Manpower availability:males age 15-49: 69,302,573males fit for military service: NAmales reach military age (18) annually: 1,864,580 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: $272.2 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1995 est.)
======================================================================
@Uruguay ———-
Map —-
Location: 33 00 S, 56 00 W — Southern South America, borderingthe South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil
Flag ——
Description: nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy
Geography ————-
Location: Southern South America, bordering the South AtlanticOcean, between Argentina and Brazil
Geographic coordinates: 33 00 S, 56 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total area: 176,220 sq kmland area: 173,620 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Washington State
Land boundaries: total: 1,564 km border countries: Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km
Coastline: 660 km
Maritime claims:continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationterritorial sea: 200 nm; overflight and navigation guaranteed beyond12 nm
International disputes: short section of boundary with Argentina is in dispute; two short sections of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute - Arroyo de la Invernada (Arroio Invernada) area of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the Uruguay River
Climate: warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown
Terrain: mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastallowlandlowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 mhighest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m
Natural resources: fertile soil, hydropower potential, minorminerals
Land use:arable land: 8%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 78%forest and woodland: 4%other: 10%
Irrigated land: 1,100 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: substantial pollution from Brazilian industry alongborder; one-fifth of country affected by acid rain generated byBrazil; water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry;inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposalnatural hazards: seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly andoccasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentinepampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains,which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularlyvulnerable to rapid changes in weather frontsinternational agreements: party to - Antarctic-EnvironmentalProtocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, EndangeredSpecies, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Marine Dumping, Marine LifeConservation
People ———
Population: 3,238,952 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 24% (male 405,041; female 386,155)15-64 years: 63% (male 1,004,089; female 1,035,336)65 years and over: 13% (male 170,109; female 238,222) (July 1996est.)
Population growth rate: 0.7% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 17.02 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 9.05 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.95 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.94 years male: 71.8 years female: 78.25 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.32 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Uruguayan(s) adjective: Uruguayan
Ethnic divisions: white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%
Religions: Roman Catholic 66% (less than one-half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%
Languages: Spanish, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on theBrazilian frontier)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 97.3%male: 96.9%female: 97.7%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguayconventional short form: Uruguaylocal long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguaylocal short form: Uruguay
Data code: UY
Type of government: republic
Capital: Montevideo
Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres
Independence: 25 August 1828 (from Brazil)
National holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1828)
Constitution: 27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980
Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Julio MariaSANGUINETTI (since 1 March 1995) and Vice President Hugo BATALLA(since 1 March 1995) were elected for five-year terms by popularvote; election last held 27 November 1994 (next to be held NANovember 1999)cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president
Legislative branch: bicameral General Assembly (Asamblea General)Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 27November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1999); results - Colorado36%, Blanco 34 %, Encuentro Progresista 27%, New Sector 3%; seats -(30 total) Colorado 11, Blanco 10, Encuentro Progresista 8, NewSector 1Chamber of Representatives (Camara de Representantes): electionslast held 27 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1999);results - Colorado 32%, Blanco 31%, Encuentro Progresista 31%, NewSector 5%; seats - (99 total) Colorado 32, Blanco 31, EncuentroProgresista 31, New Sector 5
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are nominated by thepresident and elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly
Political parties and leaders: National (Blanco) Party, AlbertoVOLONTE Berro; Colorado Party, Jorge BATLLE; Broad Front Coalition,12 member Executive Secretariat (as of 11 March 1996); New SectorCoalition, Hugo BATALLA; Encuentro Progresista (EP), Tabare VAZQUEZ
International organization participation: AG (observer), CCC,ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD,IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG,UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP,UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNOMIL, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alvaro DIEZ DE MEDINA SUAREZ chancery: 1918 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, and New York
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas J. DODD embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo mailing address: APO AA 34035 telephone: [598] (2) 23 60 61, 48 77 77 FAX: [598] (2) 48 86 11
Flag: nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Uruguay's small economy benefits from a favorable climate for agriculture and substantial hydropower potential. Economic development has been restrained in recent years by high - though declining - inflation and extensive government regulation. The SANGUINETTI government's conservative monetary and fiscal policies are aimed at continuing to reduce inflation, currently at 35.4%; other priorities include extensive reform of the social security system and increased investment in education. Uruguay went into recession during second quarter 1995 and ended the year with an estimated 2% fall in GDP and a two percentage point rise in unemployment to 11%. This was partly due to Argentina's recession and the slowdown in Brazilian growth in 1995, which contributed to declines in the Uruguayan manufacturing, construction, and service sectors. However, despite its Mercosur (Southern Cone Common Market) partners' troubles, Uruguayan trade expanded and potential new markets are being explored through Mercosur negotiations with neighboring countries and the European Union (EU). Uruguay also recently augmented its transport and agricultural sector ties with the US. The economy is expected to come out of recession as regional growth prospects improve.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $24.4 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: -2.4% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $7,600 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 10.5% industry: 27.5% services: 62% (1994)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35.4% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 1.355 million (1991 est.) by occupation: government 25%, manufacturing 19%, agriculture 11%, commerce 12%, utilities, construction, transport, and communications 12%, other services 21% (1988 est.)
