Unemployment rate: 4.3% (May 1995)
Budget:revenues: $100.2 millionexpenditures: $100.1 million, including capital expenditures of$41.4 million (1996 est.)
Industries: sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra,clothing, footwear, beverages
Industrial production growth rate: 5.9% (1992 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 15,800 kW production: 45 million kWh consumption per capita: 990 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fishingpotential not fully exploited
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugsdestined for the US
Exports: $35.4 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, food, electronics, beverages and tobacco partners: US 46.6%, UK 26.4%, Caricom nations 9.8% (1994)
Imports: $112.4 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, manufactures, food, fuels partners: US 45%, Caricom nations 18.8%, UK 12.5%, Canada 4.2%, Japan 4.2%, (1994)
External debt: $45.3 million (1994 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 58 kmnarrow gauge: 58 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts to serve sugarcaneplantations (1995)
Highways:total: 300 kmpaved: 125 kmunpaved: 175 km
Ports: Basseterre, Charlestown
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 2with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 3,800 (1986 est.)
Telephone system: good interisland VHF/UHF/SHF radiotelephone connections and international link via Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) domestic: interisland links are handled by VHF/UHF/SHF radiotelephone international: international calls are carried by radiotelephone to Antigua and Barbuda and from there switched to submarine cable or to Intelsat, or carried to Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) by radiotelephone and switched to Intelsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 25,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 4
Televisions: 9,500 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force, Coast Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Saint Lucia —————-
Map —-
Location: 13 53 N, 60 68 W — Caribbean, island in the CaribbeanSea, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Flag ——
Description: blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a blackarrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north ofTrinidad and Tobago
Geographic coordinates: 13 53 N, 60 68 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 620 sq kmland area: 610 sq kmcomparative area: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 158 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to the edge of the continentalmarginterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August
Terrain: volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m
Natural resources: forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice),mineral springs, geothermal potential
Land use:arable land: 8%permanent crops: 20%meadows and pastures: 5%forest and woodland: 13%other: 54%
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in thenorthern regionnatural hazards: hurricanes and volcanic activityinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
People ———
Population: 157,862 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 34% (male 27,068; female 26,491)15-64 years: 61% (male 47,470; female 48,612)65 years and over: 5% (male 3,136; female 5,085) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.14% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 22.03 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.02 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -4.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.07 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.09 years male: 66.52 years female: 73.91 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.31 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint Lucian
Ethnic divisions: African descent 90.3%, mixed 5.5%, East Indian 3.2%, white 0.8%
Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 7%, Anglican 3%
Languages: English (official), French patois
Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1980 est.)total population: 67%male: 65%female: 69%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia
Data code: ST
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Castries
Administrative divisions: 11 quarters; Anse La Raye, Castries,Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin,Soufriere, Vieux Fort
Independence: 22 February 1979 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 22 February (1979)
Constitution: 22 February 1979
Legal system: based on English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), ahereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General SirStanislaus Anthony JAMES (since 10 October 1988)head of government: Prime Minister John George Melvin COMPTON (since3 May 1982) was appointed by the governor generalcabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on advice ofthe prime minister
Legislative branch: bicameral ParliamentSenate: consists of an 11-member body, six appointed on the adviceof the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of theopposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, andsocial groupsHouse of Assembly: elections last held 27 April 1992 (next to beheld by April 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(17 total) UWP 11, SLP 6
Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, jurisdictionextends to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British VirginIslands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, SaintLucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Political parties and leaders: United Workers' Party (UWP), VaughnLEWIS; Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP), Julian HUNTE; ProgressiveLabor Party (PLP), Jon ODLUM; Citizen's Democratic Party (CDP)Calixte GEORGE
International organization participation: ACCT (associate), ACP,C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user),Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), NAM, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel EDMUNDS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6728 consulate(s) general: New York
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inSaint Lucia; the Ambassador to Saint Lucia resides in Bridgetown(Barbados)
Flag: blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead;the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Though foreign investment in manufacturing and information processing in recent years has increased Saint Lucia's industrial base, the economy remains vulnerable due to its heavy dependence on banana production, which is subject to periodic droughts and tropical storms. Indeed, the destructive effect of Tropical Storm Iris in mid-1995 caused the loss of 20% of the year's banana crop. Increased competition from Latin American bananas will probably further reduce market prices, exacerbating Saint Lucia's need to diversify its economy in coming years, e.g., by expanding tourism, manufacturing, and construction.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $640 million (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $4,080 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 13.8% industry: 17.4% services: 68.8% (1992 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.8% (1993)
Labor force: 43,800by occupation: agriculture 43.4%, services 38.9%, industry andcommerce 17.7% (1983 est.)
