Airports: 20 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways: total: 18 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 3 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $196 million (1997)
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 28.6% (1997)
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: dispute over alignment of boundary with Ethiopia led to armed conflict in 1998, which is still unresolved despite arbitration efforts; Hanish Islands dispute with Yemen resolved by arbitral tribunal in October 1998
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@Estonia ———-
Introduction
Background: In and out of Swedish and Russian control over the centuries, this little Baltic state was re-incorporated into the USSR after German occupation in World War II. Independence came with the collapse of the USSR in 1991; the last Russian troops left in 1994. Estonia thus became free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. The position of ethnic Russians (29% of the population) remains an issue of concern to Moscow. European Union (EU) membership negotiations, which began in 1998, remain a domestic issue.
Geography
Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf ofFinland, between Latvia and Russia
Geographic coordinates: 59 00 N, 26 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area:total: 45,226 sq kmland: 43,211 sq kmwater: 2,015 sq kmnote: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea
Area—comparative: slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermontcombined
Land boundaries: total: 633 km border countries: Latvia 339 km, Russia 294 km
Coastline: 3,794 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: limits fixed in coordination with neighboring states territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers
Terrain: marshy, lowlands
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m
Natural resources: shale oil (kukersite), peat, phosphorite,amber, cambrian blue clay, limestone, dolomite
Land use:arable land: 25%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 11%forests and woodland: 44%other: 20% (1996 est.)
Irrigated land: 110 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: flooding occurs frequently in the spring
Environment—current issues: air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products, chemicals at former Soviet military bases; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas are heavily affected by organic waste; coastal sea water is polluted in many locations
Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
People
Population: 1,408,523 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 18% (male 130,883; female 126,112)15-64 years: 67% (male 455,112; female 491,819)65 years and over: 15% (male 66,700; female 137,897) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.82% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 9.05 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 14.21 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: -3.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.86 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 13.83 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.65 years male: 62.61 years female: 75 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.28 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian
Ethnic groups: Estonian 65.1%, Russian 28.1%, Ukrainian 2.5%,Byelorussian 1.5%, Finn 1%, other 1.8% (1998)
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, EstonianOrthodox, others include Baptist, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist,Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Word of Life, Seventh Day Baptist,Judaism
Languages: Estonian (official), Russian, Ukrainian, English,Finnish, other
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 100%male: 100%female: 100% (1998 est.)
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Estoniaconventional short form: Estonialocal long form: Eesti Vabariiklocal short form: Eestiformer: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
Data code: EN
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Tallinn
Administrative divisions: 15 counties (maakonnad, singular—maakond): Harjumaa (Tallinn), Hiiumaa (Kardla), Ida-Virumaa (Johvi), Jarvamaa (Paide), Jogevamaa (Jogeva), Laanemaa (Haapsalu), Laane-Virumaa (Rakvere), Parnumaa (Parnu), Polvamaa (Polva), Raplamaa (Rapla), Saaremaa (Kuessaare), Tartumaa (Tartu), Valgamaa (Valga), Viljandimaa (Viljandi), Vorumaa (Voru) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)
Independence: 6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National holiday: Independence Day, 24 February (1918)
Constitution: adopted 28 June 1992
Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal for all Estonian citizens
Executive branch:chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 5 October 1992)head of government: Prime Minister Mart SIIMANN (since 12 March 1997)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister,approved by Parliamentelections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; ifhe or she does not secure two-thirds of the votes after three roundsof balloting, then an electoral assembly (made up of Parliament plusmembers of local governments) elects the president, choosing betweenthe two candidates with the largest percentage of votes; electionlast held August-September 1996 (next to be held fall 2001); primeminister nominated by the president and approved by Parliamentelection results: Lennart MERI elected president by an electoralassembly after Parliament was unable to break a deadlock betweenMERI and RUUTEL; percent of electoral assembly vote—Lennart MERI61%, Arnold RUUTEL 39%
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 5 March 1995 (next to be held 7 March 1999) election results: percent of vote by party—KMU 32.22%, RE 16.18%, K 14.17%, Pro Patria and ERSP 7.85%, M 5.98%, Our Home is Estonia and Right-Wingers 5.0%; seats by party—KMU 41, RE 19, K 16, Pro Patria 8, Our Home is Estonia 6, M 6, Right-Wingers 5
Judicial branch: National Court, chairman appointed by Parliamentfor life
