Disputes-international: dispute with Tanzania over the boundary inLake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)
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@Malaysia:Geography
Location: Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Geographic coordinates: 2 30 N, 112 30 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 329,750 sq km land: 328,550 sq km water: 1,200 sq km
Area-comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries: total: 2,669 km border countries: Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km
Coastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast(October to February) monsoons
Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Kinabalu 4,100 m
Natural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite
Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 12% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 68% other: 17% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 3,400 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: flooding, landslides
Environment-current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires
Environment-international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography-note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
@Malaysia:People
Population: 20,932,901 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 36% (male 3,832,040; female 3,635,136) 15-64 years: 60% (male 6,314,693; female 6,324,389) 65 years and over: 4% (male 359,006; female 467,637) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.11% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 26.5 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 5.36 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 22.45 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.36 years male: 67.35 years female: 73.56 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.37 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian
Ethnic groups: Malay and other indigenous 58%, Chinese 26%, Indian 7%, others 9%
Religions: Peninsular Malaysia-Muslim (Malays), Buddhist (Chinese),Hindu (Indians); Sabah-Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45%;Sarawak-tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim20%, Christian 16%, other 5%
Languages: Peninsular Malaysia-Malay (official), English, Chinesedialects, Tamil; Sabah-English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects,Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate); Sarawak-English,Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 83.5% male: 89.1% female: 78.1% (1995 est.)
@Malaysia:Government
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia former: Malayan Union
Data code: MY
Government type: constitutional monarchy note: Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states-hereditary rulers in all but Melaka and Penang, where governors are appointed by Malaysian Government; powers of state governments are limited by the federal constitution; Sabah-self-governing state, holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak-self-governing state, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government
National capital: Kuala Lumpur
Administrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular-negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular-wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan* note: the city of Kuala Lumpur is located within the federal territory of Wilayah Persekutuan; the terms therefore are not interchangeable
Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK)
National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957)
Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963
Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Paramount Ruler TUANKU JA'AFAR ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1994) and Deputy Paramount Ruler Sultan TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisammuddin Alam Shah (since 26 April 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister ANWAR bin Ibrahim (since 1 December 1993) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament with consent of the paramount ruler elections: paramount ruler and deputy paramount ruler elected by and from the hereditary rulers of nine of the states for five-year terms; election last held 4 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins a plurality of seats in the House of Representatives becomes prime minister election results: TUANKU JA'AFAR ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman elected paramount ruler; Sultan TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisammuddin Alam Shah elected deputy paramount ruler
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament or Parlimen consists of the Senate or Dewan Negara (69 seats; 43 appointed by the paramount ruler, 26 elected by the state legislatures; elected members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (192 seats; members elected by popular vote directly weighted toward the rural Malay population to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate-last held NA April 1995 (next to be held by 2000); House of Representatives-last held 24-25 April 1995 (next to be held by 2000) election results: Senate-percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-NA; House of Representatives-percent of vote by party-National Front 63%, other 37%; seats by party-National Front 162, DAP 9, PBS 8, PAS 7, Spirit of '46 6
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the paramount ruler
Political parties and leaders:Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 politicalparties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNOBaru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LINGLiong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian IndianCongress (MIC), S. Samy VELLU; major opposition parties are PartiIslam SeMalaysia (PAS), Ustaz Fadzil Mohamed NOOR and the DemocraticAction Party (DAP), LIM Kit SiangSabah: National Front, dominated by the UMNO; Sabah Progressive Party(SAPP), Datuk YONG Teck Lee; Parti Democratic Sabah (PDS), BernardDOMPOK; Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Datuk Joseph KURUPSarawak: National Front, composed of the Party Pesaka BumiputraBersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak UnitedPeople's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar Stephen YONG Kuat Tze; SarawakNational Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa DayakSarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition party is DemocraticAction Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siangnote: subsequent to the election, the following parties weredissolved-Spirit of '46 (Semangat '46), Tengku Tan Sri RAZALEIGH,president, and Sabah United Party (Parti Bersatu Sabah, PBS), DatukSeri Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan
International organization participation: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC,CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol,IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUA, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNOMIL, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador DALI Mahmud Hashim chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-2700 FAX: [1] (202) 483-7661 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John R. MALOTT embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur or American Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152 telephone: [60] (3) 248-9011 FAX: [60] (3) 242-2207
Flag description: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US
@Malaysia:Economy
Economy-overview: After decades of high GDP growth, Malaysia's economy-shaken by the ongoing regional financial crisis in 1997/98-is forecast by the government to grow only 4%-5% in 1998; private forecasts project the growth rate could be as low as 2%. The sharp decline in local currency and stock markets forced Kuala Lumpur to announce tough cost-cutting measures-on top of a contractionary budget-to further reduce the current account deficit to 3% of GDP in 1998 from 5.5% in 1997. To achieve this goal, Kuala Lumpur will cut government spending by 20% and continue to slash big-ticket imports and defer large-scale infrastructure projects. Government austerity and slower growth mean increased unemployment and higher interest rates that will bite into corporate earnings.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$227 billion (1997 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 7.4% (1997 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$11,100 (1997 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 45% services: 41% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 36% (1996)
Labor force: total: 8.398 million (1996 est.) by occupation: manufacturing 25%, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 21%, local trade and tourism 17%, services 12%, government 11%, construction 8% (1996)
Unemployment rate: 2.6% (1996 est.)
