Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertication, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography—note: national capital moved 80 km inland from BelizeCity to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in CentralAmerica without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
People
Population: 235,789 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 42% (male 49,991; female 48,074)15-64 years: 55% (male 65,507; female 63,796)65 years and over: 3% (male 4,129; female 4,292) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.42% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 30.22 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 5.39 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: -0.67 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: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.03 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 31.57 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.2 years male: 67.23 years female: 71.26 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.74 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean
Ethnic groups: mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8%
Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980)
Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib)
Literacy:definition: age 14 and over has ever attended schooltotal population: 70.3%male: 70.3%female: 70.3% (1991 est.)note: other sources list the literacy rate as high as 75%
Government
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras
Data code: BH
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal,Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo
Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1981)
Constitution: 21 September 1981
Legal system: English law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG (since 17November 1993)head of government: Prime Minister Said MUSA (since 2 August 1998);Deputy Prime Minister Dean BARROW (since NA July 1993)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; prime minister appointed by the governorgeneral
Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of theSenate (eight members; members are appointed for five-year terms,five on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of theleader of the opposition, and one after consultation with the BelizeAdvisory Council—this council serves as an independent body toadvise the governor general with respect to difficult decisions suchas granting pardons, commutations, stays of execution, the removalof justices of appeal who appear to be incompetent, etc.) and theNational Assembly (29 seats; members are elected by direct popularvote to serve five-year terms)elections: National Assembly—last held 1 August 1998 (next to beheld NA August 2003)election results: percent of vote by party—NA; seats by party—PUP26, UDP 3
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed bythe governor general on advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders: People's United Party or PUP [SaidGOLDSON]
Political pressure groups and leaders: Society for the PromotionFront
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB,ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC,IOM (observer), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador James Schofield MURPHYchancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Carolyn CURIELembassy: Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize Citymailing address: P. O. Box 286, Unit 7401, APO AA 34025
Flag description: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland
Economy
Economy—overview: The small, essentially private enterprise economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming greater importance. Sugar, the chief crop, accounts for nearly half of exports, while the banana industry is the country's largest employer. The government's tough austerity program in 1997 resulted in an economic slowdown that continued in 1998. The trade deficit has been growing, mostly as a result of low export prices for sugar and bananas. The new government faces important challenges to economic stability. Rapid action to improve tax collection has been promised, but a lack of progress in reigning in spending could bring the exchange rate under pressure.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$700 million (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 0.5% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$3,000 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 22% industry: 22% services: 56% (1997 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.5% (1998 est.)
Labor force: 71,000note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel(1997 est.)
Labor force—by occupation: agriculture 30%, services 16%,government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3%
Unemployment rate: 13% (1997 est.)
Budget:revenues: $140 millionexpenditures: $142 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY97/98 est.)
Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism,construction
Industrial production growth rate: 0.2% (1996 est.)
Electricity—production: 145 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 145 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 0 kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 0 kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane; lumber; fish, cultured shrimp
Exports: $95.3 million (f.o.b., 1998)
Exports—commodities: sugar 46%, bananas 26%, citrus fruits, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
Exports—partners: US 45%, UK 30%, Mexico 3%, Canada 3% (1997)
Imports: $149.7 million (c.i.f., 1998)
Imports—commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals
Imports—partners: US 52%, Mexico 13%, UK 5% (1997)
Debt—external: $288 million (1996)
Economic aid—recipient: $23.4 million (1995)
Currency: 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1—2.0000 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: 1 April—31 March
Communications
Telephones: 29,000 (1996 est.)
Telephone system: above-average system domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station—1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1 (Voice of America relay station),FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997)
Televisions: 27,048 (1993 est.)
Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,248 km paved: 427 km unpaved: 1,821 km (1996 est.)
Waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable
Ports and harbors: Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda
Merchant marine:total: 403 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,740,325GRT/2,511,709 DWTships by type: bulk 34, cargo 259, chemical tanker 5, container 9,liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 58, passenger-cargo 2,refrigerated cargo 21, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea/passenger3, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 1note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships of 7 countries:Cuba 2, Cyprus 1, Greece 1, Singapore 2, UAE 12, UK 1, and US 1(1998 est.)
