Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)
Languages: Thai, English the secondary language of the elite,ethnic and regional dialects
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 93.8%male: 96%female: 91.6%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand conventional short form: Thailand
Data code: TH
Type of government: constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok
Administrative divisions: 76 provinces (changwat, singular andplural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat,Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri,Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi,Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri,Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom,Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat,Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, PathumThani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun,Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae,Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi,Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, UbonRatchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon
Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)
National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December(1927)
Constitution: new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended10 June 1992
Legal system: based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991 military coup
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946) is aconstitutional monarch; Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON(born 28 July 1952)head of government: Prime Minister BANHAN Sinlapa-acha (since 13July 1995); prime minister must be appointed from among the membersof the House of Representativescabinet: Council of MinistersPrivy Council: NA
Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Rathasapha) Senate (Wuthisapha): consists of a 270-member appointed body House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon): elections last held 2 July 1995 (next to be held 2 July 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (391 total) TNP 93, DP 86, NAP 56, NDP 53, PDP 23, SAP 23, NTP 18, TCP 18, LDP 10, SP 8, MP 3
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sandika), judges appointed by theking
Political parties and leaders: Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat ThaiParty), BANHAN Sinlapa-acha; Democratic Party (DP or PrachathipatParty), CHUAN Likphai; New Aspiration Party (NAP or Khwamwang Mai),Gen. CHAWALIT Yongchaiyut; National Development Party (NDP or ChatPhattana), CHATCHAI Chunhawan; Phalang Dharma Party (PDP or PhalangTham), THAKSIN Chinnawat; Social Action Party (SAP or KitsangkhomParty), MONTRI Phongphanit; Thai Leadership Party (NTP or Nam Thai),Amnuai Wirawan; Thai Citizen's Party (TCP or Prachakon Thai), SAMAKSunthonwet; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), ATHITUrairat; Solidarity Party (SP or Ekkaphap Party), UTHAIPhimchaichon; Mass Party (MP or Muanchon), Pol. Cpt. CHALOEMYubamrung
International organization participation: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC,CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MekongGroup, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNU, UPU,WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador NIT Phibunsongkhram chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600 FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William H. ITOH embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok mailing address: APO AP 96546 telephone: [66] (2) 252-5040 FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990 consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai consulate(s): Udorn
Flag: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (doublewidth), white, and red
Economy ———-
Economic overview: One of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, Thailand depends on exports of manufactures - including high-technology goods - and the development of the service sector to fuel the country's rapid growth, averaging 9% since 1989. Most of Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment and raw materials, although imports of consumer goods are beginning to rise. Thailand's 35% domestic savings rate is a key source of capital for the economy, and the country is also benefiting from rising investment from abroad. Prime Minister BANHAN's government - Thailand's sixth government in five years - undoubtedly will continue Bangkok's probusiness policies despite some concerns that it is relaxing Bangkok's traditional fiscal austerity. BANHAN is beginning to address Thailand's serious infrastructure bottlenecks, especially in the transport and telecommunications sectors. Over the longer term, Bangkok must produce more college graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue its rapid economic development.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $416.7 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 8.6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $6,900 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10.2% industry: 30.6% services: 59.2% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (1995)
Labor force: 32,152,600by occupation: agriculture 57%, industry 17%, commerce 11%, services(including government) 15% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2.7% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $28.4 billionexpenditures: $28.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.1billion (FY94/95)
Industries: tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer
Industrial production growth rate: 13.3% (1995 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 12,810,000 kW production: 56.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 909 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans
Illicit drugs: a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; major illicit transit point for heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money laundering center; rapidly growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous abuse of methamphetamine and heroin
Exports: $45.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994)commodities: manufactures 73%, agricultural products and fisheries21%, raw materials 5%, fuels 1%partners: US 21.0%, Japan 17.1%, Singapore 13.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%,Germany 3.5%, UK 3.0%, Netherlands 2.8%, Malaysia 2.4%
Imports: $53.9 billion (c.i.f., 1994)commodities: manufactures 80%, fuels 6.9%, raw materials 6.6%,foodstuffs 4.3%partners: Japan 30.4%, US 11.9%, Singapore 6.3%, Germany 5.8%,Taiwan 5.1%, Malaysia 4.9%, South Korea 3.7%, China 2.6%
External debt: $53.7 billion (1994)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $624 million (1993)
Currency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satang
Exchange rates: baht (B) per US$1 - 25.300 (January 1996), 25.000 (1995 est.), 25.150 (1994), 25.319 (1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Transportation ———————
Railways: total: 4,623 km narrow gauge: 4,623 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)
Highways:total: 54,388 kmpaved: 48,786 km (including 171 km of expressways)unpaved: 5,602 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft
Pipelines: petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km
Ports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha,Songkhla
Merchant marine:total: 259 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,559,037GRT/2,498,812 DWTships by type: bulk 32, cargo 143, chemical tanker 3, container 11,liquefied gas tanker 12, oil tanker 45, passenger 1, refrigeratedcargo 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1,specialized tanker 2 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 98with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 9with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 12with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 22with paved runways under 914 m: 36with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 12 (1995 est.)
Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 1,553,200 (1994 est.)
Telephone system: service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network domestic: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic satellite system being developed international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 200 (in government-controlled network), FM 100 (in government-controlled network), shortwave 0
Radios: 10.75 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 11 (in government-controlled network)
Televisions: 3.3 million (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal ThaiMarine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 16,835,334 males fit for military service: 10,182,904 males reach military age (18) annually: 592,268 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, 2.5% of GDP (FY94/95)
======================================================================
@The Bahamas —————-
Map —-
Location: 24 15 N, 76 00 W — Caribbean, chain of islands in theNorth Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida
Flag ——
Description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean,southeast of Florida
Geographic coordinates: 24 15 N, 76 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 13,940 sq kmland area: 10,070 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 3,542 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 3 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Alvernia 63 m
Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber
Land use:arable land: 1%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 32%other: 67%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: coral reef decaynatural hazards: hurricanes and other tropical storms that causeextensive flood and wind damageinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear TestBan, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
Geographic note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba;extensive island chain
People ———
Population: 259,367 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 28% (male 36,331; female 35,771)15-64 years: 67% (male 84,107; female 89,193)65 years and over: 5% (male 5,449; female 8,516) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.05% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 18.73 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.74 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.02 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 23.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.53 years male: 67.98 years female: 77.16 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian
Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15%
Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2%
Languages: English, Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write but definition ofliteracy not available (1995 est.)total population: 98.2%male: 98.5%female: 98%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamasconventional short form: The Bahamas
Data code: BF
Type of government: commonwealth
Capital: Nassau
Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Acklins and CrookedIslands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek,Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock,Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, NewProvidence, Nicholls Town and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, RockSound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay
Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK)
National holiday: National Day, 10 July (1973)
Constitution: 10 July 1973
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) is ahereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Sir OrvilleTURNQUEST (since 2 January 1995) who was appointed by the queenhead of government: Prime Minister Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM (since19 August 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Frank WATSON (since NA)were appointed by the governor generalcabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the primeminister's recommendation
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: a 16-member body appointed by the governor general House of Assembly: elections last held 19 August 1992 (next to be held by August 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (49 total) FNM 32, PLP 17
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP),Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), HubertAlexander INGRAHAM
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CCC,CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS,ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS,OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy Baswell DONALDSON chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660 FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668 consulate(s) general: Miami and New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Sidney WILLIAMS embassy: Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau mailing address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; P.O. Box 9009, Miami, FL 33159; Nassau, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-3370 (pouch) telephone: [1] (809) 322-1181, 328-2206 FAX: [1] (809) 328-7838
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, andaquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs 40% of the archipelago's labor force. A slowdown in the expansion of the tourism sector - especially stopover travel from Europe - led to a reduction in the country's GDP growth rate in 1995, down to an estimated 2% from 3.5% in 1994. The construction sector benefited from hotel rehabilitation and the government's ongoing housing development program. Earnings from exports of vegetable and citrus production have been decreasing since 1993 but are expected to increase in 1996 due to storm damage to crops in Florida. The overall growth prospects through 1996 will depend heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector and continued income growth in the US, which accounts for the majority of tourist visits.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.8 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $18,700 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 35% services: 62% (1994)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1994)
Labor force: 136,900 (1993) by occupation: government 30%, tourism 40%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1995 est.)