Political parties and leaders: Coalition Party and Rural Union orSAVISAAR, chairman]; Union of Pro Patria or Fatherland LeagueANDREJEV] made up of two parties: United People's Party and theRussian Party of Estonia; note—Our Home is Estonia split when twoRussian Party of Estonia members withdrew; United People's Partyparties: Social Democratic Party or ESDP and Rural Center Party orVEIDEMANN, chairwoman] (created by defectors from Center Party inlate spring 1996, Development Party faction split and now holds five
International organization participation: BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE,EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNTSO, UPU, WEU(associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant)
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Grigore-Kaleu STOICESCUchancery: 2131 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Melissa WELLSembassy: Kentmanni 20, Tallinn EE 0001mailing address: use embassy street address
Flag description: pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May1990—three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white
Economy
Economy—overview: Estonia's continued adherence to market reforms, disciplined fiscal and monetary policies, and a liberal free trade regime resulted in GDP growth in 1998 of 5.5% and a decrease in inflation to 6.5% from 11.2% in 1997. A high but slightly decreased current account deficit was estimated at 8.6%. The fall in GDP growth is largely due to the impact of Russia's financial crisis and reduced investment in emerging markets in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. Like other small emerging markets, Estonia will face difficulties in 1999 as a result of continuing fallout from Asia. Key events of 1998 were the start of official EU accession talks, banking sector consolidation—nine banks were reduced to five—and the important role that Swedish capital played in the large banks (Swedbank's acquisition of a majority stake in Hansapank has accounted for the large increase in foreign direct investment). The IMF urged Estonia to maintain a stable economy and good reputation in international markets and to avoid populist policies in the run-up to March 1999 parliamentary elections. The government completed restructuring of state-controlled Estonian Telecom, the sale of 49% of which will be the flagship privatization in 1999 and the largest public equity transaction in the Baltics. Estonia expects to join the World Trade Organization in 1999.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$7.8 billion (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 5.5% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$5,500 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 6.2% industry: 24.3% services: 69.5% (1997 est.)
Population below poverty line: 6.3% (1994 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 28.5% (1996)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1998 est.)
Labor force: 717,000 (1997 est.)
Labor force—by occupation: industry 42%, agriculture and forestry 11%, services 47% (1996 est.)
Unemployment rate: 9.6% (1998 est.)
Budget:revenues: $1.37 billionexpenditures: $1.37 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1997 est.)
Industries: oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates, electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles, paper, shoes, apparel
Industrial production growth rate: 3% (1996 est.)
Electricity—production: 8.065 billion kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 99.96% hydro: 0.04% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 5.581 billion kWh (1997)
Electricity—exports: 1.2 billion kWh (1997)
Electricity—imports: 210 million kWh (1997)
Agriculture—products: potatoes, fruits, vegetables; livestock and dairy products; fish
Exports: $2.6 billion (f.o.b., 1998)
Exports—commodities: machinery and equipment 17%, textiles 16%, food products 8%, transport equipment 8%, mineral products 8%, chemical products 8% (1997)
Exports—partners: Finland, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Latvia (1997)
Imports: $3.9 billion (c.i.f., 1998)
Imports—commodities: machinery and equipment 21%, transport equipment 12%, foodstuffs 10%, minerals 9%, textiles 8%, metals 8%, chemical products 8% (1997)
Imports—partners: Finland, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Japan, US (1997)
Debt—external: $270 million (January 1996)
Economic aid—recipient: $137.3 million (1995)
Currency: 1 Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: krooni (EEK) per US$1—13.473 (January 1999), 14.075 (1998), 13.882 (1997), 12.034 (1996), 11.465 (1995), 12.991 (1994); note—krooni are tied to the German deutsche mark at a fixed rate of 8 to 1
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications
Telephones: 531,000 (1997)
Telephone system: the Ministry of Transportation andCommunications (MOTC) administers Estonia's telephone system;Internet services available throughout most of the country; about150,000 unfilled subscriber requestsdomestic: local—cellular phones services are growing and expandingto develop rural networks under direction of the MOTC;intercity—Estonia has a highly developed fiber-optic backbone(double loop) system presently serving at least 16 major cities(1998)international: foreign investment in the form of joint businessventures greatly improved Estonia's telephone service; fiber-opticcables to Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Russia provide worldwidepacket switched service
Radio broadcast stations: 27 commercial broadcast stations, 1 government broadcast station (1997); note—by law 51% of shows must be produced within the EU; equal air time must be given to all candidates during elections by public and private stations
Radios: 1.12 million (1997 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 7 (1997); note—Ministry of Culture administers television licensing; mainly Estonian, European, and Russian programming; by law 51% of shows must be produced within the EU; equal air time must be given to all candidates during elections by public and private stations
Televisions: 1.132 million (1997 est.)
