Ethiopia:slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Europa Island:about 0.16 times the size of Washington, DC
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas):slightly smaller than Connecticut
Faroe Islands:eight times the size of Washington, DC
Fiji:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Finland:slightly smaller than Montana
France:slightly less than twice the size of Colorado
French Guiana:slightly smaller than Indiana
French Polynesia:slightly less than one-third the size ofConnecticut
French Southern and Antarctic Lands:slightly less than 1.3 timesthe size of Delaware
Gabon:slightly smaller than Colorado
Gambia, The:slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Gaza Strip:slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
Georgia:slightly smaller than South Carolina
Germany:slightly smaller than Montana
Ghana:slightly smaller than Oregon
Gibraltar:about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Glorioso Islands:about eight times the size of The Mall inWashington, DC
Greece:slightly smaller than Alabama
Greenland:slightly more than three times the size of Texas
Grenada:twice the size of Washington, DC
Guadeloupe:10 times the size of Washington, DC
Guam:three times the size of Washington, DC
Guatemala:slightly smaller than Tennessee
Guernsey:slightly larger than Washington, DC
Guinea:slightly smaller than Oregon
Guinea-Bissau:slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut
Guyana:slightly smaller than Idaho
Haiti:slightly smaller than Maryland
Heard Island and McDonald Islands:slightly more than two times thesize of Washington, DC
Holy See (Vatican City):about 0.7 times the size of The Mall inWashington, DC
Honduras:slightly larger than Tennessee
Hong Kong:six times the size of Washington, DC
Howland Island:about three times the size of The Mall inWashington, DC
Hungary:slightly smaller than Indiana
Iceland:slightly smaller than Kentucky
India:slightly more than one-third the size of the US
Indian Ocean:about 5.5 times the size of the US
Indonesia:slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Iran:slightly larger than Alaska
Iraq:slightly more than twice the size of Idaho
Ireland:slightly larger than West Virginia
Israel:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Italy:slightly larger than Arizona
Jamaica:slightly smaller than Connecticut
Jan Mayen:slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
Japan:slightly smaller than California
Jarvis Island:about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Jersey:about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Johnston Atoll:about 4.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Jordan:slightly smaller than Indiana
Juan de Nova Island:about seven times the size of The Mall inWashington, DC
Kazakhstan:slightly less than four times the size of Texas
Kenya:slightly more than twice the size of Nevada
Kingman Reef:about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Kiribati:four times the size of Washington, DC
Korea, North:slightly smaller than Mississippi
Korea, South:slightly larger than Indiana
Kuwait:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Kyrgyzstan:slightly smaller than South Dakota
Laos:slightly larger than Utah
Latvia:slightly larger than West Virginia
Lebanon:about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut
Lesotho:slightly smaller than Maryland
Liberia:slightly larger than Tennessee
Libya:slightly larger than Alaska
Liechtenstein:about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC
Lithuania:slightly larger than West Virginia
Luxembourg:slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Macau:about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of:slightly larger thanVermont
Madagascar:slightly less than twice the size of Arizona
Malawi:slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Malaysia:slightly larger than New Mexico
Maldives:about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Mali:slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Malta:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Man, Isle of:slightly more than three times the size of Washington,DC
Marshall Islands:about the size of Washington, DC
Martinique:slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC
Mauritania:slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico
Mauritius:almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC
Mayotte:slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC
Mexico:slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Micronesia, Federated States of:four times the size of Washington,DC
Midway Islands:about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Moldova:slightly larger than Maryland
Monaco:about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Mongolia:slightly smaller than Alaska
Montserrat:about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC
Morocco:slightly larger than California
Mozambique:slightly less than twice the size of California
Namibia:slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Nauru:about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
Navassa Island:about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Nepal:slightly larger than Arkansas
Netherlands:slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Netherlands Antilles:more than five times the size of Washington, DC
New Caledonia:slightly smaller than New Jersey
New Zealand:about the size of Colorado
Nicaragua:slightly smaller than the state of New York