Airports: 44 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways: total: 41 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 30 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Belize Defense Force (includes Ground Forces,Maritime Wing, Air Wing, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police
Military manpower—military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower—availability:males age 15-49: 58,201 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—fit for military service:males age 15-49: 34,531 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—reaching military age annually:males: 2,619 (1999 est.)
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $15 million (FY97/98)
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 2% (FY97/98)
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: border with Guatemala in dispute
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center
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@Benin ——-
Geography
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo
Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 2 15 E
Map references: Africa
Area:total: 112,620 sq kmland: 110,620 sq kmwater: 2,000 sq km
Area—comparative: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Land boundaries:total: 1,989 kmborder countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,Togo 644 km
Coastline: 121 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m
Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone,marble, timber
Land use:arable land: 13%permanent crops: 4%permanent pastures: 4%forests and woodland: 31%other: 48% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 100 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter
Environment—current issues: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification
Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography—note: no natural harbors
People
Population: 6,305,567 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 48% (male 1,510,703; female 1,501,437)15-64 years: 50% (male 1,511,114; female 1,637,155)65 years and over: 2% (male 62,459; female 82,699) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.3% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 45.37 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 12.4 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 97.76 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.08 years male: 51.98 years female: 56.24 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality:noun: Beninese (singular and plural)adjective: Beninese
Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most importantbeing Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500
Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%
Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 37%male: 48.7%female: 25.8% (1995 est.)
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Beninconventional short form: Beninlocal long form: Republique du Beninlocal short form: Beninformer: Dahomey
Data code: BN
Government type: republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991
Capital: Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seatof government
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique,Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zounote: six additional provinces have been reported but not confirmed;they are Alibori, Collines, Couffo, Donga, Littoral, and Plateau;moreover, the term "province" may have been changed to "department"
Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990)
Constitution: December 1990
Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);note—the president is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);note—the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 18 March 1996 (next to be held NA March 2001)election results: Mathieu KEREKOU elected president; percent ofvote—Mathieu KEREKOU 52.49%, Nicephore SOGLO 47.51%
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or AssembleeNationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote toserve four-year terms)elections: last held 28 March 1995 (next to be held 28 March 1999)election results: percent of vote by party—NA; seats by party—PRB20, PRD 19, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 7, NCC 3, RDL-VIVOTEN 3, PCB 2, AC1, RDP 1, other 17
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle,Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, High Court of Justice
Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Civic Renewal or ARCSylvain AKINDES]; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD andKINA]; Liberal Democrats' Rally for National Reconstruction-Vivotennote: as of December 1998, more than 110 political parties wereofficially recognized; among them are Benin Renaissance Party orPRB, Our Common Cause or NCC, Cameleon Alliance or AC, Rally forDemocracy and Pan-Africanism or RDP
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA,ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO(subscriber), ITU, MINURCA, MIPONUH, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WAEMU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lucien Edgar TONOUKOUIN chancery: 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert C. FELDER embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side
Economy
Economy—overview: The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output has averaged a sound 4% in 1990-95 and 5% in 1996-98. Rapid population growth has offset much of this growth in output. Inflation has subsided over the past three years. Commercial and transport activities, which make up a large part of GDP, are vulnerable to developments in Nigeria, particularly fuel shortages. Support by the Paris Club and official bilateral creditors has eased the external debt situation in recent years. The government, still burdened with money-losing state enterprises and a bloated civil service, has been gradually implementing a World Bank supported structural adjustment program since 1991.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$7.6 billion (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 4.4% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$1,300 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 34% industry: 14% services: 52% (1997)
Population below poverty line: 33% (1995 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.6% (1998 est.)
Labor force: NA
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $299 millionexpenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $14million (1995 est.)
Industries: textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; constructionmaterials, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity—production: 6 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 251 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 0 kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 245 million kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice, cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock
Exports: $250 million (f.o.b., 1998)
Exports—commodities: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa
Exports—partners: Brazil 18%, Portugal 11%, Morocco 10%, Libya 6%, France (1997)
Imports: $314 million (f.o.b., 1998)
Imports—commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleumproducts, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods
Imports—partners: France 21%, UK 9%, Thailand 9%, Hong Kong 8%,China (1997)
Debt—external: $1.6 billion (1996 est.)