Unemployment rate: 15% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $665 millionexpenditures: $725 million, including capital expenditures of $94million (FY95/96 est.)
Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 424,000 kW production: 929 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,200 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: citrus, vegetables; poultry
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana boundfor US and Europe; also a money-laundering center
Exports: $224.257 million (f.o.b., 1994)commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish, refinedpetroleum productspartners: US 51%, UK 7%, Norway 7%, France 6%, Italy 5%
Imports: $1.08 billion (c.i.f., 1994)commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, crude oil, vehicles,electronicspartners: US 55%, Japan 17%, Nigeria 12%, Denmark 7%, Norway 6%
External debt: $407.8 million (December 1994)
Economic aid: $NA
Currency: 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1 - 1.00 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,386 km paved: 1,342 km unpaved: 1,044 km (1986 est.)
Ports: Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau
Merchant marine:total: 956 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,592,285GRT/35,765,965 DWTships by type: bulk 176, cargo 182, chemical tanker 43, combinationbulk 9, combination ore/oil 19, container 53, liquefied gas tanker20, oil tanker 180, passenger 53, refrigerated cargo 147,roll-on/roll-off cargo 47, short-sea passenger 13, vehicle carrier 14note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 48countries among which are Norway 155, Greece 124, US 84, Denmark 63,Netherlands 44, Sweden 36, Finland 34, France 29, Japan 29, andBelgium 24 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 55with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 16with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11with paved runways under 914 m: 17with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 119,000 (1987 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: totally automatic system; highly developedinternational: tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida;3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat(Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0
Radios: 200,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (1986 est.)
Televisions: 60,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), RoyalBahamas Police Force
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $20 million, 3.8% of GDP (FY95/96)
======================================================================
@The Gambia —————
Map —-
Location: 13 28 N, 16 34 W — Western Africa, bordering the NorthAtlantic Ocean and Senegal
Flag ——
Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue withwhite edges, and green
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean andSenegal
Geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 16 34 W
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 11,300 sq kmland area: 10,000 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundaries: total: 740 km border country: Senegal 740 km
Coastline: 80 km
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: short section of boundary with Senegal isindefinite
Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler,dry season (November to May)
Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 53 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:arable land: 16%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 9%forest and woodland: 20%other: 55%
Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseasesprevalentnatural hazards: rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 yearsinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified -Desertification
Geographic note: almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country onthe continent of Africa
People ———
Population: 1,204,984 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 46% (male 276,782; female 275,683)15-64 years: 51% (male 307,405; female 312,736)65 years and over: 3% (male 17,278; female 15,100) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.55% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 44.44 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 13.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 4.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 80.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.96 years male: 50.74 years female: 55.24 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.06 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Gambian(s) adjective: Gambian
Ethnic divisions: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%,Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-Gambian 1%
Religions: Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, otherindigenous vernaculars
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 38.6%male: 52.8%female: 24.9%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia conventional short form: The Gambia
Data code: GA
Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule note:: nominally a republic, The Gambia has had a military government since 22 July 1994; the military authority has promised to return control to a democratically-elected government in July 1996
Capital: Banjul