Transportation
Railways:total: 1,018 km common carrier lines only; does not includededicated industrial linesbroad gauge: 1,018 km 1.520-m gauge (132 km electrified) (1995)
Highways:total: 16,437 kmpaved: 8,343 km (including 65 km of expressways)unpaved: 8,094 km (1997 est.)
Waterways: 320 km perennially navigable
Pipelines: natural gas 420 km (1992)
Ports and harbors: Haapsalu, Kunda, Muuga, Paldiski, Parnu,Tallinn
Merchant marine:total: 52 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 337,163 GRT/348,749 DWTships by type: bulk 4, cargo 22, combination bulk 1, container 5,oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 12, short-sea passenger 6 (1998est.)
Airports: 5 (1997 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (1997 est.)
Military
Military branches: Ground Forces, Navy/Coast Guard, Air and AirDefense Force (not officially sanctioned), Maritime Border Guard,Volunteer Defense League (Kaitseliit), Security Forces (internal andborder troops)
Military manpower—military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower—availability:males age 15-49: 349,263 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—fit for military service:males age 15-49: 274,276 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—reaching military age annually:males: 10,503 (1999 est.)
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $70 million (1999)
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 1.2% (1999)
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: Estonian and Russian negotiators reached a technical border agreement in December 1996 which has not been ratified
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for opiates and cannabis fromSouthwest Asia and the Caucasus via Russia, and cocaine from LatinAmerica to Western Europe and Scandinavia; possible precursormanufacturing and/or trafficking
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@Ethiopia ————
Introduction
Background: On 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and took control in Addis Ababa. A new constitution was promulgated in December 1994 and national and regional popular elections were held in May and June 1995.
Geography
Location: Eastern Africa, west of Somalia
Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 38 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total: 1,127,127 sq kmland: 1,119,683 sq kmwater: 7,444 sq km
Area—comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries:total: 5,311 kmborder countries: Djibouti 337 km, Eritrea 912 km, Kenya 830 km,Somalia 1,626 km, Sudan 1,606 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation
Terrain: high plateau with central mountain range divided byGreat Rift Valley
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Denakil -125 m highest point: Ras Dashen Terara 4,620 m
Natural resources: small reserves of gold, platinum, copper,potash, natural gas
Land use:arable land: 12%permanent crops: 1%permanent pastures: 40%forests and woodland: 25%other: 22% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 1,900 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: geologically active Great Rift Valleysusceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts
Environment—current issues: deforestation; overgrazing; soilerosion; desertification
Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban
Geography—note: landlocked?entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993
People
Population: 59,680,383 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 46% (male 13,787,810; female 13,703,546)15-64 years: 51% (male 15,398,123; female 15,141,892)65 years and over: 3% (male 745,737; female 903,275) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.16% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 44.34 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 21.43 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)note: repatriation of Ethiopians who fled to Sudan, Kenya, andSomalia for refuge from war and famine in earlier years, is expectedto continue slowly in 1998; small numbers of Sudanese and Somalirefugees, who fled to Ethiopia from the fighting in their owncountries, began returning to their homes in 1998
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.01 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 124.57 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 40.46 years male: 39.22 years female: 41.73 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.81 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Ethiopian(s) adjective: Ethiopian
Ethnic groups: Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%,Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%
Religions: Muslim 45%-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35%-40%, animist12%, other 3%-8%
Languages: Amharic, Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali,Arabic, English (major foreign language taught in schools)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 35.5%male: 45.5%female: 25.3% (1995 est.)