Budget: revenues: $22.6 billion expenditures: $22 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.3 billion (1996 est.)
Industries: Peninsular Malaysia-rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber; Sabah-logging, petroleum production; Sarawak-agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging
Industrial production growth rate: 14.4% (1995)
Electricity-capacity: 7.83 million kW (1995)
Electricity-production: 42 billion kWh (1995)
Electricity-consumption per capita: 2,132 kWh (1995)
Agriculture-products: Peninsular Malaysia-natural rubber, palm oil, rice; Sabah-subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconut, rice; Sarawak-rubber, pepper; timber
Exports: total value: $78.2 billion (1996) commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, palm oil, wood and wood products, rubber, textiles partners: US 21%, Singapore 20%, Japan 12%, Hong Kong 5%, UK 4%, Thailand 4%, Germany 3% (1995)
Imports: total value: $78.4 billion (1996) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, food partners: Japan 27%, US 16%, Singapore 12%, Taiwan 5%, Germany 4%, South Korea 4% (1995)
Debt-external: $27.5 billion (1995 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $45 million (1993)
Currency: 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen
Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1-4.3985 (January 1998), 2.8133 (1997), 2.5159 (1996), 2.5044 (1995), 2.6243 (1994), 2.5741 (1993)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications
Telephones: 2,550,957 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: international service good domestic: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations international: submarine cables to India, Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: 8.08 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 33
Televisions: 2 million (1993 est.)
@Malaysia:Transportation
Railways: total: 1,648 km narrow gauge: 1,648 km 1.000-m gauge (148 km electrified)
Highways: total: 94,500 km paved: 70,970 km (including 580 km of expressways) unpaved: 23,530 km (1996 est.)
Waterways: 7,296 km (Peninsular Malaysia 3,209 km, Sabah 1,569 km,Sarawak 2,518 km)
Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km
Ports and harbors: Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat,Labuan, Lahad Datu, Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Dickson,Port Kelang, Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjong Berhala, Tanjong Kidurong, Tawau
Merchant marine: total: 359 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,586,576 GRT/6,747,771 DWT ships by type: bulk 57, cargo 132, chemical tanker 23, container 48, liquefied gas tanker 17, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 63, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 8 (1997 est.)
Airports: 114 (1997 est.)
Airports-with paved runways: total: 33 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 7 (1997 est.)
Airports-with unpaved runways: total: 81 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 72 (1997 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1997 est.)
@Malaysia:Military
Military branches: Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, RoyalMalaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police,Sarawak Border Scouts
Military manpower-military age: 21 years of age
Military manpower-availability: males age 15-49: 5,402,322 (1998 est.)
Military manpower-fit for military service: males: 3,274,265 (1998 est.)
Military manpower-reaching military age annually: males: 184,232 (1998 est.)