Administrative divisions: 5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, LowerRiver, MacCarthy Island, North Bank, Upper River, Western
Independence: 18 February 1965 (from UK; The Gambia and Senegal signed an agreement on 12 December 1981 that called for the creation of a loose confederation to be known as Senegambia, but the agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)
National holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Constitution: 24 April 1970; suspended July 1994
Legal system: based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Armed ForcesProvisional Ruling Council Capt. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since themilitary coup of 22 July 1994); Vice Chairman of the Armed ForcesProvisional Ruling Council Capt. Edward SINGHATEH (since March1995); last popular election held on 29 April 1992; results - SirDawda JAWARA (PPP) 58.5%, Sherif Mustapha DIBBA (NCP) 22.2%, AssanMusa CAMARA (GPP) 8.0% (prior to the 22 July 1994 coup, nextelection had been scheduled for April 1997)cabinet: Cabinet normally is appointed by the president from membersof the House of Representatives (present cabinet appointed byChairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council)
Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives: last popular election held on 29 April 1992 (next to be held NA April 1997); results - PPP won 58.1% of votes; seats - (43 total, 36 elected) PPP 30, NCP 6 note: following the military coup on 22 July 1994, all elective offices were dissolved; in April 1996, the military government announced that voter registrations would begin in May and democratic elections would be held in October 1996
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: the following political parties were active on 22 July 1994, after which time political activity was banned by the military government: People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dawda K. JAWARA (in exile), secretary general; National Convention Party (NCP), Sheriff DIBBA (in exile); Gambian People's Party (GPP), Hassan Musa CAMARA; United Party (UP), leader NA; People's Democratic Organization of Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), leader NA; People's Democratic Party (PDP), Jabel SALLAH
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA,ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC,ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Counselor, Charge d'Affairesad interim Tombong SAIDYchancery: Suite 1000, 1155 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399, 1379, 1425FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald A. SCOTTembassy: Fajara, Kairaba Avenue, Banjulmailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjultelephone: [220] 392856, 392858, 391970, 391971FAX: [220] 392475
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with whiteedges, and green
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population is engaged in crop production and livestock raising. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. A sustained structural adjustment program, including a liberalized trade policy, had fostered a respectable 4% annual rate of growth in 1990-93. Reexport trade normally constitutes one-third of economic activity; however, border closures associated with Senegal's monetary crisis in late 1993 led to a halving of reexport trade, reducing government revenues in turn. The 50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 has made Senegalese goods more competitive and apparently prompted a relaxation of Senegalese controls, paving the way for a comeback in reexports. But, in response to the military's takeover in July 1994, cuts in foreign trade and a decline in tourism have undermined economic growth.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.1 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,100 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 27% industry: 15% services: 58% (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (1994)
Labor force: 400,000 (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 75.0%, industry, commerce, and services 18.9%, government 6.1%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $91.4 millionexpenditures: $90 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY95/96 est.)
Industries: processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism; beverages; agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking; clothing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 70 million kWh consumption per capita: 64 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: peanuts, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats; forest and fishing resources not fully exploited
Exports: $35 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)commodities: peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palmkernelspartners: Japan 60%, Europe 29%, Africa 5%, US 1%, other 5% (1989)
Imports: $209 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactures, raw materials, fuel, machinery and transport equipment partners: Europe 57%, Asia 25%, USSR and Eastern Europe 9%, US 6%, other 3% (1989)
External debt: $386 million (1993 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 dalasi (D) = 100 butut
Exchange rates: dalasi (D) per US$1 - 9.555 (August 1996), 9.576 (1994), 9.129 (1993), 8.888 (1992), 8.803 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,386 km paved: 764 km unpaved: 1,622 km (1990 est.)
