External debt: 0
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138 (January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), l.7265 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
Merchant marine: none
Airports: none; lagoon landings by amphibious aircraft fromWestern Samoa
Communications ———————
Telephones: NA
Telephone system:domestic: radiotelephone service between islandsinternational: radiotelephone service to Western Samoa
Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NAnote: each atoll has a radio broadcast station of NA type thatbroadcasts shipping and weather reports
Radios: 1,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: NA
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
======================================================================
@Tonga ——-
Map —-
Location: 20 00 S, 175 00 W — Oceania, archipelago in the SouthPacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Flag ——
Description: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in theupper hoist-side corner
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, abouttwo-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 175 00 W
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 748 sq kmland area: 718 sq kmcomparative area: four times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 419 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: on Kao Island 1,033 m
Natural resources: fish, fertile soil
Land use:arable land: 25%permanent crops: 55%meadows and pastures: 6%forest and woodland: 12%other: 2%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: deforestation results as more and more land is beingcleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefsfrom starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors;overhunting threatens native sea turtle populationsnatural hazards: cyclones (October to April); earthquakes andvolcanic activity on Fonuafo'ouinternational agreements: party to - Marine Life Conservation,Nuclear Test Ban, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
Geographic note: archipelago of 170 islands (36 inhabited)
People ———
Population: 106,466 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 0.82% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 27.33 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.26 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.29 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: 40.26 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.04 years male: 67.03 years female: 71.4 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.75 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Tongan(s) adjective: Tongan
Ethnic divisions: Polynesian, Europeans about 300
Religions: Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)
Languages: Tongan, English
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write a simple message inTongan or English (1976 est.)total population: 100%male: 100%female: 100%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga conventional short form: Tonga former: Friendly Islands
Data code: TN
Type of government: hereditary constitutional monarchy
Capital: Nuku'alofa
Administrative divisions: three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu,Vava'u
Independence: 4 June 1970 (emancipation from UK protectorate)
National holiday: Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)
Constitution: 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967
Legal system: based on English law
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965) isa constitutional monarchhead of government: Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991)and Deputy Prime Minister S. Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991)were appointed for life by the kingcabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the kingPrivy Council: consists of the king and the Cabinet
Legislative branch: unicameralLegislative Assembly (Fale Alea): elections last held 3-4 February1993 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of voteNA; seats - (30 total, 12 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting exofficio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, andnine for elected people's representatives) 6 proreform, 3traditionalist
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the king
Political parties and leaders: Tonga People's Party, ViliamiFUKOFUKA
International organization participation: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP,FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF,Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC,SPF, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: Tonga does not have an embassy inthe US; Ambassador Sione KITE, resides in Londonconsulate(s) general: San Francisco
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inTonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga
Flag: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upperhoist-side corner
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy's base is agriculture, which contributes 40% to GDP. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The manufacturing sector accounts for only 11% of GDP. Tourism is the primary source of hard currency earnings, but the country also remains dependent on sizable external aid and remittances to offset its trade deficit. The economy continued to grow in 1993-95 largely because of a rise in squash exports, increased aid flows, and several large construction projects. The government is now turning its attention to further development of the private sector and the reduction of the budget deficit.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $228 million (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 4% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $2,160 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 40% (1995 est.) industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1993)
Labor force: 32,013 (1990 est.) by occupation: agriculture 70% (1995 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $44 millionexpenditures: $86 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1995 est.)
Industries: tourism, fishing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 6,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 231 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper
Exports: $20.3 million (f.o.b., FY93/94) commodities: squash, vanilla, fish, root crops, coconut oil partners: Japan 59%, US 14%, Australia 6%, NZ 6% (FY93/94)
Imports: $57.8 million (c.i.f., FY93/94) commodities: food products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, fuels, chemicals partners: NZ 44%, Australia 22%, US 8%, Japan 7% (FY93/94)
External debt: $48.4 million (FY93/94)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 pa'anga (T$) = 100 seniti
Exchange rates: pa'anga (T$) per US$1 - 1.2753 (December 1995), 1.2709 (1995), 1.3202 (1994), 1.3841 (1993), 1.3471 (1992), 1.2961 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 432 km paved: 280 km unpaved: 152 km (1987 est.)