Unemployment rate: 11% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $3.03 billionexpenditures: $3.37 billion with capital expenditures of $NA (1994est.)
Industries: meat processing, wool and hides, sugar, textiles,footwear, leather apparel, tires, cement, petroleum refining, wine
Industrial production growth rate: -19% (1995 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 2,070,000 kW production: 9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,575 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: wheat, rice, corn, sorghum; livestock; fishing
Exports: $2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: wool and textile manufactures, beef and other animalproducts, leather, ricepartners: Brazil, Argentina, US, China, Italy
Imports: $3.1 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.)commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, minerals,plasticspartners: Brazil, Argentina, US, Nigeria
External debt: $4.95 billion (1995)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $91 million (1993)
Currency: 1 Uruguayan peso ($Ur) = 100 centesimos
Exchange rates: Uruguayan pesos ($Ur) per US$1 - 7.12 (January1996), 5.6 (January 1995), 5.0529 (1994), 3.9484 (1993), 3.0270(1992), 2.0188 (1991)note: on 1 March 1993 the former new peso (N$Ur) was replaced asUruguay's unit of currency by the peso which is equal to 1,000 ofthe new pesos
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 2,070 km (461 km closed; additional 460 km only partiallyoperational)standard gauge: 2,070 km 1.435-m gauge
Highways:total: 49,600 kmpaved: 6,656 kmunpaved: 42,944 km (1988 est.)
Waterways: 1,600 km; used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft
Ports: Fray Bentos, Montevideo, Nueva Palmira, Paysandu, Punta delEste
Merchant marine:total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 71,405 GRT/110,939 DWTships by type: cargo 1, container 1, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 66with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 5with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8with paved runways under 914 m: 36with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 451,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system: some modern facilities domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave radio relay network international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 99, FM 0, shortwave 9
Radios: 1.89 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 26
Televisions: 725,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard,Marines), Air Force, Grenadier Guards, Coracero Guard, Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 783,890 males fit for military service: 636,454 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $256 million, 1.5% of GDP (1994)
======================================================================
@Uzbekistan —————
Map —-
Location: 41 00 N, 64 00 E — Central Asia, north of Afghanistan
Flag ——
Description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a crescent moon and 12 stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant
Geography ————-
Location: Central Asia, north of Afghanistan
Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 64 00 E
Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States
Area:total area: 447,400 sq kmland area: 425,400 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than California
Land boundaries:total: 6,221 kmborder countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km
Coastline: 0 kmnote: Uzbekistan borders the Aral Sea (420 km)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: none
Climate: mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east
Terrain: mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya and Sirdaryo; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west lowest point: Saryqamish Kuli -12 m highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m
Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium,silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum
Land use:arable land: 10%permanent crops: 1%meadows and pastures: 47%forest and woodland: 0%other: 42%
Irrigated land: 41,550 sq km (1990)
Environment:current issues: drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growingconcentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; thesesubstances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed andcontribute to desertification; water pollution from industrialwastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the causeof many human health disorders; increasing soil salinization; soilcontamination from agricultural chemicals, including DDTnatural hazards: NAinternational agreements: party to - Climate Change,Desertification, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection;signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity
Geographic note: landlocked
People ———
Population: 23,418,381 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 4,732,585; female 4,618,503)15-64 years: 55% (male 6,441,052; female 6,540,479)65 years and over: 5% (male 416,571; female 669,191) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.87% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 29.86 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 8.02 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 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: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 79.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.6 years male: 60.44 years female: 68.97 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Uzbek(s) adjective: Uzbek