Unemployment rate: 25% (1993 est.)
Budget:revenues: $121 millionexpenditures: $127 million, including capital expenditures of $104million (1992 est.)
Industries: clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing
Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (1990 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 20,000 kW production: 112 million kWh consumption per capita: 693 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops,cocoa
Illicit drugs: transit country for South American drugs destinedfor the US and Europe
Exports: $122.8 million (f.o.b., 1992)commodities: bananas 60%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits,coconut oilpartners: UK 56%, US 22%, Caricom countries19% (1991)
Imports: $276 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 21%, food and live animals, chemicals, fuels partners: US 34%, Caricom countries 17%, UK 14%, Japan 7%, Canada 4% (1991)
External debt: $222.7 million (1995 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 760 km paved: 500 km unpaved: 260 km
Ports: Castries, Vieux Fort
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 3with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 26,000 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: system is automatically switchedinternational: direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique andSaint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados;international calls beyond these countries are carried by Intelsatfrom Martinique
Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: 104,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 cable
Televisions: 26,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Coast Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.0 million, 2.0% of GDP (1991); note - for police forces
======================================================================
@Saint Pierre and Miquelon ————————————-
(territorial collectivity of France)
Map —-
Location: 46 50 N, 56 20 E — Northern North America, islands inthe North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)
Flag ——
Description: a yellow sailing ship rides on a dark blue background with a black wave line under the ship; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the square into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one on top of the other; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Geography ————-
Location: Northern North America, islands in the North AtlanticOcean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)
Geographic coordinates: 46 50 N, 56 20 E
Map references: North America
Area:total area: 242 sq kmland area: 242 sq kmcomparative area: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCnote: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and theMiquelon groups
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 120 km
Maritime claims:exclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: focus of maritime boundary dispute betweenCanada and France; in 1992 an arbitration panel awarded the islandsan exclusive economic zone area of 12,348 sq km to settle the dispute
Climate: cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumnare windy
Terrain: mostly barren rock lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m
Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports
Land use:arable land: 13%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 4%other: 83%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: persistent fog throughout the year can be amaritime hazardinternational agreements: NA
Geographic note: vegetation scanty
People ———
Population: 6,809 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 0.77% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 12.82 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.7 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.59 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: 9.95 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.34 years male: 74.76 years female: 78.25 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.65 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)adjective: French
Ethnic divisions: Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
Religions: Roman Catholic 99%
Languages: French
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982 est.)total population: 99%male: 99%female: 99%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre andMiquelonconventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelonlocal long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelonlocal short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Data code: SB
Type of government: territorial collectivity of France
Capital: Saint-Pierre
Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France)
Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)
National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July
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 Rene MAURICE (since NA) who wasappointed by the French Ministry of the Interiorhead of government: President of the General Council Gerard GRIGNON(since NA)
Legislative branch: unicameralGeneral Council: elections last held NA April 1994 (next to be heldNA April 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (19total, 15 from Saint Pierre, 4 from Miquelon) Socialist Party (PS)holds majority of seatsFrench Senate: elections last held NA September 1995 (next to beheld NA September 2004); results - percent of vote by party NA;seats - (1 total) RPR 1French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993(next to be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by partyNA; seats - (1 total) UDF 1
Judicial branch: Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieurd'Appel)
Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party (PS); Rassemblementpour la Republique (RPR); Union pour la Democratie Francaise (UDF)
International organization participation: FZ, WFTU
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territorial collectivity ofFrance)
US diplomatic representation: none (territorial collectivity ofFrance)
Flag: a yellow sailing ship rides on a dark blue background with a black wave line under the ship; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the square into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one on top of the other; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre has dropped steadily over the years. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. The islands are heavily subsidized by France. Imports come primarily from Canada and France.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $68 million (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $10,000 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Labor force: 2,980 (1994) by occupation: NA
Unemployment rate: 9.6% (1994)
Budget:revenues: $28 millionexpenditures: $28 million, including capital expenditures of $7.8million (1992 est.)
Industries: fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets;tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 10,000 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 6,013 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs; fish catch of 20,500 metric tons (1989)
Exports: $13.74 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: fish and fish products, fox and mink pelts partners: US 58%, France 17%, UK 11%, Canada, Portugal (1990)
Imports: $42 million (c.i.f., 1994)commodities: meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery,building materialspartners: Canada, France, US, Netherlands, UK
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.0056 (January 1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 120 km paved: 60 km unpaved: 60 km (1985 est.)