Military expenditures-dollar figure: $2.5 billion (1997)
Military expenditures-percent of GDP: 2.6% (1997)
@Malaysia:Transnational Issues
Disputes-international: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Sabah State claimed by the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; two islands in dispute with Indonesia
Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going toWestern markets despite severe penalties for drug trafficking
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@Maldives:Geography
Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Geographic coordinates: 3 15 N, 73 00 E
Map references: Asia
Area: total: 300 sq km land: 300 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area-comparative: about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 644 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with India territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November toMarch); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Terrain: flat, with white sandy beaches
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili 24 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 3% forests and woodland: 3% other: 84% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise
Environment-current issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies
Environment-international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea
Geography-note: 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls; archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
@Maldives:People
Population: 290,211 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (male 70,244; female 66,758) 15-64 years: 50% (male 73,784; female 70,539) 65 years and over: 3% (male 4,735; female 4,151) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.42% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 40.12 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 5.96 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 41.12 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.57 years male: 65.87 years female: 69.35 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.84 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality: noun: Maldivian(s) adjective: Maldivian
Ethnic groups: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Religions: Sunni Muslim
Languages: Maldivian Divehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived fromArabic), English spoken by most government officials
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93.2% male: 93.3% female: 93% (1995 est.)
@Maldives:Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Maldives conventional short form: Maldives local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa local short form: Dhivehi Raajje
Data code: MV
Government type: republic
National capital: Male (Maale)
Administrative divisions: 19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and1 other first-order administrative division*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu,Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu,Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani,Thaa, Vaavu
Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Constitution: 4 June 1968
Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Ministry of Atolls appointed by the president; note-need not be members of Majilis elections: president elected by secret ballot of the Majlis for a five-year term; election last held 1 October 1993 (next to be held NA October 1998) election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected; percent of Majlis vote-Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 92.76%
Legislative branch: unicameral Citizens' Council or Majlis (48 seats; 40 elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 2 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999) election results: percent of vote-NA; seats-independents 40
Judicial branch: High Court
Political parties and leaders: although political parties are not banned, none exist
International organization participation: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP,FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, Intelsat(nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: Maldives does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there
Flag description: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
@Maldives:Economy
Economy-overview: Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for about 18% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. About 350,000 tourists visited the islands in 1997. Fishing is a second leading growth sector. The Maldivian Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 15% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is three feet or less above sea level.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$500 million (1997 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 6.2% (1997 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$1,800 (1997 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 22% industry: 15% services: 63% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 6.3% (1996)
Labor force: total: 56,435 (1990 est.) by occupation: fishing industry and agriculture 25%, services 21%, manufacturing and construction 21%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 16%, transportation and communication 10%, other 7%
Unemployment rate: NEGL%
Budget: revenues: $88 million (excluding foreign grants) expenditures: $141 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)
Industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (1994 est.)
Electricity-capacity: 14,000 kW (1995)
Electricity-production: 50 million kWh (1995)
Electricity-consumption per capita: 191 kWh (1995)
Agriculture-products: coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fishing
Exports: total value: $59 million (f.o.b., 1996) commodities: fish, clothing partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore, UK
Imports: total value: $302 million (f.o.b., 1996) commodities: consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products partners: Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand
Debt-external: $179 million (1996 est.)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari
Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1-11.770 (1995-January 1998), 11.586 (1994), 10.957 (1993)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications
Telephones: 8,523 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: minimal domestic and international facilities domestic: inter-atoll communication primarily through HF transceivers and VHF/UHF telephones international: satellite earth station-1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: 28,284 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: 7,309 (1992 est.)
@Maldives:Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km; note-Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city (1988 est.)
Ports and harbors: Gan, Male
Merchant marine: total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 70,703 GRT/108,485 DWT ships by type: cargo 17, container 1, oil tanker 1, short-sea passenger 1 (1997 est.)
Airports: 2 (1997 est.)
Airports-with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (1997 est.)
@Maldives:Military
Military branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force)
Military manpower-availability: males age 15-49: 63,879 (1998 est.)
Military manpower-fit for military service: males: 35,610 (1998 est.)