Ethnic divisions: Uzbek 71.4%, Russian 8.3%, Tajik 4.7%, Kazak4.1%, Tatar 2.4%, Karakalpak 2.1%, other 7%
Religions: Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other3%
Languages: Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.)total population: 97%male: 98%female: 96%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistanconventional short form: Uzbekistanlocal long form: Uzbekiston Respublikasilocal short form: noneformer: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic
Data code: UZ
Type of government: republic
Capital: Tashkent (Toshkent)
Administrative divisions: 12 wiloyatlar (singular - wiloyat), 1 autonomous republic* (respublikasi), and 1 city** (shahri); Andijon Wiloyati, Bukhoro Wiloyati, Jizzakh Wiloyati, Farghona Wiloyati, Qoraqalpoghiston* (Nukus), Qashqadaryo Wiloyati (Qarshi), Khorazm Wiloyati (Urganch), Namangan Wiloyati, Nawoiy Wiloyati, Samarqand Wiloyati, Sirdaryo Wiloyati (Guliston), Surkhondaryo Wiloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri**, Toshkent Wiloyati note: an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)
Independence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National holiday: Independence Day, 1 September (1991)
Constitution: new constitution adopted 8 December 1992
Legal system: evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks independent judicial system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March 1990, whenhe was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet) was elected fora five-year term by popular vote; election last held 29 December1991 (next to be held NA 2000); results - Islam KARIMOV 86%,Mukhammad SOLIKH 12%, other 2%; note - the 26 March 1995 referendumextended KARIMOV's term until 2000 (99.6% approval)head of government: Prime Minister Otkir SULTONOV (since December1995), First Deputy Prime Minister Ismoil JURABEKOV (since NA),Deputy Prime Ministers Viktor CHIZHEN (since NA), Bakhtiyor HAMIDOV(since NA), Kayim HAQQULOV (since NA), Rim GINIYATULLIN (since NA),Saidmukhtor SAIDQOSIMOV (since NA), Mirabror USMONOV (since NA),Murat SHARIFKHOJAYEV (since NA), Uktam ISMAILOV (since NA), RustamYUNUSOV (since NA) were appointed by the presidentcabinet: Cabinet of Ministers was appointed by the president withapproval of the Supreme Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameralSupreme Assembly (Oliy Majlis): elections last held 25 December 1994(next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA;seats - (250 total) People's Democratic Party 207, FatherlandProgress Party 12, other 31; note - final runoffs were held 22January 1995; seating was as follows: People's Democratic Party 69,Fatherland Progress Party 14, Social Democratic Party 47, localgovernment 120
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are nominated by thepresident and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly
Political parties and leaders: People's Democratic Party (PDP;formerly Communist Party), Islom A. KARIMOV, chairman; FatherlandProgress Party (FPP), Anwar YULDASHEV, chairman; Social DemocraticParty, Anvar JORABAYEV, chairman
Other political or pressure groups: Birlik (Unity) People'sMovement (BPM), Ibrahim BURIYEV, chairman; Islamic Rebirth Party(IRP), Abdullah UTAYEV, chairman; Erk (Freedom) Democratic Party wasbanned 9 December 1992note: UTAYEV (IRP) is either in prison or in exile
International organization participation: AsDB, CCC, CIS, EBRD,ECE, ECO, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF,Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NACC, NAM, OIC (observer), OSCE, PFP, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Fatiq TESHABAYEVchancery: (temporary) Suites 619 and 623, 1511 K Street NW,Washington, DC 20005telephone: [1] (202) 638-4266, 4267FAX: [1] (202) 638-4268
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Stanley T. ESCUDEROembassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkentmailing address: use embassy street addresstelephone: [7] (3712) 77-14-07, 77-10-81, 77-69-86FAX: [7] (3712) 89-13-35
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a crescent moon and 12 stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 10% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. It was one of the poorest republics of the former Soviet Union with more than 60% of its population living in overpopulated rural communities. At the same time, Uzbekistan is the world's third largest cotton exporter, a major producer of gold and natural gas, and a regionally significant producer of chemicals and machinery. Following independence, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. Faced with high rates of inflation, however, the government stepped up the pace of reform in mid-1994, by introducing tighter monetary policies, expanding privatization, reducing the role of the state in the economy, and improving the environment for foreign investors. Nevertheless, the state continues to be a dominating influence in the economy, and reforms have so far failed to induce far-reaching structural changes.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $54.7 billion (1995 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994)
GDP real growth rate: -1% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $2,370 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.7% monthly average(January-October 1995 est.)