Waterways: 400 km
Ports: Banjul
Merchant marine: none
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 11,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: adequate network of microwave radio relay and open wireinternational: microwave radio relay links to Senegal andGuinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0
Radios: 180,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: NA
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, National Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 267,188 males fit for military service: 134,611 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $14 million, 3.8% of GDP (FY93/94)
======================================================================
@Togo ——
Map —-
Location: 8 00 N, 1 10 E — Western Africa, bordering the NorthAtlantic Ocean, between Benin and Ghana
Flag ——
Description: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,between Benin and Ghana
Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 1 10 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 56,790 sq kmland area: 54,390 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia
Land boundaries: total: 1,647 km border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km
Coastline: 56 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 30 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
Terrain: gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Baumann 986 m
Natural resources: phosphates, limestone, marble
Land use:arable land: 25%permanent crops: 1%meadows and pastures: 4%forest and woodland: 28%other: 42%
Irrigated land: 70 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation attributable to slash-and-burnagriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affectingagriculturenatural hazards: hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility innorth during winter; periodic droughtsinternational agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Desertification, Tropical Timber 94
People ———
Population: 4,570,530 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 49% (male 1,116,030; female 1,105,957)15-64 years: 49% (male 1,085,774; female 1,163,374)65 years and over: 2% (male 46,089; female 53,306) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.56% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 46.23 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 84.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.87 years male: 55.7 years female: 60.1 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.75 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Togolese (singular and plural)adjective: Togolese
Ethnic divisions: native African (37 tribes; largest and mostimportant are Ewe, Mina, and Kabre) 99%, European andSyrian-Lebanese less than 1%
Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Christian 20%, Muslim 10%
Languages: French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe andMina (the two major African languages in the south), Dagomba andKabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye; the two major African languages inthe north)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 51.7%male: 67%female: 37%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Togo conventional short form: Togo local long form: Republique Togolaise local short form: none former: French Togo
Data code: TO
Type of government: republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule
Capital: Lome
Administrative divisions: 23 circumscriptions (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription); Amlame (Amou), Aneho (Lacs), Atakpame (Ogou), Badou (Wawa), Bafilo (Assoli), Bassar (Bassari), Dapango (Tone), Kande (Keran), Klouto (Kloto), Pagouda (Binah), Lama-Kara (Kozah), Lome (Golfe), Mango (Oti), Niamtougou (Doufelgou), Notse (Haho), Pagouda, Sotouboua, Tabligbo (Yoto), Tchamba, Nyala, Tchaoudjo, Tsevie (Zio), Vogan (Vo) note: the 23 units may now be called prefectures (singular - prefecture) and reported name changes for individual units are included in parentheses
Independence: 27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday: Independence Day, 27 April (1960)
Constitution: multiparty draft constitution approved by HighCouncil of the Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27September 1992
Legal system: French-based court system
Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult
Executive branch:chief of state: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14 April1967) reelected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; electionlast held 25 August 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); all majoropposition parties boycotted the election; Gen. EYADEMA won 96.5% ofthe votehead of government: Prime Minister Edem KODJO (since April 1994)appointed by the presidentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and theprime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held 6 and 20 February 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total) CAR 36, RPT 35, UTD 7, UJD 2, CFN 1 note: the Supreme Court ordered new elections for three seats of the Action Committee for Renewal (CAR) and the Togolese Union for Democracy (UTD), lowering their total to 34 and six seats, respectively; the remaining three seats have not been filled
Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel); Supreme Court(Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: Rally of the Togolese People (RPT),President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA; Coordination des Forces Nouvelles(CFN), Joseph KOFFIGOH; Togolese Union for Democracy (UTD), EdemKODJO; Action Committee for Renewal (CAR), Yao AGBOYIBOR; Union forDemocracy and Solidarity (UDS), Antoine FOLLY; Pan-AfricanSociodemocrats Group (GSP), an alliance of three radical parties:CDPA, PDR, and PSP; Democratic Convention of African Peoples (CDPA),Leopold GNININVI; Party for Democracy and Renewal (PDR), ZarifouAYEVA; Pan-African Social Party (PSP), Francis AGBAGLI; Union ofForces for Change (UFC), Gilchrist OLYMPIO (in exile); Union ofJustice and Democracy (UJD), Lal TAXPANDJANnote: Rally of the Togolese People (RPT), led by President EYADEMA,was the only party until the formation of multiple parties waslegalized 12 April 1991
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM,IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU,MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WADB, WCL,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Kossivi OSSEYIchancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG embassy: Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome telephone: [228] 21 77 17, 21 29 91 through 21 29 94 FAX: [228] 21 79 52
Flag: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Economy ———-
