Radio broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998)
Radios: 3.02 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 17 (1997)
Televisions: 2.52 million (1997)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (1999)
@Belarus:Transportation
Railways: total: 5,563 km broad gauge: 5,563 km 1.520-m gauge (894 km electrified)
Highways: total: 63,355 km paved: 60,567 km unpaved: 2,788 km (1998 est.)
Waterways: NA km; note - Belarus has extensive and widely used canal and river systems
Pipelines: crude oil 1,470 km; refined products 1,100 km; natural gas 1,980 km (1992)
Ports and harbors: Mazyr
Airports: 118 (1996 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 36 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 18 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 under 914 m: 11 (1996 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 82 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 62 (1996 est.)
@Belarus:Military
Military branches: Army, Air Force, Air Defense Force, InteriorMinistry Troops, Border Guards
Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,714,420 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,126,655 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 82,720 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $156 million (FY98)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.2% (FY98)
@Belarus:Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none
Illicit drugs: limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe
______________________________________________________________________
@Belgium:Introduction
Background: Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
@Belgium:Geography
Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 30,510 sq km land: 30,230 sq km water: 280 sq km
Area - comparative: about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries:total: 1,385 kmborder countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,Netherlands 450 km
Coastline: 66 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf: median line with neighbors exclusive fishing zone: median line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast) territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation extremes: lowest point: North Sea 0 m highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Natural resources: coal, natural gas
Land use: arable land: 24% permanent crops: 1% permanent pastures: 20% forests and woodland: 21% other: 34%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Environment - current issues: the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, intense animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have impeded progress in tackling environmental challenges
Environment - international agreements:party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, MarineLife Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, AirPollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note: crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of both the EU and NATO
@Belgium:People
Population: 10,241,506 (July 2000 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 919,445; female 877,896) 15-64 years: 66% (male 3,386,193; female 3,334,081) 65 years and over: 16% (male 701,842; female 1,022,049) (2000 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.18% (2000 est.)
Birth rate: 10.91 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Death rate: 10.13 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2000 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.8 years male: 74.47 years female: 81.3 years (2000 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.61 children born/woman (2000 est.)
Nationality: noun: Belgian(s) adjective: Belgian
Ethnic groups: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Languages: Dutch 58%, French 32%, German 10%, legally bilingual
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: NA% female: NA%
@Belgium:Government
Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium conventional short form: Belgium local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie local short form: Belgique/Belgie
Data code: BE
Government type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch
Capital: Brussels
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams Brabant, West-Vlaanderen note: the Brussels Capital Region is not included within the 10 provinces
Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands)
National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King LEOPOLD I to the throne in 1831)
Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state
Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch: chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved by Parliament elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch and then approved by Parliament note: government coalition - VLD, PRL, PS, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLO
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held in NA 2003) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, CVP 14.7%, PRL 10.6%, PS 9.7%, VB 9.4%, SP 8.9%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.1%, PSC 6.0%, VU 5.1%; seats by party - VLD 11, CVP 10, PS 10, PRL 9, VB 6, SP 6, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, PSC 5, VU 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 14.3%, CVP 14.1%, PS 10.2%, PRL 10.1%, VB 9.9%, SP 9.5%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.0%, PSC 5.9%, VU 5.6%; seats by party - VLD 23, CVP 22, PS 19, PRL 18, VB 15, SP 14, ECOLO 11, PSC 10, AGALEV 9, VU 8, FN 1 note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see Political parties and leaders
Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie in Dutch, Cour de Cassation in French, judges are appointed for life by the Belgian monarch
Political parties and leaders: AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Wilfried BERVOETS]; ECOLO (Francophone Greens) ; Flemish Christian Democrats or CVP (Christian People's Party) [Stefaan DE CLERCK, president]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT, president]; Flemish Socialist Party or SP [Patrick JANSSENS, president]; Francophone Christian Democrats or PSC (Social Christian Party) ; Francophone Democratic Front or FDF ; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party or PRL ; Francophone Socialist Party or PS ; National Front or FN ; Vlaams Blok or VB ; Volksunie or VU [Geert BOURGEOIS, president]; other minor parties
Political pressure groups and leaders: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi
International organization participation: ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, AustraliaGroup, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA,EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat,Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP,UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO,WMO, WTrO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alexis REYN chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 333-6900 FAX: (202) 333-3079 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Paul CEJAS embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710 telephone: (2) 508-2111 FAX: (2) 511-2725
Flag description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France
@Belgium:Economy
Economy - overview: This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging investment in the southern region of Wallonia. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. About three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Belgium's public debt fell from 127% of GDP in 1996 to 122% of GDP in 1998 and the government is trying to control its expenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrialized countries. Belgium became a charter member of the European Monetary Union (EMU) in January 1999. The dioxin crisis - beginning in June 1999 with the discovery of a cancer-causing substance in animal feed - constituted a serious blow to the food-processing industry, both domestically and internationally. This crisis slowed down GDP growth with recovery expected in the year 2000.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $243.4 billion (1999 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 1.8% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $23,900 (1999 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4% industry: 27% services: 71.6% (1999 est.)
