayconventional short form: Paraguaylocal long form: Republica del Paraguaylocal short form: Paraguay
Data code: PA
Type of government: republic
Capital: Asuncion
Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular- departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron,Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera,Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, SanPedro
Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811)
Constitution: promulgated 20 June 1992
Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Juan Carlos WASMOSY(since 15 August 1993) and Vice President Roberto Angel SEIFART(since 15 August 1993) were elected for five-year terms by popularvote; election last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held NA May 1998);results - Juan Carlos WASMOSY 40.09%, Domingo LAINO 32.06%,Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS 23.04%cabinet: Council of Ministers was nominated by the president
Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held NA May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total) Colorado Party 20, PLRA 17, EN 8 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held by May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Colorado Party 38, PLRA 33, EN 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema deJusticia), judges appointed on the proposal of the Counsel ofMagistrates (Consejo de la Magistratura)
Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Luis Maria ARGANA,president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Domingo LAINO;National Encounter (EN), Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS; ChristianDemocratic Party (PDC), Miguel MONTANER; Febrerista RevolutionaryParty (PRF), Euclides ACEVEDO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), HugoRICHER
Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers(CUT); Roman Catholic Church
International organization participation: AG (observer), CCC,ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES,LAIA, Mercosur, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge PRIETO CONTIchancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508consulate(s) general: Miami and New York
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Robert E. SERVICEembassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncionmailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001telephone: [595] (21) 213-715FAX: [595] (21) 213-728
Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Paraguay has a market economy marked by a large informal sector. The formal economy is largely oriented toward services, but 45% of the population derive their living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. The economy has grown an average of 3% to 4% over the past five years. Population has increased at 3% a year over the same period leaving per capita income nearly stagnant. The informal sector is marked by both reexport of imported consumer goods (electronics, whiskeys, perfumes, cigarettes and office equipment) to neighboring countries as well as by the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. The Paraguayan Government has stated publicly that it will continue its economic reform agenda in close coordination with its Mercosur (Southern Cone Common Market) partners. In 1995, the government also promised to undertake efforts to formalize the financial sector, after a financial shock forced the bail-out of the second and third largest banks. Paraguay's continued integration into Mercosur also offers potential for growth; it is closely linked with the success of foreign investment promotion. Non-traditional exports, such as finished agricultural products, light manufactures, and small consumer items, are growing rapidly. Government reform efforts, including privatization, have continued, but with little success in 1995.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $17 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 4.2% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $3,200 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 25.7% industry: 25.8% services: 48.5% (1994)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.5% (1995)
Labor force: 1.692 million (1993 est.) by occupation: agriculture 45%
Unemployment rate: 12% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $1.25 billion (1995 est.)expenditures: $1.66 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing,textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, construction
Industrial production growth rate: 1.3% (1995 est.)
Electricity:capacity: 6,530,000 kWproduction: 26.5 billion kWh (1992)consumption per capita: NAnote: much of the electricity produced in Paraguay is exported toBrazil and domestic consumption cannot be determined
Agriculture: cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco,cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber
Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the internationaldrug trade; transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed forEurope and the US
Exports: $819.5 million (f.o.b., 1995)commodities: cotton, soybeans, timber, vegetable oils, meatproducts, coffee, tung oilpartners: EU 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6%
Imports: $2.871 billion (c.i.f., 1995)commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, rawmaterials, fuelspartners: Brazil 30%, EU 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7%
External debt: $1.38 billion (yearend 1995)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $38 million (1993)
Currency: 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos
Exchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 2,003.8 (January 1996), 1,970.4 (1995), 1,911.5 (1994), 1,744.3 (1993), 1,500.3 (1992), 1,325.2 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 971 kmstandard gauge: 441 km 1.435-m gaugenarrow gauge: 60 km 1.000-m gaugeother: 470 km various gauges (privately owned)
Highways: total: 21,834 km paved: 1,778 km unpaved: 20,056 km (1987 est.)
Waterways: 3,100 km
Ports: Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion
Merchant marine:total: 16 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,323 GRT/23,907 DWTships by type: cargo 13, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 739with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4with paved runways under 914 m: 438with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 25with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 266 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 88,730 (1985 est.)
Telephone system: meager telephone service; principal switchingcenter is Asunciondomestic: fair microwave radio relay networkinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 40, FM 0, shortwave 7
Radios: 775,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 5
Televisions: 370,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Air and Marines), Air Force
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,334,638 males fit for military service: 968,297 males reach military age (17) annually: 58,398 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $94 million, 0.6% of GDP (1994)
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@Peru ——
Map —-
Location: 10 00 S, 76 00 W — Western South America, bordering theSouth Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador
Flag ——
Description: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath
Geography ————-
Location: Western South America, bordering the South PacificOcean, between Chile and Ecuador
Geographic coordinates: 10 00 S, 76 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total area: 1,285,220 sq kmland area: 1.28 million sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Alaska
Land boundaries:total: 6,940 kmborder countries: Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km,Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km
Coastline: 2,414 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm territorial sea: 200 nm
International disputes: three sections of the boundary withEcuador are in dispute
Climate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west
Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m
Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish,iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash
Land use:arable land: 3%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 21%forest and woodland: 55%other: 21%
Irrigated land: 12,500 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of the slopes of thecosta and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; airpollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters frommunicipal and mining wastesnatural hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mildvolcanic activityinternational agreements: party to - Antarctic-EnvironmentalProtocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear TestBan, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
Geographic note: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highestnavigable lake, with Bolivia
People ———
Population: 24,523,408 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 35% (male 4,360,379; female 4,214,970)15-64 years: 61% (male 7,480,747; female 7,375,825)65 years and over: 4% (male 497,775; female 593,712) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.74% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 24.33 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.13 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 52.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.13 years male: 66.97 years female: 71.39 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.04 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Peruvian(s) adjective: Peruvian
Ethnic divisions: Indian 45%, mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%
Religions: Roman Catholic
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 88.7%male: 94.5%female: 83%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Peru conventional short form: Peru local long form: Republica del Peru local short form: Peru
Data code: PE
Type of government: republic
Capital: Lima
Administrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali note: the 1979 constitution mandated the creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) to function eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been constituted from 23 of the 24 departments - Amazonas (from Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate funding from the central government and organizational and political difficulties, the regions have yet to assume major responsibilities; the 1993 constitution retains the regions but limits their authority; the 1993 constitution also reaffirms the roles of departmental and municipal governments
Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821)
Constitution: 31 December 1993
Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Alberto KenyoFUJIMORI Fujimori (since 28 July 1990) was elected for a five-yearterm by universal suffrage; election last held 9 April 1995 (next tobe held NA 2000); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 64.42%, Javier PEREZ deCUELLAR 21.80%, Mercedes CABANILLAS 4.11%, other 9.67%cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the presidentnote: Prime Minister Alberto PANDOLFI Arbulu (since 3 April 1996)does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of thepresident