Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 5.691 million (1992 est.)
Telephone system: highly developed, technologically advanced, andcompletely automated domestic and international telephone andtelegraph facilitiesdomestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cablenetwork; limited microwave radio relay networkinternational: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 39, shortwave 0
Radios: 100,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 32 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 3,315,662 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,571,588 males fit for military service: 2,135,375 males reach military age (19) annually: 61,986 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, 1.7% of GDP (1995)
======================================================================
@Belize ———
Map —-
Location: 17 15 N, 88 45 W — Middle America, bordering theCaribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Flag ——
Description: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland
Geography ————-
Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, betweenGuatemala and Mexico
Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 45 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total area: 22,960 sq kmland area: 22,800 sq kmcomparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts
Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km
Coastline: 386 km
Maritime claims:exclusive economic zone: 200 nmterritorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - fromthe mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize'sterritorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act,1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework forthe negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differenceswith Guatemala
International disputes: border with Guatemala in dispute; talks toresolve the dispute are stalled
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May toFebruary)
Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish
Land use:arable land: 2%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 2%forest and woodland: 44%other: 52%
Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: deforestation; water pollution from sewage,industrial effluents, agricultural runoffnatural hazards: frequent, devastating hurricanes (September toDecember) and coastal flooding (especially in south)international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Whaling
Geographic note: national capital moved 80 km inland from BelizeCity to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in CentralAmerica without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
People ———
Population: 219,296 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 43% (male 48,291; female 46,451)15-64 years: 53% (male 59,132; female 57,498)65 years and over: 4% (male 3,881; female 4,043) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.42% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 32.8 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.89 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: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 33.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.53 years male: 66.58 years female: 70.58 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.12 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean
Ethnic divisions: mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8%
Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980)
Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib)
Literacy: age 14 and over has ever attended school (1991 est.)total population: 70.3%male: 70.3%female: 70.3%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras
Data code: BH
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal,Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Constitution: 21 September 1981
Legal system: English law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), ahereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General Sir ColvilleYOUNG (since 17 November 1993), who, according to the constitution,must be a Belizean; was appointed by the queenhead of government: Prime Minister Manuel ESQUIVEL (since July 1993)was appointed by the governor general; Deputy Prime Minister DeanBARROW (since NA 1993)cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the adviceof the prime minister
Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: consists of an eight-member appointed body; five members are appointed on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one after consultation with the Belize Advisory Council (this council serves as an independent body to advise the governor general with respect to difficult decisions such as granting pardons, commutations, stays of execution, the removal of justices of appeal who appear to be incompetent, etc.) National Assembly: elections last held 30 June 1993 (next to be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 13 UDP 15
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed bythe governor general on advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), GeorgePRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP),Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; National Alliance forBelizean Rights, Philip GOLDSON
Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion ofEducation and Research (SPEAR), Assad SHOMAN; United Workers Front,leader NA
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB,ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC,IOM (observer), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Dean R. LINDOchancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888consulate(s) general: Los Angelesconsulate(s): New York
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador George Charles BRUNOembassy: Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize Citymailing address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City; APO: Unit 7401, APO AA34025telephone: [501] (2) 77161 through 77163FAX: [501] (2) 30802
Flag: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The small, essentially private enterprise economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $575 million (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $2,750 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: NA services: NA (1995 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 51,500by occupation: agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%,commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3%note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel(1985)
Unemployment rate: 10% (1993 est.)
Budget:revenues: $126.8 millionexpenditures: $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of$44.8 million (FY90/91 est.)
Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism,construction
Industrial production growth rate: 3.7% (1990)
Electricity: capacity: 34,532 kW production: 110 million kWh consumption per capita: 490 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane; lumber; fish, cultured shrimp
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine; an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center
Exports: $115 million (f.o.b., 1993)commodities: sugar, citrus fruits, bananas, clothing, fish products,molasses, woodpartners: US 38%, UK, other EC (1994)
Imports: $281 million (c.i.f., 1993)commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food,manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticalspartners: US 53%, UK, other EC, Mexico (1994)
External debt: $167.5 million (1992)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,560 km paved: 336 km unpaved: 2,224 km (1987 est.)
Waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable
Ports: Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda
Merchant marine:total: 89 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 311,731 GRT/470,272 DWTships by type: bulk 9, cargo 60, container 6, liquefied gas tanker1, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4,specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 (1995 est.)
Airports:total: 35with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with paved runways under 914 m: 25with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 15,917 (1990 est.)