Military expenditures-dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures-percent of GDP: NA%
@Maldives:Transnational Issues
Disputes-international: none
______________________________________________________________________
@Mali:Geography
Location: Western Africa, southwest of Algeria
Geographic coordinates: 17 00 N, 4 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 1.24 million sq km land: 1.22 million sq km water: 20,000 sq km
Area-comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries: total: 7,243 km border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February
Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Senegal River 23 m highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m
Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited
Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 25% forests and woodland: 6% other: 67% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 780 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts
Environment-current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching
Environment-international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban
Geography-note: landlocked
@Mali:People
Population: 10,108,569 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (male 2,405,624; female 2,383,728) 15-64 years: 49% (male 2,367,538; female 2,628,399) 65 years and over: 4% (male 152,999; female 170,281) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.24% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 49.88 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 19.04 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 1.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 121.72 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.03 years male: 45.67 years female: 48.43 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 7.02 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian
Ethnic groups: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%,Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%
Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 31% male: 39.4% female: 23.1% (1995 est.)
@Mali:Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Mali conventional short form: Mali local long form: Republique de Mali local short form: Mali former: French Sudan
Data code: ML
Government type: republic
National capital: Bamako
Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular-region); Gao,Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou
Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France)
National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22September (1960)
Constitution: adopted 12 January 1992
Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Ibrahima Boubacar KEITA (since March 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 11 May 1997 (next to be held May 2002); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Alpha Oumar KONARE reelected president; percent of vote-Alpha Oumar KONARE 85.15%, Mamadou DIABY 4.09%, other 10.76%
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 20 July and 3 August 1997 (next to be held in two rounds in 2002); note-much of the opposition boycotted the election election results: percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-ADEMA 130, PARENA 8, CDS 4, UDD 3, PDP 2
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA[Ibrahim N'DIAYE, secretary-general]; Party for National Renewal orPARENA [Yoro DIAKITE, chairman; Tiebile DRAME, secretary-general];Democratic and Social Convention or CDS [Mamadou Bakary SANGARE,chairman]; Union for Democracy and Development or UDD [Moussa BallaCOULIBALY, leader]; Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [MeIdrissa TRAORE, leader]; National Congress for Democratic Initiativeor CNID [Mountaga TALL, chairman]; Sudanese Union/African DemocraticRally or US/RDA [Mamadou Bamou TOURE, secretary-general]; Rally forDemocracy and Progress or RDP [Almamy SYLLA, chairman]; Rally forDemocracy and Labor or RDT [Ali GNANGADO, leader]; Union of DemocraticForces for Progress or UFDP [Youssouf TOURE, secretary-general];Movement for the Independence, Renaissance and Integration of Africaor MIRIA [Mohamed Lamine TRAORE, Mouhamedou DICKO, leaders]
Political pressure groups and leaders: United Movement and Fronts ofAzawad or MFUA; Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Kaye or MPGK
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA,ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD,IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUA,NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WAEMU, WCL, WFTU,WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Cheick Oumar DIARRAH chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950 FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David P. RAWSON embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] 22 54 70 FAX: [223] 22 37 12
Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
@Mali:Economy
Economy-overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export. In 1997, the government continued its successful implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform, and the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994, has pushed up economic growth. Several multinational corporations increased gold mining operations in 1996 and the government anticipates that Mali will become a major Sub-Saharan gold exporter in the next few years.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$6 billion (1997 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 6% (1997 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$600 (1997 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 49% industry: 17% services: 34% (1995)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 3% (1997 est.)
Labor force: total: NA by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues: $730 million expenditures: $770 million, including capital expenditures of $320 million (1997 est.)
Industries: minor local consumer goods production and food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining
Industrial production growth rate: 0.6% (1995 est.)
Electricity-capacity: 87,000 kW (1995)
Electricity-production: 290 million kWh (1995)
Electricity-consumption per capita: 31 kWh (1995)
Agriculture-products: cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats
Exports: total value: $473 million (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: cotton, livestock, gold partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe
Imports: total value: $797 million (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, construction materials, petroleum, textiles partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe
Debt-external: $2.8 billion (1995)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1-608.36 (January 1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications
Telephones: 11,000 (1982 est.)
Telephone system: domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service domestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open wire, and radiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radio relay in progress international: satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 1
Radios: 430,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 11,000 (1992 est.)
@Mali:Transportation
Railways: total: 641 km; (linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes) narrow gauge: 641 km 1.000-m gauge (1995)
Highways: total: 15,100 km paved: 1,827 km unpaved: 13,273 km (1996 est.)
Waterways: 1,815 km navigable
Ports and harbors: Koulikoro
Airports: 28 (1997 est.)