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopiaconventional short form: Ethiopialocal long form: YeItyop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripebliklocal short form: YeItyop'iyaabbreviation: FDRE
Data code: ET
Government type: federal republic
Capital: Addis Ababa
Administrative divisions: 9 states and 2 chartered cities*: AddisAbaba*; Afar; Amhara; Benshangul/Gumuz (Benishangul-Gumaz); DireDawa*; Gambela (Gambella); Harari (Harar); Oromia (Oromiya); Somalia(Somali); Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP);Tigray (Tigre)
Independence: oldest independent country in Africa and one of theoldest in the world—at least 2,000 years
National holiday: National Day, 28 May (1991) (defeat of MENGISTUregime)
Constitution: promulgated December 1994
Legal system: currently transitional mix of national and regional courts
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President NEGASSO Gidada (since 22 August 1995)head of government: Prime Minister MELES Zenawi (since August 1995)cabinet: Council of Ministers as provided in the December 1994constitution; ministers are selected by the prime minister andapproved by the House of People's Representativeselections: president elected by the House of People'sRepresentatives for a six-year term; election last held June 1995(next to be held NA 2001); prime minister designated by the party inpower following legislative electionselection results: NEGASSO Gidada elected president; percent of voteby the House of People's Representatives—NA
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the House ofFederation or upper chamber (117 seats; members are chosen by stateassemblies to serve five-year terms) and the House of People'sRepresentatives or lower chamber (548 seats; members are directlyelected by popular vote from single-member districts to servefive-year terms)elections: regional and national popular elections were held in Mayand June 1995 (next to be held NA 2000)election results: percent of vote—NA; seats—NA; note—EPRDF wonnearly all seats
Judicial branch: Federal Supreme Court; the president and vice president of the Federal Supreme Court are recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the House of People's Representatives; for other federal judges, the prime minister submits candidates selected by the Federal Judicial Administrative Council to the House of People's Representatives for appointment
Political parties and leaders: Ethiopian People's Revolutionary
Political pressure groups and leaders: Oromo Liberation Front orOLF; All Amhara People's Organization; Southern Ethiopia People'sDemocratic Coalition; numerous small, ethnically-based groups haveformed since former President MENGISTU'S defeat, including severalIslamic militant groups
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA,FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU,OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador BERHANE Gebre-Christos chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David H. SHINN embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red with a yellow pentagram and single yellow rays emanating from the angles between the points on a light blue disk centered on the three bands; Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were so often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became known as the pan-African colors
Economy
Economy—overview: Ethiopia remains one of the least developed countries in the world. Its economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of GDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of total employment; coffee generates 60% of export earnings. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent periods of drought, poor cultivation practices, and deterioration of internal security conditions. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on inputs from the agricultural sector. Over 90% of large-scale industry, but less than 10% of agriculture, is state-run. The government is considering selling off a portion of state-owned plants and is implementing reform measures that are gradually liberalizing the economy. A major medium-term problem is the improvement of roads, water supply, and other parts of an infrastructure badly neglected during years of civil strife. Renewed fighting with Eritrea dims economic prospects for 1999.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$32.9 billion (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 6% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$560 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 55% industry: 12% services: 33% (1995 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1998 est.)
Labor force: NA
Labor force—by occupation: agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%, industry and construction 8% (1985)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $1 billionexpenditures: $1.48 billion, including capital expenditures of $415million (FY96/97)
Industries: food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals,metals processing, cement
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity—production: 1.32 billion kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 7.58% hydro: 87.12% nuclear: 0% other: 5.3% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 1.32 billion kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 0 kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 0 kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseed, sugarcane, potatoes; hides, cattle, sheep, goats
Exports: $550 million (f.o.b., 1998)
Exports—commodities: coffee, leather products, gold, oilseeds(1995)
Exports—partners: Germany 26%, Japan 11%, Italy 10%, UK 8%,Djibouti, Saudi Arabia (1996 est.)
Imports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1998 est.)
Imports—commodities: food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles and aircraft (1994)
Imports—partners: Italy 11%, US 11%, Germany 7%, Saudi Arabia 4% (1996 est.)
Debt—external: $10 billion (1996)
Economic aid—recipient: $367 million (FY95/96)
Currency: 1 birr (Br) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: birr (Br) per US$1 (end of period)—7.58 (January 1999), 6.8640 (1997), 6.4260 (1996), 6.3200 (1995), 5.9500 (1994) note: since May 1993, the birr market rate has been determined in an interbank market supported by weekly wholesale auction; prior to that date, the official rate was pegged to US$1 = 5.000 birr
Fiscal year: 8 July—7 July
Communications
Telephones: 100,000 (1983 est.)
Telephone system: open wire and microwave radio relay system adequate for government use domestic: open wire and microwave radio relay international: open wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; satellite earth stations—3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 0, shortwave 1
Radios: 9 million (1998 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 25 (1998)
Televisions: 150,000 (1998 est.)