Ports: Saint Pierre
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 2with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2note: new airport to open June 1996 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 3,300 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: NAinternational: radiotelephone communication with most countries inthe world; 1 earth station in French domestic satellite system
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: 6,300 (1990 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 2,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France
======================================================================
@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ————————————————
Map —-
Location: 13 15 N, 61 12 W — Caribbean, islands in the CaribbeanSea, north of Trinidad and Tobago
Flag ——
Description: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, north ofTrinidad and Tobago
Geographic coordinates: 13 15 N, 61 12 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 340 sq kmland area: 340 sq kmcomparative area: twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 84 km
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)
Terrain: volcanic, mountainous lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,234 m
Natural resources: NEGL
Land use:arable land: 38%permanent crops: 12%meadows and pastures: 6%forest and woodland: 41%other: 3%
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: pollution of coastal waters and shorelines fromdischarges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areaspollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitivenatural hazards: hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island ofSaint Vincent is a constant threatinternational agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of theSea, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified -Desertification
Geographic note: the administration of the islands of theGrenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesand Grenada
People ———
Population: 118,344 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 33% (male 19,742; female 19,106)15-64 years: 62% (male 36,576; female 36,381)65 years and over: 5% (male 2,702; female 3,837) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.64% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 19.36 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.4 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -7.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 16.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.94 years male: 71.43 years female: 74.49 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian
Ethnic divisions: African descent, white, East Indian, Carib Indian
Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-DayAdventist
Languages: English, French patois
Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970 est.)total population: 96%male: 96%female: 96%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Data code: VC
Type of government: constitutional monarchy
Capital: Kingstown
Administrative divisions: 6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, SaintAndrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick
Independence: 27 October 1979 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1979)
Constitution: 27 October 1979
Legal system: based on English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), ahereditary monarch, represented by Governor General David JACK(since 29 September 1989)head of government: Prime Minister James F. MITCHELL (since 30 July1984); the governor general appoints the leader of the majorityparty to the position of prime minister; Deputy Prime MinisterCarlyle DOUGAN (since 17 September 1995) was appointed by thegovernor general on the advice of the prime ministercabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the adviceof the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameralHouse of Assembly: elections last held 21 February 1994 (next to beheld NA July 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -(21 total, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators) NDP12, ULP 3
Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on SaintLucia)
Political parties and leaders: New Democratic Party (NDP), JamesF. MITCHELL; United People's Movement (UPM), Adrian SAUNDERS;National Reform Party (NRP), Joel MIGUEL; Unity Labor Party(ULP),Vincent BEACHE - formed by the coalition of Saint VincentLabor Party (SVLP) and the Movement for National Unity (MNU)
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB,ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO,IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, OAS,OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Kingsley C.A. LAYNEchancery: 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC20036telephone: [1] (202) 462-7806, 7846FAX: [1] (202) 462-7807
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inSaint Vincent and the Grenadines; the Ambassador to Saint Vincentand the Grenadines resides in Bridgetown (Barbados)
Flag: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (doublewidth), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arrangedin a V pattern
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of the economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. The government has been relatively unsuccessful at introducing new industries, and high unemployment rates of 35%-40% continue. The continuing dependence on a single crop represents the biggest obstacle to the islands' development; tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in both 1994 and 1995.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $240 million (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 0.4% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $2,060 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 24% industry: 33.1% services: 42.9% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.2% (1995)
Labor force: 67,000 (1984 est.) by occupation: agriculture, industry, services, other (1980 est.)
Unemployment rate: 35%-40% (1994 est.)
Budget:revenues: $80 millionexpenditures: $118 million, including capital expenditures of $39million (1996 est.)