Labor force: 8.234 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 43%, industry and construction 22%, other 35% (1992)
Unemployment rate: 0.4% includes only officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployed workers (December 1995)
Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Industries: textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, natural gas
Industrial production growth rate: 0% (1995 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 11,690,000 kW production: 47.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,130 kWh (1994)
Agriculture: cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock
Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; government eradication programs; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe
Exports: $3.1 billion (1995)commodities: cotton, gold, natural gas, mineral fertilizers, ferrousmetals, textiles, food productspartners: Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, US
Imports: $2.9 billion (1995)commodities: grain, machinery and parts, consumer durables, otherfoodspartners: principally other FSU countries, Czech Republic
External debt: $1.285 billion (of which $510 million to Russia)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $71 million (1993)note: commitments, $2,915 million ($135 million in disbursements)(1992-95)
Currency: introduced provisional som-coupons 10 November 1993which circulated parallel to the Russian rubles; became the solelegal currency 31 January 1994; was replaced in July 1994 by the somcurrency
Exchange rates: soms per US$1 - 35.8 (end December 1995), 25(yearend 1994)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 3,460 km in common carrier service; does not includeindustrial linesbroad gauge: 3,460 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)
Highways:total: 78,400 kmpaved: NA kmunpaved: NA km (1990 est.)
Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas810 km (1992)
Ports: Termiz
Airports:total: 261with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 14with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8with paved runways under 914 m: 5with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 7with unpaved runways under 914 m: 216 (1994 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 1.458 million (1995 est.)
Telephone system: poorly developed domestic: NMT-450 analog cellular network established in Tashkent international: linked by landline or microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; new Intelsat links to Tokyo and Ankara give Uzbekistan international access independent of Russian facilities; satellite earth stations - NA Orbita and NA Intelsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA; note - there is at least one state-owned broadcast station of NA type
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 2
Televisions: NA
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense, Security Forces (internal andborder troops), National Guard
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 5,672,621 males fit for military service: 4,623,960 males reach military age (18) annually: 231,293 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: 164 million soms, 3.7% of GDP (1993); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results
======================================================================
@Vanuatu ———-
Map —-
Location: 16 00 S, 167 00 E — Oceania, group of islands in theSouth Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii toAustralia
Flag ——
Description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow
Geography ————-
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Geographic coordinates: 16 00 S, 167 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:total area: 14,760 sq kmland area: 14,760 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Connecticutnote: includes more than 80 islands
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 2,528 km
Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claims Matthew and Hunter Islands east ofNew Caledonia
Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds
Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Tabwemasana 1,877 m
Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Land use:arable land: 1%permanent crops: 5%meadows and pastures: 2%forest and woodland: 1%other: 91%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: a majority of the population does not have access toa potable and reliable supply of waternatural hazards: tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April);volcanism causes minor earthquakesinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea
People ———
Population: 177,504 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 36,409; female 35,105)15-64 years: 57% (male 51,969; female 48,901)65 years and over: 3% (male 2,802; female 2,318) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.17% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 30.57 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 8.84 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: 1.06 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.21 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.06 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 64.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 60.13 years male: 58.27 years female: 62.09 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.01 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)adjective: Ni-Vanuatu