Economic overview: This small sub-Saharan economy is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, which provides employment for more than 60% of the labor force. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton together generate about 30% of export earnings. Togo is self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs when harvests are normal. In the industrial sector, phosphate mining is by far the most important activity, although it has suffered from the collapse of world phosphate prices and increased foreign competition. Togo serves as a regional commercial and trade center. The government's decade-long effort, supported by the World Bank and the IMF, to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has stalled. Political unrest, including private and public sector strikes throughout 1992 and 1993, has jeopardized the reform program, shrunk the tax base, and disrupted vital economic activity. Although strikes had ended in 1994, political unrest and lack of funds prevented the government from taking advantage of the 50% currency devaluation of 12 January 1994. Resumption of World Bank and IMF flows will depend on implementation of several controversial moves toward privatization and on downsizing the military, on which the regime depends to stay in power.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.1 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $900 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 49.2% industry: 17.7% services: 33.1% (1993 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.8% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 1.538 million (1993 est.) by occupation: agriculture 64%, industry 9%, services 21%. unemployed 6% (1981 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $165 millionexpenditures: $274 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement;handicrafts, textiles, beverages
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 34,000 kW production: 41.004 million kWh consumption per capita: 9 kWh (1990)
Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, cotton, yams, cassava (tapioca), corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; meat; annual fish catch of 10,000-14,000 tons
Illicit drugs: increasingly used as transit hub by heroin traffickers
Exports: $162.2 (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: phosphates, cotton, cocoa, coffee partners: EC 40%, Africa 16%, US 1% (1990)
Imports: $212 million (c.i.f., 1994)commodities: machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemicalproductspartners: EC 57%, Africa 17%, US 5%, Japan 4% (1990)
External debt: $1.3 billion (1991)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992),282.11 (1991)note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: total: 525 km (1995) narrow gauge: 525 km 1.000-m gauge
Highways: total: 7,545 km paved: 1,833 km unpaved: 5,712 km (1993 est.)
Waterways: 50 km Mono river
Ports: Kpeme, Lome
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 8with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2with paved runways under 914 m: 2with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 12,000 (1987 est.)
Telephone system: fair system based on network of microwave radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines domestic: microwave radio relay and open-wire lines international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Symphonie
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 795,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 3 (relays 2)
Televisions: 24,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 975,746 males fit for military service: 512,196 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $48 million, 2.9% of GDP (1993)
======================================================================
@Tokelau ———-
(territory of New Zealand)
Map —-
Location: 9 00 S, 172 00 W — Oceania, group of islands in theSouth Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to NewZealand
Flag ——
Description: the flag of New Zealand is used
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 9 00 S, 172 00 W
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 10 sq kmland area: 10 sq kmcomparative area: about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 101 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)
Terrain: coral atolls enclosing large lagoons lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m
Natural resources: NEGL
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 100%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: very limited natural resources and overcrowding arecontributing to emigration to New Zealandnatural hazards: lies in Pacific typhoon beltinternational agreements: NA
People ———
Population: 1,482 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: -1.35% (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: Tokelauan(s) adjective: Tokelauan
Ethnic divisions: Polynesian
Religions: Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic28%, other 2%note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; onNukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, withthe Congregational Christian Church predominant
Languages: Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Tokelau
Data code: TL
Type of government: territory of New Zealand
Capital: none; each atoll has its own administrative center
Administrative divisions: none (territory of New Zealand)
Independence: none (territory of New Zealand)
National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty ofWaitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand)
Constitution: administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948,as amended in 1970
Legal system: British and local statutes
Suffrage: NA
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and New Zealandare represented by Administrator Lindsay WATT (since NA March 1993)who was appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade inNew Zealandhead of government: Official Secretary Casimilo J. PEREZ (since NA),Tokelau Apia Liaison Office
Legislative branch: unicameralGeneral Fono: seats - (45 total, 15 chosen by each of the threeatoll's Council of Elders or Taupulega)
Judicial branch: High Court in Niue; Supreme Court in New Zealand
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: SPC, WHO (associate)
Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of New Zealand)
US diplomatic representation: none (territory of New Zealand)
Flag: the flag of New Zealand is used
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Tokelau's small size, isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people must rely on aid from New Zealand to maintain public services, annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.5 million (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Labor force: NA
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $430,830expenditures: $2.8 million, including capital expenditures of$37,300 (1987 est.)
Industries: small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodwork, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 200 kW production: 300,000 kWh consumption per capita: 180 kWh (1990)
Agriculture: coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papaya, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats
Exports: $98,000 (f.o.b., 1983)commodities: stamps, copra, handicraftspartners: NZ
Imports: $323,400 (c.i.f., 1983)commodities: foodstuffs, building materials, fuelpartners: NZ