Niger:slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Nigeria:slightly more than twice the size of California
Niue:1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Norfolk Island:about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
Northern Mariana Islands:2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Norway:slightly larger than New Mexico
Oman:slightly smaller than Kansas
Pacific Ocean:about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28%of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world
Pakistan:slightly less than twice the size of California
Palau:slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Palmyra Atoll:about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Panama:slightly smaller than South Carolina
Papua New Guinea:slightly larger than California
Paracel Islands:NA
Paraguay:slightly smaller than California
Peru:slightly smaller than Alaska
Philippines:slightly larger than Arizona
Pitcairn Islands:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Poland:slightly smaller than New Mexico
Portugal:slightly smaller than Indiana
Puerto Rico:slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island
Qatar:slightly smaller than Connecticut
Reunion:slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Romania:slightly smaller than Oregon
Russia:slightly less than 1.8 times the size of the US
Rwanda:slightly smaller than Maryland
Saint Helena:slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC
Saint Kitts and Nevis:1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Saint Lucia:3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Saint Pierre and Miquelon:1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:twice the size of Washington, DC
Samoa:slightly smaller than Rhode Island
San Marino:about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Sao Tome and Principe:more than five times the size of Washington,DC
Saudi Arabia:slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US
Senegal:slightly smaller than South Dakota
Seychelles:2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Sierra Leone:slightly smaller than South Carolina
Singapore:slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Slovakia:about twice the size of New Hampshire
Slovenia:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Solomon Islands:slightly smaller than Maryland
Somalia:slightly smaller than Texas
South Africa:slightly less than twice the size of Texas
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands:slightly larger thanRhode Island
Southern Ocean:slightly more than twice the size of the US
Spain:slightly more than twice the size of Oregon
Spratly Islands:NA
Sri Lanka:slightly larger than West Virginia
Sudan:slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US
Suriname:slightly larger than Georgia
Svalbard:slightly smaller than West Virginia
Swaziland:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Sweden:slightly larger than California
Switzerland:slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey
Syria:slightly larger than North Dakota
Tajikistan:slightly smaller than Wisconsin
Tanzania:slightly larger than twice the size of California
Thailand:slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
Togo:slightly smaller than West Virginia
Tokelau:about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Tonga:four times the size of Washington, DC
Trinidad and Tobago:slightly smaller than Delaware
Tromelin Island:about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington,DC
Tunisia:slightly larger than Georgia
Turkey:slightly larger than Texas
Turkmenistan:slightly larger than California
Turks and Caicos Islands:2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Tuvalu:0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
Uganda:slightly smaller than Oregon
Ukraine:slightly smaller than Texas
United Arab Emirates:slightly smaller than Maine
United Kingdom:slightly smaller than Oregon
United States:about one-half the size of Russia; about three-tenthsthe size of Africa; about one-half the size of South America (orslightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; about twoand one-half times the size of Western Europe
Uruguay:slightly smaller than the state of Washington
Uzbekistan:slightly larger than California
Vanuatu:slightly larger than Connecticut
Venezuela:slightly more than twice the size of California
Vietnam:slightly larger than New Mexico
Virgin Islands:twice the size of Washington, DC
Wake Island:about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Wallis and Futuna:1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
West Bank:slightly smaller than Delaware
Western Sahara:about the size of Colorado
World:land area about 16 times the size of the US
Yemen:slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming
Yugoslavia:slightly smaller than Kentucky
Zambia:slightly larger than Texas
Zimbabwe:slightly larger than Montana
Taiwan:slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined
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@Background
Afghanistan:Afghanistan was invaded and occupied by the SovietUnion in 1979. The USSR was forced to withdraw 10 years later byanti-communist mujahidin forces supplied and trained by the US,Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. Fighting subsequently continuedamong the various mujahidin factions, but the fundamentalist IslamicTaliban movement has been able to seize most of the country. Inaddition to the continuing civil strife, the country suffers fromenormous poverty, a crumbling infrastructure, and widespread landmines.