Telephone system: above-average system domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: 27,048 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, Air Force,and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 52,290 males fit for military service: 31,086 males reach military age (18) annually: 2,390 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $8.1 million, NA% of GDP (FY95/96)
======================================================================
@Benin ——-
Map —-
Location: 9 30 N, 2 15 E — Western Africa, bordering the NorthAtlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo
Flag ——
Description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and redwith a vertical green band on the hoist side
Geography ————-
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,between Nigeria and Togo
Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 2 15 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total area: 112,620 sq kmland area: 110,620 sq kmcomparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Land boundaries:total: 1,989 kmborder countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,Togo 644 km
Coastline: 121 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and lowmountainslowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 mhighest point: Mount Tanekas 641 m
Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble,timber
Land use:arable land: 12%permanent crops: 4%meadows and pastures: 4%forest and woodland: 35%other: 45%
Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: recent droughts have severely affected marginalagriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poachingthreatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertificationnatural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north inwinterinternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban,Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Desertification,Law of the Sea
Geographic note: no natural harbors
People ———
Population: 5,709,529 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 48% (male 1,376,531; female 1,367,394)15-64 years: 50% (male 1,349,386; female 1,480,251)65 years and over: 2% (male 60,030; female 75,937) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.32% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 46.76 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 13.53 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.95 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 105.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.69 years male: 50.74 years female: 54.7 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.64 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Beninese (singular and plural)adjective: Beninese
Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most importantbeing Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500
Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%
Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 37%male: 48.7%female: 25.8%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local long form: Republique du Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey
Data code: BN
Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991
Capital: Porto-Novo
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique,Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou
Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990)
Constitution: 2 December 1990
Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state and head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU(since 4 April 1996) was elected for a five-year term by popularvote; election last held 18 March 1996 (next to be held March 2001);results - Mathieu KEREKOU 52.49%, Nicephore SOGLO 47.51%cabinet: Executive Council, appointed by the president
Legislative branch: unicameralNational Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 28March 1995 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by partyNA; seats - (83 total) Renaissance Party and allies 20, PRD 19,FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 7, NCC 3, RDL-VIVOTEN 3, Communist Party 2,Alliance Chameleon 1, RDP 1, ADP 1, other 16
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: as of February 1996, more than 80 political parties were officially recognized; the following are represented in the National Assembly: Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Action for Renewal and Development (FARD-ALAFIA), Mathieu KEREKOU; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Alliance Chameleon; Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Adekpedjon AKINDES; Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Communist Party of Benin, Pascal FATONDJI, First Secretary; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP); The Renaissance Party, Nicephore SOGLO
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA,ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM,OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU,WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in US:chief of mission: Ambassador Lucien Edgar TONOUKOUINchancery: 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656, 6657, 6658FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John M. YATES embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92 FAX: [229] 30-14-39, 30-19-74
Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with avertical green band on the hoist side
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output, which had averaged a sound 4% in 1990-94, rose to 6% in 1995. Rapid population growth, now 3.3% per year, offset much of this growth in output. Inflation jumped to 55% in 1994 (compared to 3% in 1993) following the 50% currency devaluation in January 1994, but subsided gradually in 1995. Commercial and transport activities, which make up 37% of GDP, are extremely vulnerable to developments in Nigeria as evidenced by decreased reexport trade in 1994 due to a severe contraction in Nigerian demand. Support by the Paris Club and official bilateral creditors has eased the external debt situation in recent years. The government, still burdened with money-losing state enterprises and a bloated civil service, has been gradually implementing a World Bank supported structural adjustment program since 1991.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.6 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $1,380 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 36.8% industry: 12.6% services: 50.6% (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 55% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 1.9 million (1987) by occupation: agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $272 million (1993 est.)expenditures: $375 million, including capital expenditures of $84million (1993 est.)
Industries: textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; constructionmaterials, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 10 million kWh consumption per capita: 25 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice,cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for narcotics associated withNigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined forWestern Europe and the US
Exports: $310 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa partners: France, Morocco 37%, Portugal 14%, Spain, Italy, UK, US, Libya
Imports: $439 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 24%, Thailand 12%, Netherlands 7%, US 5%, China, Hong Kong
External debt: $1.5 billion (1993 est.)