Population below poverty line: 4%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 20.2% (1992)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (1999 est.)
Labor force: 4.341 million (1999)
Labor force - by occupation: services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)
Unemployment rate: 9% (1999 est.)
Budget: revenues: $116.5 billion expenditures: $119 billion, including capital expenditures of $10.7 billion (1998 est.)
Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal
Industrial production growth rate: -1% (1999 est.)
Electricity - production: 78.702 billion kWh (1998)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 42.48% hydro: 0.49% nuclear: 55.72% other: 1.31% (1998)
Electricity - consumption: 74.543 billion kWh (1998)
Electricity - exports: 6.4 billion kWh (1998)
Electricity - imports: 7.75 billion kWh (1998)
Agriculture - products: sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Exports: $187.3 billion (f.o.b., 1999)
Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products
Exports - partners: EU 76% (Germany 19%, France 18%, Netherlands 12%,UK 10%) (1998)
Imports: $172.8 billion (f.o.b., 1999)
Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal products
Imports - partners: EU 71% (Germany 18%, Netherlands 17%, France 14%,UK 9%) (1998)
Debt - external: $28.3 billion (1999 est.)
Economic aid - donor: ODA, $764 million (1997)
Currency: 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: euros per US$1 - 0.9867 (January 2000), 0.9386 (1999); Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 34.77 (January 1999), 36.229 (1998), 35.774 (1997), 30.962 (1996), 29.480 (1995) note: on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in some member countries at a fixed rate of 40.3399 Belgian francs per euro; the euro will replace the local currency in consenting countries for all transactions in 2002
Fiscal year: calendar year
@Belgium:Communications
Telephones - main lines in use: 4.632 million (1995)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 664,000 (1999)
Telephone system: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Radio broadcast stations: FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios: 8.075 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 24 (1997)
Televisions: 4.72 million (1997)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 51 (1999)
@Belgium:Transportation
Railways: total: 3,437 km (2,446 km electrified; 2,563 km double track) standard gauge: 3,437 km 1.435-m gauge (1998)
Highways: total: 145,850 km paved: 117,701 km (including 1,682 km of expressways) unpaved: 28,149 km (1998)
Waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)
Pipelines: crude oil 161 km; petroleum products 1,167 km; natural gas 3,300 km
Ports and harbors: Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge,Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge
Merchant marine: total: 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,075 GRT/57,347 DWT ships by type: cargo 7, chemical tanker 8, petroleum tanker 7 (1999 est.)
Airports: 42 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (1999 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 16 (1999 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1999 est.)
@Belgium:Military
Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie
Military manpower - military age: 19 years of age
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,527,752 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,090,800 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 64,165 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $2.8 billion (FY99)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.2% (FY99)
@Belgium:Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none
Illicit drugs: source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe
______________________________________________________________________
@Belize:Introduction
Background: Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime.
@Belize:Geography
Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, betweenGuatemala and Mexico
Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 45 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 22,960 sq km land: 22,800 sq km water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Massachusetts
Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km
Coastline: 386 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February)
Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m
Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 1% permanent pastures: 2% forests and woodland: 92% other: 3% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: frequent, devastating hurricanes (September toDecember) and coastal flooding (especially in south)
Environment - current issues: deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid waste disposal
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note: only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean
@Belize:People
Population: 249,183 (July 2000 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 54,009; female 51,945) 15-64 years: 54% (male 68,052; female 66,366) 65 years and over: 3% (male 4,298; female 4,513) (2000 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.75% (2000 est.)
Birth rate: 32.29 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Death rate: 4.81 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2000 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 25.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.91 years male: 68.66 years female: 73.28 years (2000 est.)
Total fertility rate: 4.14 children born/woman (2000 est.)
Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean
Ethnic groups: mestizo 44.1%, Creole 31%, Maya 9.2%, Garifuna 6.2%, other 9.5%
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),Creole
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 70.3% male: 70.3% female: 70.3% (1991 est.) note: other sources list the literacy rate as high as 75%
@Belize: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, OrangeWalk, 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 17 November 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Said MUSA (since 27 August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September 1998) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; governor general appoints the member of the House of Representatives who is leader of the majority party to be prime minister
Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (eight members, five appointed on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one by the governor general; members are appointed for five-year terms); and the House of Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 27 August 1998 (next to be held NA August 2003) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PUP 26, UDP 3
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders: People's United Party or PUP [SaidMUSA]; United Democratic Party or UDP
Political pressure groups and leaders: Society for the Promotion ofEducation and Research or SPEAR ; United Worker's Front
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 MURPHY chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 332-9636 FAX: (202) 332-6888 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carolyn CURIEL embassy: Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Unit 7401, APO AA 34025 telephone: (2) 77161 through 77163 FAX: (2) 30802
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
@Belize: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 reining in spending could bring the exchange rate under pressure. The tourist and construction sectors strengthened in early 1999, leading to a preliminary estimate of revived growth at 4%.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $740 million (1999 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 4% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,100 (1999 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 22% industry: 22% services: 56% (1998)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.9% (1999 est.)