Industries: food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 16,600 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 436 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; smallnumbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; small fish catch used locally
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugsdestined for the US and Europe
Exports: $57.1 million (f.o.b., 1993)commodities: bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch,tennis racquetspartners: UK 54%, Caricom countries 34%, US 10%
Imports: $134.6 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels partners: US 36%, Caricom countries 21%, UK 18%, Trinidad and Tobago 13%
External debt: $74.9 million (1993)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,100 km paved: 330 km unpaved: 770 km
Ports: Kingstown
Merchant marine:total: 611 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,690,104GRT/9,367,014 DWTships by type: bulk 106, cargo 305, chemical tanker 20, combinationbulk 9, combination ore/oil 4, container 33, liquefied gas tanker 4,livestock carrier 5, oil tanker 58, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1,refrigerated cargo 35, roll-on/roll-off cargo 25, short-seapassenger 2, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 2note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 24countries among which are Croatia 42, Russia 14, Slovenia 9, China9, Germany 2, Serbia 2, Hong Kong 2, Latvia 1, Ukraine 1, and Poland1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 6with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2with paved runways under 914 m: 4 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 6,189 (1983 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHFradiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of theGrenadinesinternational: VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent toBarbados; new SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and to Saint Lucia;access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 76,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 cable
Televisions: 20,600 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force,Coast Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@San Marino —————
Map —-
Location: 43 46 N, 12 25 E — Southern Europe, an enclave incentral Italy
Flag ——
Description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty)
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy
Geographic coordinates: 43 46 N, 12 25 E
Map references: Europe
Area:total area: 60 sq kmland area: 60 sq kmcomparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 39 km border country: Italy 39 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: none
Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers
Terrain: rugged mountains lowest point: Fiume Ausa 55 m highest point: Monte Titano 749 m
Natural resources: building stone
Land use:arable land: 17%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 83%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution
Geographic note: landlocked; smallest independent state in Europeafter the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines
People ———
Population: 24,521 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 16% (male 1,978; female 1,967)15-64 years: 68% (male 8,401; female 8,249)65 years and over: 16% (male 1,648; female 2,278) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.82% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 10.81 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 7.79 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 5.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.32 years male: 77.34 years female: 85.3 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.52 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)adjective: Sammarinese
Ethnic divisions: Sammarinese, Italian
Religions: Roman Catholic
Languages: Italian
Literacy: age 10 and over can read and write (1976 est.)total population: 96%male: 97%female: 95%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of San Marinoconventional short form: San Marinolocal long form: Repubblica di San Marinolocal short form: San Marino
Data code: SM
Type of government: republic
Capital: San Marino
Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle
Independence: 301 AD (by tradition)
National holiday: Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic, 3September
Constitution: 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some ofthe functions of a constitution
Legal system: based on civil law system with Italian lawinfluences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:co-chiefs of state: Captain Regent Piero Paolo GASPERONI and CaptainRegent Pietro BUGLI (for the period 1 April-30 September 1996) wereelected by the Great and General Council for a six-month termhead of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and PoliticalAffairs Gabriele GATTI (since NA July 1986) was elected for afive-year term by the Great and General Council; election last heldNA 1993 (next to be held NA 1998)cabinet: Congress of State was elected for a five-year term by theGreat and General Councilnote: the popularly elected parliament (Great and General Council)selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent(Co-Chiefs of State) for a six-month period; they preside overmeetings of the Great and General Council and its cabinet (Congressof State) which has ten other members, all selected by the Great andGeneral Council; assisting the Captains Regent are three Secretariesof State - Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Finance - andseveral additional secretaries; the Secretary of State for ForeignAffairs has assumed many of the prerogatives of a prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral Great and General Council: (Consiglio Grande e Generale) elections last held 30 May 1993 (next to be held by NA May 1998); results - PDCS 41.4%, PSS 23.7%, PDP 18.6%, AP 7.7%, MD 5.3%, RC 3.3%; seats - (60 total) PDCS 26, PSS 14, PDP 11, AP 4, MD 3, RC 2
Judicial branch: Council of Twelve (Consiglio dei XII)
Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party (PDCS),Cesare GASPERONI, secretary general; Democratic Progressive Party(PDP - formerly San Marino Communist Party (PSS)), Stefano MACINA,secretary general; San Marino Socialist Party (PSS), MaurizioRATTINI, secretary general; Democratic Movement (MD), Massimo TONTI;Popular Alliance (AP), Tito MASI; Communist Refoundation (RC), PaoloGIOVAGNOLI
International organization participation: CE, ECE, ICAO, ICFTU,ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OSCE,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in US: San Marino does not have anembassy in the UShonorary consulate(s) general: Washington and New Yorkhonorary consulate(s): Detroit
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inSan Marino; the US Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accreditedto San Marino
Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty)
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 1993 more than 3 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $380 million (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.4% (1993 est.)