Economic aid:recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992),282.11 (1991)note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation ———————
Railways:total: 578 km (single track) (1995 est.)narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge
Highways: total: 6,070 km paved: 1,214 km unpaved: 4,856 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally
Ports: Cotonou, Porto-Novo
Merchant marine: none
Airports:total: 5with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 16,200 (1986 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: fair system of open wire and microwave radio relayinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (AtlanticOcean); submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 2
Televisions: 20,000 (1993 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), NationalGendarmerie
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,212,440 females age 15-49: 1,290,773 males fit for military service: 620,923 females fit for military service: 653,094 males reach military age (18) annually: 62,526 females reach military age (18) annually: 60,968 (1996 est.) note: both sexes are liable for military service
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $33 million, 3.2% of GDP (1994)
======================================================================
@Bermuda ———-
(dependent territory of the UK)
Map —-
Location: 32 20 N, 64 45 W — North America, group of islands inthe North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US)
Flag ——
Description: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
Geography ————-
Location: North America, group of islands in the North AtlanticOcean, east of North Carolina (US)
Geographic coordinates: 32 20 N, 64 45 W
Map references: North America
Area:total area: 50 sq kmland area: 50 sq kmcomparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 103 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m
Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 0%forest and woodland: 20%other: 80%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment:current issues: NAnatural hazards: hurricanes (June to November)international agreements: NA
Geographic note: consists of about 360 small coral islands with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some reclaimed land leased by US Government
People ———
Population: 62,099 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 0.76% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 7.3 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.13 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: 13.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.03 years male: 73.36 years female: 76.97 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian
Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39%
Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28%
Languages: English
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.)total population: 98%male: 98%female: 99%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda
Data code: BD
Type of government: dependent territory of the UK
Capital: Hamilton
Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*;Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*,Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick
Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution: 8 June 1968
Legal system: English law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by GovernorLord David WADDINGTON (since 25 August 1992), who was appointed bythe queenhead of government: Premier David SAUL (since 25 August 1995) wasappointed by the governor; Deputy Premier Jerome DILL (since 1September 1995)cabinet: Cabinet was nominated by the premier, appointed by thegovernor
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of an 11-member body appointed by the governor House of Assembly: elections last held 5 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998); results - UBP 50%, PLP 46%, independents 4%; seats - (40 total) UBP 22, PLP 18
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), DavidSAUL; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; NationalLiberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL
Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union(BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONS
International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CCC,ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of theUK)
US diplomatic representation:chief of mission: Ambassador Robert A. FARMERconsulate general(s): Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire,Hamiltonmailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American ConsulateGeneral Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5300telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592
Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
Economy ———-
Economic overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda's economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian's fear of scaring away foreign firms. Hurricane Felix, which hit Bermuda twice over three days, caused an estimated $2.5 million in damages in August of 1995.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.7 billion (1994 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.5% (1994 est.)
GDP per capita: $28,000 (1994 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 33,650 (1992) by occupation: clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984)
Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $327.5 millionexpenditures: $308.9 million, including capital expenditures of$35.4 million (FY90/91 est.)
Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products,paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 140,000 kW production: 504 million kWh consumption per capita: 7,745 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products
Exports: $60 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities: semitropical produce, light manufactures, reexports ofpharmaceuticalspartners: US 62.4%, UK 20%
Imports: $519 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: fuel, foodstuffs, machinery partners: US 38%, UK 5%, Canada 5%
External debt: $NA
Economic aid: $NA
Currency: 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: 208 kmpaved: 208 kmunpaved: 0 km (1986 est.)note: in addition, there are 400 km of paved and unpaved roads thatare privately owned
Ports: Hamilton, Saint George
Merchant marine:total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,146,693 GRT/5,007,242DWTships by type: bulk 10, cargo 3, container 7, liquefied gas tanker16, oil tanker 16, refrigerated cargo 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4,short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 11countries among which are UK 17, US 13, Canada 10, Norway 9, Nigeria4, Sweden 3, Hong Kong 2, Syria 2, Mexico 1, and NZ 1 (1995 est.)
Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 54,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone systeminternational: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: 78,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2
Televisions: 57,000 (1992 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda ReserveConstabulary
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
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@Bhutan ———
Map —-
Location: 27 30 N, 90 30 E — Southern Asia, between China andIndia
Flag ——
Description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side
Geography ————-
Location: Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E
Map references: Asia
Area:total area: 47,000 sq kmland area: 47,000 sq kmcomparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana
Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: none
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hotsummers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers inHimalayas
Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savannalowest point: Dangme Chu 97 mhighest point: Khula Kangri I 7,553 m
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide
Land use:arable land: 2%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 5%forest and woodland: 70%other: 23%
Irrigated land: 340 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable waternatural hazards: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas arethe source of the country's name which translates as Land of theThunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy seasoninternational agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
Geographic note: landlocked; strategic location between China andIndia; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes
People ———
Population: 1,822,625 (July 1996 est.)note: other estimates range as low as 600,000
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 378,407; female 351,146)15-64 years: 56% (male 524,972; female 496,715)65 years and over: 4% (male 36,304; female 35,081) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.32% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 38.48 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 15.28 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: 1.08 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.04 male(s)/femaleall ages: 1.06 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 116.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 51.46 years male: 51.96 years female: 50.93 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.33 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality:noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)adjective: Bhutanese