Ethnic divisions: indigenous Melanesian 94%, French 4%,Vietnamese, Chinese, Pacific Islanders
Religions: Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Catholic 15%,indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church ofChrist 3.8%, other 15.7%
Languages: English (official), French (official), pidgin (known asBislama or Bichelama)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1979 est.)total population: 53%male: 57%female: 48%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu conventional short form: Vanuatu former: New Hebrides
Data code: NH
Type of government: republic
Capital: Port-Vila
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma,Shefa, Tafea, Torba
Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Constitution: 30 July 1980
Legal system: unified system being created from former dual French and British systems
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Jean Marie LEYE (since 2 March 1994) waselected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting ofParliament and the presidents of the regional councilshead of government: Prime Minister Maxime Carlot KORMAN (since 23February 1996) was elected by Parliament from among its members;Deputy Prime Minister Donald KALPOKAS (since 23 February 1996) wasappointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament;note - Prime Minister VOHOR resigned 7 February 1996 when faced witha no-confidence vote in Parliament; Parliament then convened anextraordinary session and voted 30 to 20 to elect Maxime CarlotKORMAN as the new prime ministercabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister,responsible to Parliament
Legislative branch: unicameralParliament: elections last held 30 November 1995 (next to be held NANovember 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (50total) UMP 17, VP 14, NUP 9, MPP 5, TU 2, Na-Griamel Movement 1,Friend Melanesian Party 1, independent 1; note - after the election,a coalition was formed by the Union of Moderate Parties and theNational United Party to form a new government on 14 December 1995,but political party associations are fluidnote: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of customand land
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chief justice is appointed by thepresident after consultation with the prime minister and the leaderof the opposition, three other justices are appointed by thepresident on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission
Political parties and leaders: Union of Moderate Parties (UMP),Serge VOHOR; National United Party (NUP), Walter LINI; Unity Front(UF) includes the Vanuatu Party (VP), Donald KALPOKAS, MelanesianProgressive Party (MPP), Barak SOPE, Tan Union (TU), VincentBOULEKONE, and the Na-Griamel Movement, Frankie STEVENS; FriendMelanesian Party, leader NA; People's Democratic Party (PDP), SethyREGENVANU; Independence Front (IF), Patrick CROWBY
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C,ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO,Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US: Vanuatu does not have an embassyin the US
US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy inVanuatu; the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu
Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides a living for the bulk of the population. Fishing and tourism are the other mainstays of the economy, with 43,000 visitors in 1992. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $210 million (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,220 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 66,597 (1989 est.) by occupation: agriculture 65%, services 32%, industry 3% (1995 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $74.8 millionexpenditures: $76.1 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1994 est.)
Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
Industrial production growth rate: 3.4% (1993 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 17,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 181 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables; fish
Exports: $24.6 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, coffee partners: EU 32%, Japan 29%, Australia 11%, New Caledonia 7% (1993)
Imports: $78.6 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machines and vehicles, food and beverages, basic manufactures, raw materials and fuels, chemicals partners: Australia 41%, France 15%, NZ 11%, Japan 9%, Fiji 6% (1992)
External debt: $38.2 million (yearend 1993)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 vatu (VT) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: vatu (VT) per US$1 - 114.40 (January 1996), 112.11 (1995), 116.41 (1994), 121.58 (1993), 113.39 (1992), 111.68 (1991)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,021 km paved: 238 km unpaved: 783 km (1987 est.)
Ports: Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)
Merchant marine:total: 112 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,587,286GRT/2,173,970 DWTships by type: bulk 38, cargo 29, chemical tanker 3, combinationbulk 1, container 3, liquefied gas tanker 5, livestock carrier 1,oil tanker 6, refrigerated cargo 16, vehicle carrier 10note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 20countries among which are Japan 37, US 19, Netherlands 10, Greece 6,Hong Kong 6, China 4, Canada 4, UAE 3, Russia 2, and Australia 2(1995 est.)