Labor force: 71,000 note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1997 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 38%, industry 32%, services 30% (1994)
Unemployment rate: 14.3% (1998)
Budget: revenues: $140 million expenditures: $180 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1997)
Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism, construction
Industrial production growth rate: -4.4% (1998)
Electricity - production: 175 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 57.14% hydro: 42.86% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1998)
Electricity - consumption: 163 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1998)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1998)
Agriculture - products: bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane; lumber; fish, cultured shrimp
Exports: $150 million (f.o.b., 1998)
Exports - commodities: sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood
Exports - partners: US 45.5%, UK 30%, EU 10%, Caricom 4.2%, Mexico 3.4%, Canada 3.3% (1997)
Imports: $320 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: $380 million (1997)
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
@Belize:Communications
Telephones - main lines in use: 29,600 (1996)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,237 (1995)
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, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: 133,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997)
Televisions: 41,000 (1997)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NA
@Belize:Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,872 km paved: 488 km unpaved: 2,384 km (1998 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: 414 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,647,452 GRT/2,339,134 DWT ships by type: bulk 36, cargo 275, chemical tanker 7, container 9, liquified gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 51, refrigerated cargo 14, roll-on/roll-off 9, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 2 (1999 est.) note: 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 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (1999 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 41 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 30 (1999 est.)
@Belize: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: 60,482 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 35,874 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 2,735 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $15 million (FY97/98)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (FY97/98)
@Belize:Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: territory in Belize claimed by Guatemala; precise alignment of boundary in dispute
Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center
______________________________________________________________________
@Benin:Introduction
Background: Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.
@Benin:Geography
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, betweenNigeria and Togo
Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 2 15 E
Map references: Africa
Area: total: 112,620 sq km land: 110,620 sq km water: 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, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note: no natural harbors
@Benin:People
Population: 6,395,919 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2000 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (male 1,531,636; female 1,503,552) 15-64 years: 50% (male 1,551,867; female 1,660,845) 65 years and over: 3% (male 63,717; female 84,302) (2000 est.)
Population growth rate: 3.03% (2000 est.)
Birth rate: 44.81 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Death rate: 14.51 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2000 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 90.84 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 50.18 years male: 49.24 years female: 51.16 years (2000 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.32 children born/woman (2000 est.)
Nationality: noun: Beninese (singular and plural) adjective: Beninese
Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important beingFon, 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 write total population: 37% male: 48.7% female: 25.8% (1995 est.)
@Benin:Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local long form: Republique du Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey
Data code: BN
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 seat of government
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou note: 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 government head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: 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 of vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 52.49%, Nicephore SOGLO 47.51%
Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 28 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2003) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRB 27, PRD 11, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 9, MADEPO 6, Alliance Etoile 4, Alliance IPD 4, CAR-DUNYA 3, MERCI 2, other 7
Judicial branch: Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle,Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, High Court of Justice
Political parties and leaders: African Movement for Democracy andProgress or MADEP ; Alliance for Democracy andProgress or ADP ; Alliance of the SocialDemocratic Party or PSD and the National Union for Solidarity andProgress or UNSP ; Benin Renaissance Party or PRB; Cameleon Alliance or AC ; Car-DUNYA; Communist Party of Benin or PCB [Pascal FANTONDJI, firstsecretary]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD ; Frontfor Renewal and Development or FARD-ALAFIA; Impulse for Progress andDemocracy or IPD ; Liberal Democrats' Rally for NationalReconstruction-Vivoten or RDL-Vivoten ; Movement forCitizens' Commitment and Awakening or MERCI ; NewGeneration for the Republic or NG ; Our Common Cause or NCC; Rally for Democracy and Pan-Africanism orRDP ; The StarAlliance (Alliance E'toile) ; Union for National Democracyand Solidarity or UDS
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA,ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO(subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD,UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WADB (regional), 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 telephone: (202) 232-6656 FAX: (202) 265-1996
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert C. FELDER embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92 FAX: 30-14-39, 30-19-74
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side
@Benin: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 1996-99. 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. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have 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 structural adjustment program since 1991.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $8.1 billion (1999 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 5% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,300 (1999 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): 3% (1999 est.)
Labor force: NA
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues: $299 million expenditures: $445 million, including capital expenditures of $14 million (1995 est.)