Transportation
Railways:total: 681 km (Ethiopian segment of the Addis Ababa-Djiboutirailroad)narrow gauge: 681 km 1.000-m gaugenote: in April 1998, Djibouti and Ethiopia announced plans torevitalize the century-old railroad that links their capitals
Highways:total: 28,500 kmpaved: 4,275 kmunpaved: 24,225 km (1996 est.)
Ports and harbors: none; Ethiopia is landlocked and was byagreement with Eritrea using the ports of Assab and Massawa, butsince the border dispute with Eritrea flared, Ethiopia has used theport of Djibouti
Merchant marine:total: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 71,264 GRT/94,489 DWTships by type: cargo 7, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3 (1998est.)
Airports: 84 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways: total: 73 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 36 under 914 m: 18 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Ground Forces, Air Force, Police note: Ethiopia is landlocked and has no navy; following the de jure independence of Eritrea, Ethiopian naval facilities remained in Eritrean possession and ships which belonged to the former Ethiopian Navy and based at Djibouti have been sold
Military manpower—military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower—availability:males age 15-49: 13,520,302 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—fit for military service:males age 15-49: 7,052,710 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—reaching military age annually:males: 655,290 (1999 est.)
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $138 million (FY98/99)
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 2.5% (FY98/99)
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: most of the southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a Provisional Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden; dispute over alignment of boundary with Eritrea led to armed conflict in 1998, which is still unresolved despite arbitration efforts
Illicit drugs: transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia and destined for Europe and North America as well as cocaine destined for markets in southern Africa; cultivates qat (chat) for local use and regional export
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@Europa Island ——————-
Geography
Location: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from southern Madagascar to southern Mozambique
Geographic coordinates: 22 20 S, 40 22 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total: 28 sq kmland: 28 sq kmwater: 0 sq km
Area—comparative: about 0.16 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 22.2 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: tropical
Terrain: NA
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 24 m
Natural resources: negligible
Land use:arable land: NA%permanent crops: NA%permanent pastures: NA%forests and woodland: NA%other: NA%
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment—current issues: NA
Environment—international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geography—note: wildlife sanctuary
People
Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a small French military garrison
Government
Country name:conventional long form: noneconventional short form: Europa Islandlocal long form: nonelocal short form: Ile Europa
Data code: EU
Dependency status: possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion
Independence: none (possession of France)
Legal system: NA
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (possession of France)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (possession of France)
Flag description: the flag of France is used
Economy
Economy—overview: no economic activity
Communications
Communications—note: 1 meteorological station
Transportation
Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only
Airports: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways:total: 1914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Military
Military—note: defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: claimed by Madagascar
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@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) ————————————————-
Geography
Location: Southern South America, islands in the South AtlanticOcean, east of southern Argentina
Geographic coordinates: 51 45 S, 59 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total: 12,173 sq kmland: 12,173 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmnote: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland andabout 200 small islands
Area—comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,288 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate
Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m
Natural resources: fish, wildlife
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 99%forests and woodland: 0%other: 1% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: strong winds persist throughout the year
Environment—current issues: NA
Environment—international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geography—note: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
People
Population: 2,758 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 2.43% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
Nationality: noun: Falkland Islander(s) adjective: Falkland Island
Ethnic groups: British
Religions: primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United FreeChurch, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran,Seventh-Day Adventist
Languages: English
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Colony of the Falkland Islandsconventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Data code: FA
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK, also claimed byArgentina
Government type: NA
Capital: Stanley
Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK;also claimed by Argentina)
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed byArgentina)
National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Constitution: 3 October 1985; amended 1997
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Governor Richard RALPH (since 29 January 1996;to be replaced in May 1999 by Donald LAMONT); Chief Executive A. M.GURR (since NA); Financial Secretary D. F. HOWATT (since NA)cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the LegislativeCouncil, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financialsecretary), and the governorelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats—8elected, 2 ex officio; members are elected by popular vote to servefive-year terms)elections: last held 9 October 1997 (next to be held NA October 2001)election results: percent of vote—NA; seats—independents 8
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chief justice is a nonresident
Political parties and leaders: none; all independents
International organization participation: ICFTU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory ofthe UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territoryof the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
Economy
Economy—overview: The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$NA
GDP—real growth rate: NA%
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$NA
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Labor force: 1,100 (est.)
Labor force—by occupation: agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)
Unemployment rate: full employment; labor shortage
Budget:revenues: $66.1 millionexpenditures: $66.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY97/98 est.)