Economic aid—recipient: $281.2 million (1995)
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1—566.36 (January 1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications
Telephones: 38,354 (6,286 cellular telephone subscribers) (1998est.)
Telephone system:domestic: fair system of open wire, microwave radio relay, andcellular connectionsinternational: satellite earth station—1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean);submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998 est.)
Radios: 400,000 (1998 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (one privately owned) (1997)
Televisions: 30,000 (1998 est.)
Transportation
Railways:total: 578 km (single track)narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.)
Highways:total: 6,787 kmpaved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways)unpaved: 5,430 km (1996 est.)
Waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally
Ports and harbors: Cotonou, Porto-Novo
Merchant marine: none
Airports: 5 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways:total: 31,524 to 2,437 m: 1914 to 1,523 m: 2 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force),National Gendarmerie
Military manpower—military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower—availability: males age 15-49: 1,363,878 females age 15-49: 1,425,987 (1999 est.) note: both sexes are liable for military service
Military manpower—fit for military service:males age 15-49: 697,715females age 15-49: 722,323 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—reaching military age annually:males: 67,622females: 67,238 (1999 est.)
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $27 million (1996)
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: 1.2% (1996)
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: none
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for narcotics associated withNigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined forWestern Europe and the US
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@Bermuda ———-
Geography
Location: North America, group of islands in the North AtlanticOcean, east of North Carolina (US)
Geographic coordinates: 32 20 N, 64 45 W
Map references: North America
Area:total: 50 sq kmland: 50 sq kmwater: 0 sq km
Area—comparative: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 103 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m
Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
Land use:arable land: 6%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 0%forests and woodland: 0%other: 94% (1997 est.)note: developed (55%) and rural/open space (39%) comprise 94% ofBermudian land area
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: hurricanes (June to November)
Environment—current issues: asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space
Environment—international agreements: party to: NA signed, but not ratified: NA
Geography—note: consists of about 360 small coral islands with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land, reclaimed and otherwise, was leased by US Government from 1941 to 1995
People
Population: 62,472 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 20% (male 6,174; female 6,023)15-64 years: 70% (male 21,479; female 22,041)65 years and over: 10% (male 2,897; female 3,858) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.72% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 11.83 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 7.27 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 9.27 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.97 years male: 75.19 years female: 78.83 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.71 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian
Ethnic groups: black 61%, white and other 39%
Religions: Anglican 28%, Roman Catholic 15%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 12%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Methodist 5%, other 34% (1991)
Languages: English (official), Portuguese
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 98%male: 98%female: 99% (1970 est.)
Government
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda
Data code: BD
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Government type: NA
Capital: Hamilton
Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*;Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*,Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution: 8 June 1968
Legal system: English law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor Thorold MASEFIELD (since NA June 1997)head of government: Premier Jennifer SMITH (since 10 November 1998)cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governorelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; premier appointed by the governor
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate(an 11-member body appointed by the governor) and the House ofAssembly (40 seats; members are elected by popular vote to servefive-year terms)elections: last held 9 November 1998 (next to be held NA November2003)election results: percent of vote by party—PLP 54%, UBP 44%, NLP 1%,independents 1%; seats by party—PLP 26, UBP 14
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party or UBP
Political pressure groups and leaders: Bermuda Industrial Union
International organization participation: Caricom (observer),CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory ofthe UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Consul General Robert A. FARMERconsulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire,Hamiltonmailing address: P.O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American ConsulateGeneral Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-5300
Flag description: red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
Economy
Economy—overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing financial services for international firms and luxury tourist facilities for 360,000 visitors annually. The tourist industry, which accounts for an estimated 28% of GDP, attracts 84% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda's economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian fears of scaring away foreign firms.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$1.9 billion (1997 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 3% (1997 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$30,000 (1997 est.)