Airports:total: 31with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 17with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 3,000 (1987 est.)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 0 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 2,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF;includes the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force or VMF)
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Venezuela ————-
Map —-
Location: 8 00 N, 66 00 W — Northern South America, bordering theCaribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia andGuyana
Flag ——
Description: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of seven white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band
Geography ————-
Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea andthe North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana
Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 66 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total area: 912,050 sq kmland area: 882,050 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California
Land boundaries: total: 4,993 km border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km
Coastline: 2,800 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 15 nmcontinental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River; maritime boundary dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of ======================================================================
@Vietnam ———-
Map —-
Location: 16 00 N, 106 00 E — Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, between China and Cambodia
Flag ——
Description: red with a large yellow five-pointed star in thecenter
Geography ————-
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulfof Tonkin, and South China Sea, between China and Cambodia
Geographic coordinates: 16 00 N, 106 00 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area:total area: 329,560 sq kmland area: 325,360 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries: total: 3,818 km border countries: Cambodia 982 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 1,555 km
Coastline: 3,444 km (excludes islands)
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 nmcontinental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental marginexclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: maritime boundary with Cambodia not defined; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and possibly Brunei; unresolved maritime boundary with Thailand; maritime boundary dispute with China in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands in the South China Sea occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; offshore islands and sections of boundary with Cambodia are in dispute
Climate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)
Terrain: low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwest lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Ngoc Linh 3,143 m
Natural resources: phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate,offshore oil deposits, forests
Land use:arable land: 22%permanent crops: 2%meadows and pastures: 1%forest and woodland: 40%other: 35%
Irrigated land: 18,300 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practicesare contributing to deforestation; soil degradation; water pollutionand overfishing threatening marine life populations; inadequatesupplies of potable water because of groundwater contaminationnatural hazards: occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensivefloodinginternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea,Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but notratified - Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban
People ———
Population: 73,976,973 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 36% (male 13,739,304; female 12,988,929)15-64 years: 59% (male 20,956,735; female 22,448,944)65 years and over: 5% (male 1,548,513; female 2,294,548) (July 1996est.)
Population growth rate: 1.57% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 6.95 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 38.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.02 years male: 64.69 years female: 69.48 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)adjective: Vietnamese
Ethnic divisions: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese 3%, Muong, Thai,Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham
Religions: Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs,Islam, Protestant
Languages: Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English, Khmer,tribal languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 93.7%male: 96.5%female: 91.2%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnamconventional short form: Vietnamlocal long form: Cong Hoa Chu Nghia Viet Namlocal short form: Viet Namabbreviation: SRV
Data code: VM
Type of government: Communist state
Capital: Hanoi
Administrative divisions: 50 provinces (tinh, singular andplural), 3 municipalities* (thu do, singular and plural); An Giang,Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Thai, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho,Cao Bang, Dac Lac, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Bac, Ha Giang,Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hai Hung, Hai Phong*, Ho Chi Minh*, HoaBinh, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son,Lao Cai, Long An, Minh Hai, Nam Ha, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan,Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam-Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh,Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, ThanhHoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long,Vinh Phu, Yen Bai
Independence: 2 September 1945 (from France)
National holiday: Independence Day, 2 September (1945)
Constitution: 15 April 1992
Legal system: based on communist legal theory and French civil law system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Le Duc ANH (since 23 September 1992) waselected for a five-year term by the National Assembly from among itsmembershead of government: Prime Minister Vo Van KIET (since 9 August 1991)was appointed by the president from among the members of theNational Assembly; First Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since10 August 1991) and Deputy Prime Ministers Nguyen KHANH (since NAFebruary 1987) and Tran Duc LUONG (since NA February 1987) wereappointed by the prime ministercabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president on proposal of theprime minister and ratification of the National Assembly