Airports-with paved runways: total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (1997 est.)
Airports-with unpaved runways: total: 22 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 10 (1997 est.)
@Mali:Military
Military branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard,National Guard, National Police (Surete Nationale)
Military manpower-availability: males age 15-49: 2,051,976 (1998 est.)
Military manpower-fit for military service: males: 1,174,078 (1998 est.)
Military expenditures-dollar figure: $66 million (1994)
Military expenditures-percent of GDP: 2.2% (1994)
@Mali:Transnational Issues
Disputes-international: none
______________________________________________________________________
@Malta:Geography
Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south ofSicily (Italy)
Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 320 sq km land: 320 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area-comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 140 km
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Dingli Cliffs 245 m
Natural resources: limestone, salt
Land use: arable land: 38% permanent crops: 3% permanent pastures: NA% forests and woodland: NA% other: 59% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment-current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Environment-international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography-note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors
@Malta:People
Population: 379,563 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (male 40,655; female 38,425) 15-64 years: 68% (male 128,958; female 127,391) 65 years and over: 11% (male 18,629; female 25,505) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.58% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 11.73 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 7.35 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 1.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 7.57 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.6 years male: 75.3 years female: 80.05 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.73 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese
Ethnic groups: Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Religions: Roman Catholic 98%
Languages: Maltese (official), English (official)
Literacy: definition: age 10 and over can read and write total population: 88% male: 88% female: 88% (1985)
@Malta:Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: Malta
Data code: MT
Government type: parliamentary democracy
National capital: Valletta
Administrative divisions: none (administered directly from Valletta)
Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974
Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Alfred SANT (since 28 October 1996); Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign and Environment Minister Dr. George VELLA (since 29 October 1996) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held NA April 1994 (next to be held by NA April 1999); following House of Representatives elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term election results: Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI elected president; percent of House of Representatives vote-NA
Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note-additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total: 69 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 26 October 1996 (next to be held by October 2001) election results: percent of vote by party-MLP 50.7%, NP 46.5%; seats by party-NP 34, MLP 31 (MLP 35, NP 34 after adjustment)
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; Court of Appeal, judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party or NP [Edward FENECHADAMI]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT]
International organization participation: C, CCC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE,EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO,IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO(correspondent), ITU, NAM, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mark Anthony MICALLEF chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kathryn Haycock PROFFITT embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Malta mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta telephone: [356] 235960 FAX: [356] 223322
Flag description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
@Malta:Economy
Economy-overview: Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism; the state-owned Malta drydocks employs about 3,800 people. In 1996, approximately 1 million tourists visited the island. Per capita GDP of $12,900 places Malta in the range of the less affluent EU countries. The island is divided politically over the question of joining the EU.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$4.9 billion (1997 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 2.8% (1997 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$12,900 (1997 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 34% services: 61% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 2.3% (1996)
Labor force: total: 148,085 (September 1996) by occupation: public services 34%, other services 32%, manufacturing and construction 22%, agriculture 2% (1996)
Unemployment rate: 3.7% (September 1996)
Budget: revenues: $1.3 billion expenditures: $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $219 million (1997 est.)
Industries: tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity-capacity: 250,000 kW (1994)
Electricity-production: 1.45 billion kWh (1995)
Electricity-consumption per capita: 3,923 kWh (1995)
Agriculture-products: potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Exports: total value: $1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1996) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, clothing and footware, printed matter partners: Italy 32%, Germany 16%, UK 8%
Imports: total value: $2.8 billion (c.i.f., 1996) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 27%, Germany 14%, UK 13%, US 9%
Debt-external: $134 million (1996)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1-0.3960 (January 1998), 0.3857 (1997), 0.3604 (1996), 0.3529 (1995), 0.3776 (1994), 0.3821 (1993)
Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March
Communications
Telephones: 191,876 (1992 est.)
Telephone system: automatic system satisfies normal requirements domestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands international: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station-1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 4, shortwave 0
Radios: 189,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 4 (1996 est.)
Televisions: 300,000 (1996 est.)
@Malta:Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,582 km paved: 1,471 km unpaved: 111 km (1993 est.)