Industries: wool and fish processing; sale of stamps and coins
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity—production: 10 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 10 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 0 kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 0 kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products
Exports: $7.6 million (1995)
Exports—commodities: wool, hides, meat
Exports—partners: UK, Netherlands, Japan (1992)
Imports: $24.7 million (1995)
Imports—commodities: fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing
Imports—partners: UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan (1992)
Debt—external: $NA
Economic aid—recipient: $1.7 million (1995)
Currency: 1 Falkland pound (LF) = 100 pence
Exchange rates: Falkland pound (LF) per US$1—0.6057 (January 1999), 0.5037 (1998), 0.6106 (1997), 0.6403 (1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994); note—the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Fiscal year: 1 April—31 March
Communications
Telephones: 1,180 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CBradiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost allpoints on both islandsinternational: satellite earth station—1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)with links through London to other countries
Radio broadcast stations: 1 (government operated)
Radios: 1,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (operated by the British ForcesBroadcasting Service) (1997)
Televisions: NA
Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 348 km paved: 83 km unpaved: 265 km
Ports and harbors: Stanley
Merchant marine: none
Airports: 5 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways:total: 3under 914 m: 3 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: British Forces Falkland Islands (includesArmy, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: NA%
Military—note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: claimed by Argentina
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@Faroe Islands ——————-
Geography
Location: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway
Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 7 00 W
Map references: Europe
Area:total: 1,399 sq kmland: 1,399 sq kmwater: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)
Area—comparative: eight times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,117 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm
Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
Terrain: rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m
Natural resources: fish, whales
Land use:arable land: 6%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 0%forests and woodland: 0%other: 94% (1996)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Natural hazards: NA
Environment—current issues: NA
Environment—international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geography—note: archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands
People
Population: 41,059 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 23% (male 4,819; female 4,629)15-64 years: 62% (male 13,600; female 11,811)65 years and over: 15% (male 2,786; female 3,414) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: -2.03% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 12.54 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 9.08 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: -23.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.04 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.07 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.56 years male: 75.66 years female: 81.58 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.36 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality:noun: Faroese (singular and plural)adjective: Faroese
Ethnic groups: Scandinavian
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran
Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish
Literacy: NA note: similar to Denmark proper
Government
Country name:conventional long form: noneconventional short form: Faroe Islandslocal long form: nonelocal short form: Foroyar
Data code: FO
Dependency status: part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948
Government type: NA
Capital: Torshavn
Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark;self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark;self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)
Constitution: 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)
Legal system: Danish
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January1972), represented by High Commissioner Bente KLINTE, chiefadministrative officer (since NA)head of government: Prime Minister Anfinn KALLSBERG (since 9 May1998)cabinet: Landsstyri elected by the Faroese Parliamentelections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of theparty that wins the most seats is usually elected prime minister bythe Faroese Parliament; election last held 30 April 1998 (next to beheld NA 2002)election results: Anfinn KALLSBERG elected prime minister; percentof parliamentary vote—NA
Legislative branch: unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basisfrom the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)elections: last held 30 April 1998 (next to be held by NA July 2002)election results: percent of vote by party—Republicans 23.8%,People's Party 21.3%, Social Democrats 21.9%, Coalition Party (UnionParty, Labor Front, Home Rule Party) 15%; seats by party—Republicans8, People's Party 8, Social Democrats 7, Coalition Party 6, otherparties 3note: election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on11 March 1998 (next to be held by NA 2002); results—percent of voteby party—NA; seats by party—Social Democrats 1, Conservatives 1
Judicial branch: none
Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party [JoannesKALLSBERG]
International organization participation: NC, NIB
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governingoverseas administrative division of Denmark)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (self-governingoverseas administrative division of Denmark)
Flag description: white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
Economy
Economy—overview: After the severe economic troubles of the early 1990s, brought on by a drop in the vital fish catch, the Faroe Islands have come back in the last few years, with unemployment down to 5% in mid-1998. Nevertheless the total dependence on fishing means the economy remains extremely vulnerable. The Faroese hope to broaden their economic base by building new fish-processing plants. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may lay the basis for sustained economic prosperity. The Faroese are supported by a substantial annual subsidy from Denmark.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$700 million (1996 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 6% (1996 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$16,000 (1996 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 20% industry: 16% services: 64% (1996 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (1996 est.)