Ethnic divisions: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous ormigrant tribes 15%
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influencedHinduism 25%
Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetandialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 42.2%male: 56.2%female: 28.1%
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan
Data code: BT
Type of government: monarchy; special treaty relationship withIndia
Capital: Thimphu
Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular andplural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi,Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar,Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India)
National holiday: National Day, 17 December (1907) (UgyenWangchuck became first hereditary king)
Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rightsnote: Bhutan uses 1953 Royal decree for the Constitution of theNational Assembly
Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections
Executive branch:Chief of State and Head of Government (Druk Gyalpo): King JigmeSingye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) is a hereditary monarchRoyal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde): was nominated by the kingcabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) was appointed bythe king
Legislative branch: unicameralNational Assembly (Tshogdu): members serve for three years; seats -(150 total, 105 elected from village constituencies, 12 representreligious bodies, and 33 designated by the king to representgovernment and other secular interests)
Judicial branch: the Supreme Court of Appeal is the king; HighCourt, judges appointed by the king
Political parties and leaders: no legal parties
Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy; Indianmerchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militantantigovernment campaign
International organization participation: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO,G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO
Diplomatic representation in US: none; note - Bhutan has aPermanent Mission to the UN, headed by Ugyen TSERING; address: 2United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1](212) 826-1919; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consularjurisdiction in the USconsulate(s) general: New Yorkhonorary consulate(s): San Francisco; Washington, DC
US diplomatic representation: the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)
Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side
Economy ———-
Economic overview: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about half of GDP. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to 4,000 per year to minimize foreign influence. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare but growth continues to be constrained by the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. Growth picked up in 1995 and the country's balance of payments remained strong with comfortable reserves. The cautious fiscal stance planned for FY95/96 suggests continued economic stability in 1996. However, excessive controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $730 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.6% (FY94/95 est.)
Labor force: NAby occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%note: massive lack of skilled labor
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $52 millionexpenditures: $150 million, including capital expenditures of $95million (FY93/94 est.)note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths ofBhutan's budget expenditures
Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholicbeverages, calcium carbide
Industrial production growth rate: 7.6% (1992 est.)
Electricity:capacity: 360,000 kWproduction: 1.7 billion kWhconsumption per capita: 143 kWh (1993)note: Bhutan exports electricity to India
Agriculture: rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairyproducts, eggs
Exports: $70.9 million (f.o.b., FY94/95 est.)commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit,electricity (to India), precious stones, spicespartners: India 94%, Bangladesh
Imports: $113.6 million (c.i.f., FY94/95 est.)commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts,vehicles, fabrics, ricepartners: India 77%, Japan, UK, Germany, US
External debt: $141 million (October 1994)
Economic aid:recipient: $NA
Currency: 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency isalso legal tender
Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 35.766 (January 1996), 32.427 (1995), 31.374 (1994), 30.493 (1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742 (1991); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee
Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
Transportation ———————
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,296 km paved: 416 km unpaved: 880 km (1988 est.)
Ports: none
Airports:total: 2with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)
Communications ———————
Telephones: 4,620 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with very fewtelephones in useinternational: international telephone and telegraph service is bylandline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1990)
Radios: 23,000 (1989 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0 (1990 est.)
Televisions: 200 (1985 est.)
Defense ———-
Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 444,875 males fit for military service: 237,529 males reach military age (18) annually: 17,634 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
======================================================================
@Bolivia ———-
Map —-
Location: 17 00 S, 65 00 W — Central South America, southwest ofBrazil
Flag ——
Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band
Geography ————-
Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Geographic coordinates: 17 00 S, 65 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total area: 1,098,580 sq kmland area: 1,084,390 sq kmcomparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Land boundaries:total: 6,743 kmborder countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km,Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
International disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights
Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m highest point: Cerro Illimani 6,882 m
Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten,antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber
Land use:arable land: 3%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures: 25%forest and woodland: 52%other: 20%
Irrigated land: 1,650 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:current issues: the clearing of land for agricultural purposes andthe international demand for tropical timber are contributing todeforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivationmethods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies usedfor drinking and irrigationnatural hazards: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle toefficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by thoseunaccustomed to it from birth; flooding in the northeast(March-April)international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, TropicalTimber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes,Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
Geographic note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca,world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
People ———
Population: 7,165,257 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 39% (male 1,422,313; female 1,390,885)15-64 years: 56% (male 1,959,989; female 2,042,135)65 years and over: 5% (male 153,111; female 196,824) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.82% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 32.37 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 10.75 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -3.41 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: 0.96 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/femaleall ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 67.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.81 years male: 56.94 years female: 62.82 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian
Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed European and Indian ancestry) 25%-30%, European 5%-15%
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara(official)
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)total population: 83.1%male: 90.5%female: 76%
Government —————
Name of country:conventional long form: Republic of Boliviaconventional short form: Bolivialocal long form: Republica de Bolivialocal short form: Bolivia
Data code: BL
Type of government: republic
Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)
Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija
Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825)
Constitution: 2 February 1967
Legal system: based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21years of age, universal and compulsory (single)