Ports: Neiafu, Nuku'alofa, Pangai
Merchant marine:total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,990 GRT/14,884 DWTships by type: cargo 1, liquefied gas tanker 2, roll-on/roll-offcargo 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 6with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 2with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 3,500 (1986 est.)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 66,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0
Televisions: 1,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Tonga Defense Services, Maritime Division, Royal TonganMarines, Tongan Royal Guards, Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Trinidad and Tobago —————————-
Map —-
Location: 11 00 N, 61 00 W — Caribbean, islands between theCaribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Flag ——
Description: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from theupper hoist side
Geography ————-
Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and theNorth Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 61 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 5,130 sq kmland area: 5,130 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Delaware
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 362 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 nmcontinental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continentalmarginexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December)
Terrain: mostly plains with some hills and low mountains lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt
Land use:arable land: 14%permanent crops: 17%meadows and pastures: 2%forest and woodland: 44%other: 23%
Irrigated land: 220 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: water pollution from agricultural chemicals,industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches;deforestation; soil erosionnatural hazards: outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropicalstormsinternational agreements: party to - Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation,Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83,Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity
People ———
Population: 1,272,385 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 30% (male 193,134; female 186,649)15-64 years: 64% (male 413,426; female 404,175)65 years and over: 6% (male 33,791; female 41,210) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.08% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 16.25 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -8.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 18.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.3 years male: 67.91 years female: 72.77 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian
Ethnic divisions: black 43%, East Indian (a local term - primarilyimmigrants from northern India) 40%, mixed 14%, white 1%, Chinese1%, other 1%
Religions: Roman Catholic 32.2%, Hindu 24.3%, Anglican 14.4%,other Protestant 14%, Muslim 6%, none or unknown 9.1%
Languages: English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 97.9%male: 98.8%female: 97%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobagoconventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago
Data code: TD
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Port-of-Spain
Administrative divisions: 8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1ward**; Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, SaintAndrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*,Tobago**, Victoria
Independence: 31 August 1962 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962)
Constitution: 1 August 1976
Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Noor Mohammed HASSANALI (since 18 March1987) was elected by an electoral college of members of the Senateand House of Representativeshead of government: Prime Minister Basdeo PANDAY (since 9 November1995) was appointed from among the members of Parliamentcabinet: Cabinet was appointed from among the members of Parliament
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of a 31-member body appointed by the president House of Representatives: elections last held 6 November 1995 (next to be held by December 2001); results - PNM 52%, UNC 42.2%, NAR 5.2%; seats - (36 total) PNM 17, UNC 17, NAR 2; the UNC formed a coalition with the NAR
Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders: People's National Movement (PNM),Patrick MANNING; United National Congress (UNC), Basdeo PANDAY;National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), A. N. R. ROBINSON;Movement for Social Transformation (MOTION), David ABDULLAH;National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal DAAGA; RepublicanParty, Nello MITCHELL; National Development Party (NDP), CarsonCHARLES; Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), Hulsie BHAGGAN
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CCC,CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU,LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UNU, UPU,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Corinne Averille McKNIGHTchancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130consulate(s) general: New York
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Brian J. DONNELLYembassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spainmailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spaintelephone: [1] (809) 622-6372 through 6376, 6176FAX: [1] (809) 628-5462
Flag: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upperhoist side
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Trinidad and Tobago's oil- and petrochemical-dependent economy enjoys a high per capita income, although living standards have declined since the boom years of 1973-82. The country managed to record a second successive year of economic growth in 1995, the first period of substantial expansion since the early 1980s. A broad economic reform program, including the floating of the exchange rate, trade and capital market liberalization, and an extensive privatization program by the previous administration has left the incoming PANDAY government in a relatively sound economic position. Trinidad and Tobago's economic prospects continue to depend heavily on world petroleum prices, however, and further progress toward diversification will be an important challenge in the medium term.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $16.2 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 3.5% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $12,100 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 4.8% industry: 44.5% services: 50.7% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (1995)
Labor force: 404,500by occupation: construction and utilities 13%, manufacturing,mining, and quarrying 14%, agriculture 11%, services 62% (1993 est.)