Industries: textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; construction materials, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity - production: 6 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1998)
Electricity - consumption: 276 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1998)
Electricity - imports: 270 million kWh (1998)
Agriculture - products: corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice, cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock
Exports: $396 million (f.o.b., 1999)
Exports - commodities: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa
Exports - partners: Brazil 32%, Libya, Indonesia, Spain (1998)
Imports: $566 million (f.o.b., 1999)
Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, tobacco, petroleum products, capital goods
Imports - partners: France 22%, China 16%, UK, Netherlands (1998)
Debt - external: $1.6 billion (1997 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 - 647.25 (January 2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996), 499.15 (1995) note: from 1 January 1999, the CFAF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro
Fiscal year: calendar year
@Benin:Communications
Telephones - main lines in use: 28,000 (1995)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,050 (1995)
Telephone system: domestic: fair system of open wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998)
Radios: 620,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (one privately-owned) (1997)
Televisions: 60,000 (1997)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NA
@Benin:Transportation
Railways: total: 578 km (single track) narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (1995 est.)
Highways: total: 6,787 km paved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways) unpaved: 5,430 km (1997 est.)
Waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally
Ports and harbors: Cotonou, Porto-Novo
Merchant marine: none (1999 est.)
Airports: 5 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (1999 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (1999 est.)
@Benin: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: 1,402,566 females age 15-49: 1,445,082 note: both sexes are liable for military service (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 717,289 females age 15-49: 732,196 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 69,065 females: 67,961 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $27 million (FY96)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.2% (FY96)
@Benin: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:Introduction
Background: Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Bermuda has developed into highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.
@Bermuda:Geography
Location: North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US)
Geographic coordinates: 32 20 N, 64 45 W
Map references: North America
Area: total: 58.8 sq km land: 58.8 sq km water: 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% (55% developed, 39% rural/open space) (1997 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: hurricanes (June to November)
Environment - current issues: asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space
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
@Bermuda:People
Population: 62,997 (July 2000 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 20% (male 6,107; female 6,212) 15-64 years: 70% (male 21,620; female 22,171) 65 years and over: 10% (male 2,972; female 3,915) (2000 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.75% (2000 est.)
Birth rate: 12.24 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Death rate: 7.37 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2000 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 9.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.94 years male: 74.89 years female: 78.86 years (2000 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (2000 est.)
Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian
Ethnic groups: black 58%, white 36%, other 6%
Religions: non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19%
Languages: English (official), Portuguese
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99% (1970 est.)
@Bermuda:Government
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda
Data code: BD
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Government type: parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government
Capital: Hamilton
Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*;Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, SaintGeorges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution: 8 June 1968, amended 1989
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 governor elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; governor invites leader of largest party in Parliament to form a government as premier
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 9 November 1998 (next to be held NA November 2003) 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: National Liberal Party or NLP [CharlesJEFFERS]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP ; UnitedBermuda Party or UBP
Political pressure groups and leaders: Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU; Bermuda Public Services Association or BPSA [BettyCHRISTOPHER]
International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CCC,ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of theUK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Consul General Lawrence OWEN consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: (441) 295-1342 FAX: (441) 295-1592
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
@Bermuda: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. Government economic priorities are the further strengthening of the tourist and international financial sectors.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $2 billion (1999 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 2.5% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $31,500 (1999 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1% industry: 10% services: 89% (1995 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (1998 est.)
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 million expenditures: $537 million, including capital expenditures of $75 million (FY97/98)
Industries: tourism, finance, insurance, structural concrete products, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity - production: 420 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1998)
Electricity - consumption: 391 million kWh (1998)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1998)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1998)
Agriculture - products: bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products
Exports: $32 million (1998 est.)
Exports - commodities: reexports of pharmaceuticals
Exports - partners: UK 29.5%, US 9.8% (1997)
Imports: $624 million (1998 est.)
Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals
Imports - partners: US 34%, UK 9%, Mexico 8% (1997)
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
@Bermuda:Communications
Telephones - main lines in use: 48,000 (1995)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 6,324 (1995)
Telephone system: domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone system international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: 82,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 3 (1997)
Televisions: 66,000 (1997)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (1999)
@Bermuda:Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 225 km paved: 225 km unpaved: 0 km (1997 est.) note: in addition, there are 232 km of paved and unpaved roads that are privately owned
Ports and harbors: Hamilton, Saint George
Merchant marine: total: 115 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,536,975 GRT/11,337,483 DWT ships by type: bulk 27, cargo 4, chemical tanker 2, container 17, liquified gas 7, petroleum tanker 33, refrigerated cargo 14, roll-on/roll-off 8, short-sea passenger 3 (1999 est.) note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 11 countries 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 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (1999 est.)
@Bermuda:Military
Military branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, BermudaReserve Constabulary
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA%
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
@Bermuda:Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none
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