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): 2.1% (1997)
Labor force: 35,296 (1997)
Labor force—by occupation: clerical 23%, services 22%, laborers 17%, professional and technical 17%, administrative and managerial 12%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1996)
Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1995)
Budget:revenues: $504.6 millionexpenditures: $537 million, including capital expenditures of $75million (FY97/98)
Industries: tourism, finance, insurance, structural concreteproducts, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity—production: 480 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 480 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 0 kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 0 kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products
Exports: $57 million (1997)
Exports—commodities: reexports of pharmaceuticals
Exports—partners: Netherlands 50%, Brazil 13%, Canada 6% (1996)
Imports: $617 million (1997)
Imports—commodities: miscellaneous manufactured articles, machinery and transport equipment, food and live animals, chemicals
Imports—partners: US 73%, UK 5%, Canada 4% (1996 est.)
Debt—external: $NA
Economic aid—recipient: $27.9 million (1995)
Currency: 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1—1.0000 (fixed rate)
Fiscal year: 1 April—31 March
Communications
Telephones: 54,000 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone systeminternational: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations—3Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 0
Radios: 78,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 3 (1997)
Televisions: 57,000 (1992 est.)
Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways:total: 225 kmpaved: 225 kmunpaved: 0 km (1997 est.)note: in addition, there are 232 km of paved and unpaved roads thatare privately owned
Ports and harbors: Hamilton, Saint George
Merchant marine:total: 97 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,647,576 GRT/7,612,686DWTships by type: bulk 18, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, container 20,liquefied gas tanker 7, oil tanker 27, refrigerated cargo 15,roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 2note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 11countries among which are UK 24, Canada 12, Hong Kong 11, US 11,Nigeria 4, Sweden 4, Norway 3, and Switzerland 2 (1998 est.)
Airports: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force,Bermuda Reserve Constabulary
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: NA%
Military—note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: none
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@Bhutan ———
Geography
Location: Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E
Map references: Asia
Area:total: 47,000 sq kmland: 47,000 sq kmwater: 0 sq km
Area—comparative: about half the size of Indiana
Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide
Land use:arable land: 2%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 6%forests and woodland: 66%other: 26% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 340 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season
Environment—current issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water
Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography—note: landlocked; strategic location between China andIndia; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes
People
Population: 1,951,965 (July 1999 est.)note: other estimates range as low as 600,000
Age structure:0-14 years: 40% (male 405,745; female 376,738)15-64 years: 56% (male 561,754; female 530,420)65 years and over: 4% (male 39,251; female 38,057) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.25% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 36.76 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 14.26 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.07 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 109.33 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.75 years male: 53.19 years female: 52.29 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.16 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality:noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)adjective: Bhutanese
Ethnic groups: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous ormigrant tribes 15%
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- andNepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetandialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 42.2%male: 56.2%female: 28.1% (1995 est.)
People—note: refugee issue over the presence in Nepal of approximately 91,000 Bhutanese refugees, 90% of whom are in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutanconventional short form: Bhutan
Data code: BT
Government type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India
Capital: Thimphu
Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular andplural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi,Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar,Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India)
National holiday: National Day, 17 December (1907) (UgyenWANGCHUCK became first hereditary king)
Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rightsnote: Bhutan uses 1953 Royal decree for the Constitution of theNational Assembly
Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has notaccepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections
Executive branch:chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972);note—the monarch is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July1972); note—the monarch is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) appointed by themonarch, approved by the National Assemblynote: there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), membersnominated by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10 representreligious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to representgovernment and other secular interests; members serve three-yearterms)elections: last held NA (next to be held NA)election results: NA
Judicial branch: the Supreme Court of Appeal is the monarch; HighCourt, judges appointed by the monarch
Political parties and leaders: no legal parties
Political pressure groups and leaders: United Front for Democracy(exiled); Buddhist clergy; Indian merchant community; ethnicNepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign
International organization participation: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO,G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW,SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO
Diplomatic representation in the US: none; note—Bhutan has aPermanent Mission to the UN; address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27thBhutanese mission to the UN has consular jurisdiction in the USconsulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)
Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side
Economy
Economy—overview: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 40% of GDP. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare. Model education, social, and environment programs in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$1.9 billion (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: 6.5% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$1,000 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 38% services: 24% (1997)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.4% (1997 est.)