Unemployment rate: 17.8% (December 1995)
Budget:revenues: $1.65 billionexpenditures: $1.61 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1996 est.)
Industries: petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing,cement, beverage, cotton textiles
Industrial production growth rate: 1% (1994 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 1,150,000 kW production: 3.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,740 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: cocoa, sugarcane, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables;poultry
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugsdestined for the US and Europe and producer of cannabis
Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, steel products, fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus, flowers partners: US 48%, Caricom countries15%, Latin America 9%, EU 5% (1994)
Imports: $996 million (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, live animals partners: US 47.7%, Venezuela 10%, UK 8.3%, other EU 8% (1994)
External debt: $2 billion (1994)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $10 million (1993)
Currency: 1 Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TT$) per US$1 - 5.9412 (January 1996), 5.9192 (1995), 5.9249 (1994), 5.3511 (1993), 4.2500 (fixed rate 1989-1992); note - effective 13 April 1993, the exchange rate of the TT$ is market-determined as opposed to the prior fixed relationship to the US dollar
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:note: minimal agricultural railroad system near San Fernando;railway service was discontinued in 1968
Highways: total: 8,352 km paved: 3,978 km unpaved: 4,374 km (1987 est.)
Pipelines: crude oil 1,032 km; petroleum products 19 km; naturalgas 904 km
Ports: Pointe-a-Pierre, Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain,Scarborough, Tembladora
Merchant marine:total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,928 GRT/5,571 DWTships by type: cargo 1, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 5with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 2with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 170,000 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: excellent international service; good localservicedomestic: NAinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (AtlanticOcean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 0
Radios: 700,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 5 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 400,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (includes GroundForces, Coast Guard, and Air Wing), Trinidad and Tobago PoliceService
Manpower availability:males age 15-49: 351,835males fit for military service: 252,532 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $83 million, NA%of GDP (1994)
======================================================================
@Tromelin Island ———————-
(possession of France)
Map —-
Location: 15 52 S, 54 25 E — Southern Africa, island in theIndian Ocean, east of Madagascar
Flag ——
Description: the flag of France is used
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east ofMadagascar
Geographic coordinates: 15 52 S, 54 25 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 1 sq kmland area: 1 sq kmcomparative area: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall inWashington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 3.7 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 12 nmcontinental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claimed by Madagascar, Mauritius, andSeychelles
Climate: tropical
Terrain: sandy lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 7 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 0%other: 100% (scattered bushes)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA
Geographic note: climatologically important location forforecasting cyclones; wildlife sanctuary
People ———
Population: uninhabited
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Tromelin Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Tromelin
Data code: TE
Type of government: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion
Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion
Independence: none (possession of France)
Flag: the flag of France is used
Economy ———-
Economic overview: no economic activity
Transportation ———————
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Communications note: important meteorological station
Defense ———-
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France
======================================================================
@Tunisia ———-
Map —-
Location: 34 00 N, 9 00 E — Northern Africa, bordering theMediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya
Flag ——
Description: red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
Geography ————-
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea,between Algeria and Libya
Geographic coordinates: 34 00 N, 9 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 163,610 sq kmland area: 155,360 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Georgia
Land boundaries: total: 1,424 km border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km
Coastline: 1,148 km
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Libya; land boundary dispute with Algeria settled in 1993; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration
Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south
Terrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m highest point: Jabal ash Shanabi 1,544 m
Natural resources: petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc,salt
Land use:arable land: 20%permanent crops: 10%meadows and pastures: 19%forest and woodland: 4%other: 47%
Irrigated land: 2,750 sq km (1989)
Environment:current issues: toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffectiveand presents human health risks; water pollution from raw sewage;limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing;soil erosion; desertificationnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Lawof the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation
Geographic note: strategic location in central Mediterranean
People ———
Population: 9,019,687 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 34% (male 1,583,636; female 1,489,784)15-64 years: 61% (male 2,738,013; female 2,719,998)65 years and over: 5% (male 254,403; female 233,853) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.81% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 24.03 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.18 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.08 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.09 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 35.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.6 years male: 71.27 years female: 74.03 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.92 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Tunisian(s) adjective: Tunisian
Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish less than 1%
Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish 1%
Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce),French (commerce)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 66.7%male: 78.6%female: 54.6%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Tunisiaconventional short form: Tunisialocal long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyahlocal short form: Tunis
Data code: TS
Type of government: republic
Capital: Tunis
Administrative divisions: 23 governorates; Beja, Ben Arous,Bizerte, Gabes, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kebili,L'Ariana, Le Kef, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sidi BouZid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, Zaghouan
Independence: 20 March 1956 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 20 March (1956)
Constitution: 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988
Legal system: based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November1987) was reelected for a five-year term by universal suffrage;election last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results- President Zine El Abidine BEN ALI was reelected without oppositionhead of government: Prime Minister Hamed KAROUI (since 26 September1989) was appointed by the presidentcabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president
Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Nuwaab): elections last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - RCD 97.7%, MDS 1.0%, others 1.3%; seats - (163 total) RCD 144, MDS 10, others 9; note - the government changed the electoral code to guarantee that the opposition won seats
Judicial branch: Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation)
Political parties and leaders: Constitutional Democratic RallyParty (RCD), President BEN ALI (official ruling party); Movement ofDemocratic Socialists (MDS), Mohammed MOUAADA; five other politicalparties are legal, including the Communist Party
Other political or pressure groups: the Islamic fundamentalistparty, An Nahda (Rebirth), is outlawed
International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB,AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, BSEC (observer), CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAS(observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNAMIR, UNCRO, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Azzouz ENNAIFER chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Ann CASEY embassy: 144 Avenue de la Liberte, 1002 Tunis-Belvedere mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [216] (1) 782-566 FAX: [216] (1) 789-719
Flag: red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Detailed governmental control of economic affairs has gradually lessened over the past decade, including increasing privatization of trade and commerce, simplification of the tax structure, and a cautious approach to debt. Real growth has averaged 4.2% in 1991-95, and inflation has been moderate. Growth in tourism and IMF support have been key elements in this solid record. Drought, especially in the south, held back GDP growth in 1995. Further privatization and further improvements in government administrative efficiency are among the challenges for the future.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $37.1 billion (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 4.4% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $4,250 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 30% services: 55% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.5% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 2.917 million (1993 est.)by occupation: services 55%, industry 23%, agriculture 22% (1995est.)note: shortage of skilled labor
Unemployment rate: 16.2% (1993 est.)
Budget:revenues: $4.3 billionexpenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures to $NA(1993 est.)
Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and ironore), tourism, textiles, footwear, food, beverages
Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1989)
Electricity: capacity: 1,410,000 kW production: 5.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 595 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: olives, dates, oranges, almonds, grain, sugar beets,grapes; poultry, beef, dairy products
Exports: $4.7 billion (f.o.b., 1994)commodities: hydrocarbons, agricultural products, phosphates andchemicalspartners: EU countries 75%, Middle East 10%, Algeria 2%, India 2%,US 1%
Imports: $6.6 billion (c.i.f., 1994)commodities: industrial goods and equipment 57%, hydrocarbons 13%,food 12%, consumer goodspartners: EU countries 70%, US 5%, Middle East 2%, Japan 2%,Switzerland 1%, Algeria 1%
External debt: $7.7 billion (1993 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $221 million (1993)
Currency: 1 Tunisian dinar (TD) = 1,000 millimes
Exchange rates: Tunisian dinars (TD) per US$1 - 0.9635 (January 1996), 0.9458 (1995), 1.0116 (1994), 1.0037 (1993), 0.8844 (1992), 0.9246 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 2,260 kmstandard gauge: 492 km 1.435-m gaugenarrow gauge: 1,758 km 1.000-m gaugedual gauge: 10 km 1.000-m and 1.435-m gauges (1993 est.)
Highways:total: 29,183 kmpaved: 17,510 km (including 52 km of expressways)unpaved: 11,673 km (1989 est.)
Pipelines: crude oil 797 km; petroleum products 86 km; natural gas742 km
Ports: Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Zarzis
Merchant marine:total: 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 125,840 GRT/164,277 DWTships by type: bulk 6, cargo 4, chemical tanker 3, oil tanker 2,roll-on/roll-off cargo 3, short-sea passenger 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 29with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 6with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3with paved runways under 914 m: 6with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 6 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 233,000 (1987 est.)
Telephone system: the system is above the African average; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis domestic: trunk facilities consist of open-wire lines, coaxial cable, and microwave radio relay international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat with back-up control station; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel
Radio broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 8, shortwave 0
Radios: 1,693,527 (1991 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 19
Televisions: 670,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, NationalGuard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,354,513 males fit for military service: 1,349,728 males reach military age (20) annually: 91,866 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $535 million, 2.8% of GDP (1995)
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@Turkey ———
Map —-
Location: 39 00 N, 35 00 E — Southwestern Asia (that part west of the Bosporus is sometimes included with Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Flag ——
Description: red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening
Geography ————-
Location: Southwestern Asia (that part west of the Bosporus issometimes included with Europe), bordering the Black Sea, betweenBulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and theMediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria
Geographic coordinates: 39 00 N, 35 00 E
Map references: Middle East
Area:total area: 780,580 sq kmland area: 770,760 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Texas
Land boundaries:total: 2,627 kmborder countries: Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km,Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 331 km, Syria 822 km
Coastline: 7,200 km
Maritime claims:exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only - to the maritimeboundary agreed upon with the former USSRterritorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea,; 12 nm in the Black Sea andin the Mediterranean Sea
International disputes: complex maritime, air and territorial disputes with Greece in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question; Hatay question with Syria; dispute with downstream riparians (Syria and Iraq) over water development plans for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Climate: temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior
Terrain: mostly mountains; narrow coastal plain; high central plateau (Anatolia) lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m
Natural resources: antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper,borate, sulfur, iron ore
Land use:arable land: 30%permanent crops: 4%meadows and pastures: 12%forest and woodland: 26%other: 28%
Irrigated land: 22,200 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: water pollution from dumping of chemicals anddetergents; air pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestationnatural hazards: very severe earthquakes, especially in northernTurkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Vaninternational agreements: party to - Air Pollution, HazardousWastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity,Desertification, Environmental Modification
Geographic note: strategic location controlling the TurkishStraits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black andAegean Seas
People ———
Population: 62,484,478 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 32% (male 10,192,195; female 9,836,045)15-64 years: 62% (male 19,859,717; female 19,187,769)65 years and over: 6% (male 1,571,451; female 1,837,301) (July 1996est.)