GDP per capita: $15,800 (1993 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.5% (1993)
Labor force: 14,874 (1993 est.) by occupation: industry 40%, agriculture 2%
Unemployment rate: 4.9% (December 1993)
Budget:revenues: $320 millionexpenditures: $320 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: tourism, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: supplied by Italy
Agriculture: wheat, grapes, maize, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, meat, cheese, hides
Exports: trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodities: building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, and ceramics
Imports: trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodities: wide variety of consumer manufactures, food
External debt: $NA
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Italian lire (Lit) = 100 centesimi; note - also mintsits own coins
Exchange rates: Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,583.8 (January 1996), 1,629.2 (1995), 1,612.4 (1994), 1,573.7 (1993), 1,232.4 (1992), 1,240.6 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km; note - there is a 1.5 km cable railway connectingthe city of San Marino to Borgo Maggiore
Highways: total: 220 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km
Ports: none
Airports: none
Communications ———————
Telephones: 22,300 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: automatic telephone system completely integrated intoItalian systeminternational: microwave radio relay and cable connections toItalian network; no satellite earth stations
Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA (1 privateradio broadcast station)
Radios: 12,535 (1991 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (1991 est.) note: receives broadcasts from Italy
Televisions: 7,500 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Voluntary Military Force, Police Force
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $3.7 million (1% of GDP) (1992 est.)
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@Sao Tome and Principe ——————————-
Map —-
Location: 1 00 N, 7 00 E — Western Africa, island in the AtlanticOcean, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon
Flag ——
Description: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, island in the Atlantic Ocean, straddlingthe Equator, west of Gabon
Geographic coordinates: 1 00 N, 7 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 960 sq kmland area: 960 sq kmcomparative area: more than five times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 209 km
Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)
Terrain: volcanic, mountainous lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:arable land: 1%permanent crops: 20%meadows and pastures: 1%forest and woodland: 75%other: 3%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustionnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Environmental Modification, Lawof the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Desertification
People ———
Population: 144,128 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 29,103; female 28,633)15-64 years: 55% (male 39,749; female 39,960)65 years and over: 5% (male 2,973; female 3,710) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.58% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 34.39 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 8.55 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: 1.02 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.99 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 61.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.87 years male: 61.95 years female: 65.83 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.33 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Sao Tomean(s) adjective: Sao Tomean
Ethnic divisions: mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)
Religions: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-DayAdventist
Languages: Portuguese (official)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991 est.)total population: 73%male: 85%female: 62%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principeconventional short form: Sao Tome and Principelocal long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principelocal short form: Sao Tome e Principe
Data code: TP
Type of government: republic
Capital: Sao Tome
Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao Tome
Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975)
Constitution: approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990
Legal system: based on Portuguese law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991) waselected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election lastheld 3 March 1991 (next to be held 30 June 1996); results - MiguelTROVOADA was elected without opposition in Sao Tome's firstmultiparty presidential electionhead of government: Prime Minister Armindo UAZ de ALMEIDA (since 29December 1995) was appointed by the presidentcabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president on theproposal of the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameralNational People's Assembly: (Assembleia Popular Nacional) parliamentdissolved by President TROVOADA in July 1994; early elections held 2October 1994 (next to be held NA); results - MLSTP 27%, PCD-GR25.5%, ADI 25.5%; seats - (55 total) MLSTP 27, PCD-GR 14, ADI 14
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by theNational Peoples Assembly
Political parties and leaders: Party for DemocraticConvergence-Reflection Group (PCD-GR), Daniel Lima Dos Santos DAIO,secretary general; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome andPrincipe (MLSTP), Carlos da GRACA; Christian Democratic Front (FDC),Alphonse Dos SANTOS; Democratic Opposition Coalition (CODO), leaderNA; Independent Democratic Action (ADI), Patrice TROVOADA; othersmall parties
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA,FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU,NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO(applicant)
Diplomatic representation in US: Sao Tome and Principe does nothave an embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to theUN, headed by First Secretary Domingos AUGUSTO Ferreira, located at122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604, New York, NY 10168, telephone [1](212) 697-4211
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inSao Tome and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to SaoTome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visitsto the islands
Flag: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Economy ———-
Economic overview: This small poor island economy has remained dependent on cocoa since independence 20 years ago. Since then, however, cocoa production has gradually declined because of drought and mismanagement, so that by 1987 annual output had fallen from 10,000 tons to 3,900 tons. As a result, a shortage of cocoa for export has created a serious balance-of-payments problem. Production of less important crops, such as coffee, copra, and palm kernels, has also declined. The value of imports generally exceeds that of exports by a ratio of 3 to 1 or more. The emphasis on cocoa production at the expense of other food crops has meant that Sao Tome has to import 90% of food needs. It also has to import all fuels and most manufactured goods. Over the years, Sao Tome has been unable to service its external debt and has had to depend on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies and to encourage market-based mechanisms, e.g., to facilitate the distribution of imported food. Annual GDP growth has hovered around 1.5% since 1991.