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi): elections last held 19 July 1992 (next to be held NA July 1997); results - CPV is the only party; seats - (395 total) CPV or CPV-approved 395
Judicial branch: Supreme People's Court, chief justice is elected for a five-year term by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president
Political parties and leaders: only party - Communist Party ofVietnam (CPV), DO MUOI, general secretary
International organization participation: ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC,ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,Mekong Group, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interimLe Van BANGchancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, Suite 501telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737FAX: [1] (202) 861-0917note: on 11 July 1995, President CLINTON announced the normalizationof diplomatic relations with Vietnam; the liaison offices in bothcountries were upgraded to full embassies on 5 August 1995
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires L. DesaixANDERSONembassy: 7 Lang Ha Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoimailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002telephone: [84] (4) 431500FAX: [84] (4) 350484note: on 11 July 1995, President CLINTON announced the normalizationof diplomatic relations with Vietnam; the liaison offices in bothcountries were upgraded to full embassies on 5 August 1995
Flag: red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Vietnam's economic performance has been impressive in 1990-95, with real growth averaging over 8% annually. Much of this growth comes from a surge in foreign investment outlays which are estimated at $750 million in 1995, up 50% from 1993 levels. Utilization rates for official development assistance are also increasing, rising to an estimated $535 million in 1995. Foreign capital is contributing to a boom in commercial construction and strong growth in services and industrial output. Crude oil remains the country's largest single export but now accounts for only one-quarter of total exports, slightly more than manufactures. Imports are dominated by capital and intermediate goods closely related to investment outlays. Vietnamese authorities may not be moving quickly enough to establish the financial and legal infrastructure needed to sustain growth through the remainder of the decade. Reform of the banking sector is proceeding slowly, raising concerns that the country will be unable to tap sufficient domestic savings to maintain rapid growth. Administrative and legal barriers are leading to costly delays for foreign investors, raising doubts about Vietnam's ability to maintain the inflow of foreign capital. While government officials are leading an effort to accelerate reform, their continuing ideological bias in favor of state intervention and control of the economy may slow progress toward a more liberalized investment environment. Even with the strong growth of the economy, unemployment at 25% remains a major problem.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $97 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 9.5% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,300 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 28% industry: 28% services: 44% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% (1995)
Labor force: 32.7 million by occupation: agricultural 65%, industrial and service 35% (1990 est.)
Unemployment rate: 25% (1995 est.)
Budget:revenues: $4.67 billionexpenditures: $5 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.36billion (1995 est.)
Industries: food processing, textiles, machine building, mining,cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil
Industrial production growth rate: 14% (1995 est.)
Electricity: capacity: 4,470,000 kW production: 20 billion kWh consumption per capita: 200 kWh (1995 est.)
Agriculture: paddy rice, corn, potatoes, rubber, soybeans, coffee,tea, bananas; poultry, pigs; fish catch of 943,100 metric tons (1989est.)
Illicit drugs: opium producer and increasingly important transitpoint for Southeast Asian heroin destined for the US and Europe;growing opium addiction; possible small-scale heroin production
Exports: $5.3 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: crude oil, rice, marine products, coffee, rubber, tea,and garmentspartners: Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, South Korea
Imports: $7.5 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)commodities: petroleum products, machinery and equipment, steelproducts, fertilizer, raw cotton, grainpartners: Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan
External debt: $7.3 billion Western countries; $4.5 billion CEMAdebts primarily to Russia; $9 billion to $18 billion nonconvertibledebt (former CEMA, Iraq, Iran)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $57 million (1993)note: $2.31 billion in credits and grants pledged by internationaldonors for 1996
Currency: 1 new dong (D) = 100 xu
Exchange rates: new dong (D) per US$1 - 11,193 (1995 average), 11,000 (October 1994), 10,800 (November 1993), 8,100 (July 1991), 7,280 (December 1990), 3,996 (March 1990)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 2,835 km (in addition, there are 224 km not restored toservice after war damage)standard gauge: 151 km 1.435-m gaugenarrow gauge: 2,454 km 1.000-m gaugeother gauge: 230 km NA-m dual gauge (three rails)
Highways: total: 105,000 km paved: 10,500 km unpaved: 94,500 km (1993 est.)
Waterways: 17,702 km navigable; more than 5,149 km navigable at all times by vessels up to 1.8 m draft
Pipelines: petroleum products 150 km
Ports: Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Hon Gai, Qui Nhon, NhaTrang
Merchant marine:total: 112 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 569,269 GRT/947,938 DWTships by type: bulk 3, cargo 95, oil tanker 10, refrigerated cargo3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1note: Vietnam owns an additional 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over)totaling 120,320 DWT operating under the registries of Honduras,Panama, The Bahamas, and Malta (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 48with paved runways over 3 047 m: 8with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 5with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 13with paved runways under 914 m: 7with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5with unpaved runways under 914 m: 5 (1994 est.)
Communications ———————