Population growth rate: 1.67% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 22.26 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.52 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: 1.04 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.02 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 43.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.92 years male: 69.53 years female: 74.43 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.58 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Turk(s) adjective: Turkish
Ethnic divisions: Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20%
Religions: Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (Christian andJews)
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 82.3%male: 91.7%female: 72.4%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Turkeyconventional short form: Turkeylocal long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyetilocal short form: Turkiye
Data code: TU
Type of government: republican parliamentary democracy
Capital: Ankara
Administrative divisions: 79 provinces (iller, singular - il);Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya,Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik,Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum,Denizli, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir,Gazi Antep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Iggdir,Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahraman Maras, Karabuk, Karaman, Kars,Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kilis, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli,Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir,Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanli Urfa, Siirt, Sinop,Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yalova,Yozgat, Zonguldaknote: Karabuk, Kilis, and Yalova are three new Turkish provincesmentioned in the 24 December 1995 election results
Independence: 29 October 1923 (successor state to the OttomanEmpire)
National holiday: Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic,29 October (1923)
Constitution: 7 November 1982
Legal system: derived from various continental legal systems; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Suleyman DEMIREL (since 16 May 1993) waselected for a seven-year term by the National Assemblyhead of government: Prime Minister Mesut YILMAZ (since 12 March1996) and Deputy Prime Minister Nahit MENTESE (since 12 March 1996)were appointed by the presidentNational Security Council: advisory body to the president and thecabinetcabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president onnomination of the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameralGrand National Assembly of Turkey: (Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi)elections last held 24 December 1995 (next to be held by December2000); results - RP 21.38%, DYP 19.18%, ANAP 19.65%, DSP 14.64%, CHP10.71%, independent 0.48%; seats - 550 total) RP 158, DYP 135, ANAP133, DSP 75, CHP 49note: seats held by various parties are subject to change due todefections, creation of new parties, and ouster or death of sittingdeputies; current seats by party are as follows: RP 158, DYP 135,ANAP 126, DSP 75, CHP 49, BBP 7
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, judges appointed by thepresident; Court of Appeals, judges are elected by the SupremeCouncil of Judges and Prosecutors
Political parties and leaders: True Path Party (DYP), TansuCILLER; Motherland Party (ANAP), Mesut YILMAZ; Welfare Party (RP),Necmettin ERBAKAN; Democratic Left Party (DSP), Bulent ECEVIT;Nationalist Action Party (MHP), Alparslan TURKES; New Party (YP),Yusuf Bozkurt OZAL; Republican People's Party (CHP), Deniz BAYKAL;Workers' Party (IP), Dogu PERINCEK; Nation Party (MP), AykutEDIBALI; Democrat Party (DP), Murat UZMAN; Grand Unity Party (BBP),Muhsin YAZICIOGLU; Rebirth Party (YDP), Hasan Celal GUZEL; People'sDemocracy Party (HADEP), Murat BOZLAK; Main Path Party (ANAYOL),Gurcan BASER; Democratic Target Party (DHP), Abdulkadir Yasar TURK;Liberal Party (LP), Besim TIBUK; New Democracy Movement (YDH), CemBOYNER; Labor Party (EP), Abdullah Levent TUZER; Democracy and PeaceParty (DBP), Refik KARAKOC; Freedom and Solidarity Praty (ODP), UfukURAS
Other political or pressure groups: Turkish Confederation of Labor(Turk-Is), Bayram MERAL; Confederation of Revolutionary WorkersUnions (DISK), Ridvan BUDAK; Moral Rights Workers Union (Hak-Is),Salim USLU; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association(TUSIAD), Halis KOMILI; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce andCommodity Exchanges (TOBB), Ali Osman ULUSOY; Turkish Confederationof Employers' Unions (TISK), Refik BAYDUR; IndependentIndustrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD), Erol YARAR
International organization participation: AsDB, BIS, BSEC, CCC,CE, CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE, ECO, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC,NATO, NEA, OECD, OIC, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR,UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nuzhet KANDEMIR chancery: 1714 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 659-8200 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc GROSSMAN embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Ankara mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823 telephone: [90] (312) 468-6110 FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019 consulate(s) general: Istanbul consulate(s): Adana