Ports and harbors: Marsaxlokk, Valletta
Merchant marine: total: 1,287 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,396,164 GRT/37,390,720 DWT ships by type: bulk 350, cargo 404, chemical tanker 38, combination bulk 20, combination ore/oil 15, container 55, liquefied gas tanker 1, livestock carrier 2, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 269, passenger 7, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 43, roll-on/roll-off cargo 42, short-sea passenger 17, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 16 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 51 countries among which includes Greece 477, Russia 61, Switzerland 51, Italy 50, Norway 49, Croatia 39, Turkey 38, Germany 30, Georgia 23, and Monaco 23 (1997 est.)
Airports: 1 (1997 est.)
Airports-with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (1997 est.)
@Malta:Military
Military branches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force
Military manpower-availability: males age 15-49: 99,066 (1998 est.)
Military manpower-fit for military service: males: 78,805 (1998 est.)
Military expenditures-dollar figure: $65.5 million (FY96/97)
Military expenditures-percent of GDP: 2.7% (FY96/97)
@Malta:Transnational Issues
Disputes-international: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration
Illicit drugs: minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
______________________________________________________________________
(British crown dependency)
@Man, Isle of:Geography
Location: Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between GreatBritain and Ireland
Geographic coordinates: 54 15 N, 4 30 W
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 588 sq km land: 588 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area-comparative: slightly more than three times the size ofWashington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 113 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time
Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 620 m
Natural resources: lead, iron ore
Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% permanent pastures: NA% forests and woodland: NA% other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: NA
Environment-current issues: NA
Environment-international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geography-note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird sanctuary
@Man, Isle of:People
Population: 75,121 (July 1998 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 6,790; female 6,510) 15-64 years: 65% (male 24,466; female 24,366) 65 years and over: 17% (male 5,168; female 7,821) (July 1998 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.79% (1998 est.)
Birth rate: 12.49 births/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Death rate: 11.69 deaths/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Net migration rate: 7.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1998 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female (1998 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 2.42 deaths/1,000 live births (1998 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.57 years male: 74.04 years female: 81.28 years (1998 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.67 children born/woman (1998 est.)
Nationality: noun: Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: Manx
Ethnic groups: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton
Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian,Society of Friends
Languages: English, Manx Gaelic
Literacy: NA
@Man, Isle of:Government
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man
Data code: IM
Dependency status: British crown dependency
Government type: NA
National capital: Douglas
Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)
Independence: none (British crown dependency)
National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July
Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act
Legal system: English law and local statute
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor His Excellency Sir Timothy DAUNT (since NA 1995) head of government: President of the Tynwald and the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990) cabinet: Council of Ministers elections: the queen is a hereditary monarch; lieutenant governor appointed by the queen for a five-year term; president of the Legislative Council elected by the Tynwald for a five-year term; election last held NA (next to be held NA) election results: Sir Charles KERRUISH elected president of the Legislative Council; percent of legislative vote-NA
Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (a 10-member body composed of the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Keys-last held 21 November 1996 (next to be held NA 2001) election results: House of Keys-percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-independents 24
Judicial branch: High Court of Justice, justices are appointed by the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor
Political parties and leaders: there is no party system; members sit as independents
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (British crown dependency)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (British crown dependency)
Flag description: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used
@Man, Isle of:Economy
Economy-overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP. Banking and other services now contribute more than half to GDP. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU markets.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$780 million (1994 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: NA%
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$10,800 (1994 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 2% (1996 est.)
Labor force: total: 33,577 (1996) by occupation: manufacturing 11%, construction 10%, transport and communication 8%, retail distribution 9%, professional and scientific services 18%, public administration 6%, banking and finance 18%
Unemployment rate: 2% (1996 est.)
Budget: revenues: $333.7 million expenditures: $333.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95 est.)
Industries: financial services, light manufacturing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity-capacity: NA kW
Electricity-production: NA kWh
Electricity-consumption per capita: NA kWh
Agriculture-products: cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry
Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb partners: UK
Imports: $NA commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UK
Debt-external: $NA
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Manx pound (£M) = 100 pence
Exchange rates: Manx pounds (£M) per US$1-0.6115 (January 1998), 0.6106 (1997), 0.6403 (1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound
Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March
Communications
Telephones: 46,000 (1996)
Telephone system: domestic: NA international: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0