Labor force: NAnote: massive lack of skilled labor
Labor force—by occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industryand commerce 2%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget:revenues: $146 millionexpenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY95/96 est.)note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths ofBhutan's budget expenditures
Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholicbeverages, calcium carbide
Industrial production growth rate: 9.3% (1996 est.)
Electricity—production: 1.717 billion kWh (1996) note: exports electricity to India
Electricity—production by source: fossil fuel: 0.41% hydro: 99.59% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1996)
Electricity—consumption: 246 million kWh (1996)
Electricity—exports: 1.475 billion kWh (1996)
Electricity—imports: 4 million kWh (1996)
Agriculture—products: rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs
Exports: $99 million (f.o.b., 1997 est.)
Exports—commodities: cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India), precious stones, spices
Exports—partners: India 94%, Bangladesh
Imports: $131 million (c.i.f., 1997 est.)
Imports—commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice
Imports—partners: India 77%, Japan, UK, Germany, US
Debt—external: $87 million (1996)
Economic aid—recipient: $73.8 million (1995)
Currency: 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note—Indian currency is also legal tender
Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1—42.508 (January 1999), 41.259 (1998), 36.313 (1997), 35.433 (1996), 32.427 (1995), 31.374 (1994); note—the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee
Fiscal year: 1 July—30 June
Communications
Telephones: 4,620 (1991 est.)
Telephone system:domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with very fewtelephones in useinternational: international telephone and telegraph service is bylandline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios: 23,000 (1989 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 0 (1997)
Televisions: 200 (1985 est.)
Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 3,285 km paved: 1,994 km unpaved: 1,291 km (1996 est.)
Ports and harbors: none
Airports: 2 (1998 est.)
Airports—with paved runways:total: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Airports—with unpaved runways:total: 1914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1998 est.)
Military
Military branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia,Royal Police Force
Military manpower—military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower—availability:males age 15-49: 477,944 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—fit for military service:males age 15-49: 254,992 (1999 est.)
Military manpower—reaching military age annually:males: 19,424 (1999 est.)
Military expenditures—dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures—percent of GDP: NA%
Transnational Issues
Disputes—international: with Nepal over 91,000 Bhutanese refugees in Nepal
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@Bolivia ———-
Introduction
Background: Bolivia broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Its subsequent history has been marked by a seemingly endless series of coups, counter-coups, and abrupt changes in leaders and policies. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but the leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, strikes, and drug dealing. Current issues include encouraging and negotiating the terms for foreign investment; strengthening the educational system; continuing the privatization program; pursuing judicial reform and an anti-corruption campaign.
Geography
Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Geographic coordinates: 17 00 S, 65 00 W
Map references: South America
Area:total: 1,098,580 sq kmland: 1,084,390 sq kmwater: 14,190 sq km
Area—comparative: slightly less than three times the size ofMontana
Land boundaries:total: 6,743 kmborder countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km,Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold andsemiarid
Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau(Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m
Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten,antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber
Land use:arable land: 2%permanent crops: 0%permanent pastures: 24%forests and woodland: 53%other: 21% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 1,750 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by those unaccustomed to it from birth; flooding in the northeast (March-April)
Environment—current issues: the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation
Environment—international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
Geography—note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
People
Population: 7,982,850 (July 1999 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 39% (male 1,573,391; female 1,540,123)15-64 years: 56% (male 2,199,077; female 2,307,490)65 years and over: 5% (male 164,213; female 198,556) (1999 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.96% (1999 est.)
Birth rate: 30.72 births/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Death rate: 9.61 deaths/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1999 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.97 male(s)/female (1999 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 62.02 deaths/1,000 live births (1999 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.43 years male: 58.51 years female: 64.51 years (1999 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.93 children born/woman (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian
Ethnic groups: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed white andAmerindian ancestry) 30%, white 15%
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara(official)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 83.1%male: 90.5%female: 76% (1995 est.)
Government
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Boliviaconventional short form: Bolivialocal long form: Republica de Bolivialocal short form: Bolivia