Flag: red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The Turkish economy consists of a mixture, on the one hand, of modern industry and commerce, and, on the other hand, of time-honored village agriculture and crafts. Since World War II, it has become increasingly integrated into the West European economic arena, for example, as a member of OECD. The economy has improved significantly since the 1994 crisis, when the economy experienced a sharp drop and inflation hit triple digits. The crisis - sparked by the downgrading in January 1994 of Turkey's international credit rating by two US rating agencies - stemmed from years of loose monetary and fiscal policies that had exacerbated inflation and allowed the public debt, money supply, and current account deficit to explode. In April 1994, then Prime Minister CILLER introduced a stabilization package that paved the way for a $950 million IMF standby loan. However, because the government missed key macroeconomic targets in 1995 and the December national election produced months of political wrangling, the IMF put the agreement - and release of remaining funds - on hold. The new center-right minority government that finally has emerged will find it difficult to balance the need for new austerity measures and tough structural reforms with the pressure for continued buoyant growth. Ankara is also likely to face internal opposition to policies it must implement as part of the Turkey-EU customs union agreement - which came into force on 1 January 1996 - because many industries are unfit for EU competition and much-needed revenues will decline with the elimination of import tariffs and surcharges. Meanwhile, Ankara's heavy debt repayment schedule in 1996 makes it necessary for Turkish leaders to bolster the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $345.7 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6.8% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $5,500 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 15.5% industry: 33.2% services: 51.3% (1994)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 94% (1995)
Labor force: 20.9 million by occupation: agriculture 46%, services 31%, industry 23% note: about 1.5 million Turks work abroad (1994)
Unemployment rate: 10.2% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $30.2 billionexpenditures: $35 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.8billion (1995)
Industries: textiles, food processing, mining (coal, chromite,copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper
Industrial production growth rate: 8.8% (1995)
Electricity: capacity: 18,710,000 kW production: 71 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,079 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulses, citrus; livestock
Illicit drugs: major transit route for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish to Western Europe and the US via air, land, and sea routes; major Turkish, Iranian, and other international trafficking organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert imported morphine base into heroin are in remote regions of Turkey as well as near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate
Exports: $20.7 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: textiles and apparel 37%, steel products 12%, fruitsand vegetables 11% (1994)partners: Germany 22%, Russia 8%, US 8%, Italy 6% (1994)
Imports: $32.6 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: machinery 25%, fuels 17%, raw materials 11%, foodstuffs5% (1994)partners: Germany 16%, US 10%, Italy 9%, Russia 8% (1994)
External debt: $73.8 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $195 million (1993)note: aid for Gulf war efforts from coalition allies (1991), $4.1billion; aid pledged for Turkish Defense Fund, $2.5 billion
Currency: Turkish lira (TL)
Exchange rates: Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 60,502.1 (January 1996), 45,845.1 (1995), 29,608.7 (1994), 10,984.6 (1993), 6,872.4 (1992), 4,171.8 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: total: 10,386 km standard gauge: 10,386 km 1.435-m gauge (1,088 km electrified)
Highways:total: 386,704 kmpaved: 45,683 km (including 862 km of expressways)unpaved: 341,021 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: about 1,200 km
Pipelines: crude oil 1,738 km; petroleum products 2,321 km;natural gas 708 km
Ports: Gemlik, Hopa, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Izmit, Mersin,Samsun, Trabzon
Merchant marine:total: 465 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,509,741GRT/9,494,434 DWTships by type: bulk 139, cargo 212, chemical tanker 18, combinationbulk 7, combination ore/oil 12, container 2, liquefied gas tanker 4,livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 43, passenger-cargo 1, refrigeratedcargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 15, short-sea passenger 7,specialized tanker 2note: Turkey owns an additional 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over)totaling 247,369 DWT operating under the registries of Malta,Panama, Libya, and Greece (1995 est.)