Albania:In 1990 Albania ended 44 years of xenophobic communist ruleand established a multiparty democracy. The transition has provendifficult as corrupt governments have tried to deal with highunemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, widespread gangsterism,and disruptive political opponents. International observers judgedlocal elections in 2000 to be acceptable and a step towarddemocratic development, but serious deficiencies remain to becorrected before the the 2001 parliamentary elections.
Algeria:After a century of rule by France, Algeria becameindependent in 1962. The surprising first round success of thefundamentalist FIS (Islamic Salvation Front) party in December 1991balloting caused the army to intervene, crack down on the FIS, andpostpone the subsequent elections. The FIS response has resulted ina continuous low-grade civil conflict with the secular stateapparatus, which nonetheless has allowed elections featuringpro-government and moderate religious-based parties. FIS's armedwing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded itself in January 2000and many armed militants surrendered under an amnesty programdesigned to promote national reconciliation. Nevertheless, residualfighting continues. Other concerns include large-scale unemploymentand the need to diversify the petroleum-based economy.
American Samoa:Settled as early as 1000 B. C., Samoa was"discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century.International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century weresettled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided theSamoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smallergroup of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago -the following year.
Andorra:Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra hasachieved considerable prosperity since World War II through itstourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attractedto the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.
Angola:Civil war has been the norm in Angola since independencefrom Portugal in 1975. A 1994 peace accord between the governmentand the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)provided for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into thegovernment and armed forces. A national unity government wasinstalled in April of 1997, but serious fighting resumed in late1998, rendering hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Up to 1.5million lives may have been lost in fighting over the past quartercentury.
Anguilla:Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650,Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19thcentury, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants -was incorporated into a single British dependency along with SaintKitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, twoyears after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; thisarrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming aseparate British dependency.
Antarctica:Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" wasnot confirmed until the early 1820s when British and Americancommercial operators and British and Russian national expeditionsbegan exploring the Peninsula region and areas south of theAntarctic Circle. Not until 1838 was it established that Antarcticawas indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Various"firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century, including: 1902,first balloon flight (by British explorer Robert Falcon SCOTT);1912, first to the South Pole (five Norwegian explorers under RoaldAMUNDSEN); 1928, first fixed-wing aircraft flight (by Australianadventurer/explorer Sir Hubert WILKINS); 1929, first flight over theSouth Pole (by Americans Richard BYRD and Bernt BALCHEN); and 1935,first transantarctic flight (American Lincoln ELLSWORTH). FollowingWorld War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on thecontinent. A number of countries have set up year-round researchstations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but noother country recognizes these claims. In order to form a legalframework for the activities of nations on the continent, anAntarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor givesrecognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, itentered into force in 1961.
Antigua and Barbuda:The islands of Antigua and Barbuda became anindependent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in1981. Some 3,000 refugees fleeing a volcanic eruption on nearbyMontserrat have settled in Antigua and Barbuda since 1995.
Arctic Ocean:The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's fiveoceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, andthe recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (USand Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are twoimportant seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river,and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.
Argentina:Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentinaexperienced periods of internal political conflict betweenconservatives and liberals and between civilian and militaryfactions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist dictatorshipwas followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracyreturned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscoredArgentina's progress in democratic consolidation.
Armenia:An Orthodox Christian country, Armenia was incorporatedinto Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian leaders remainpreoccupied by the long conflict with Azerbaijan overNagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated exclave, assignedto Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijanbegan fighting over the exclave in 1988; the struggle escalatedafter both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces heldnot only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion ofAzerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt bytheir inability to make substantial progress toward a peacefulresolution.
Aruba:Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquiredby the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated bythree main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed byprosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. Thelast decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became aseparate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in1990.
Ashmore and Cartier Islands: These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983 it became a National Nature Reserve. Recent geological explorations have indicated promising petroleum formations.
Atlantic Ocean:The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of theworld's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than theIndian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal(Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait ofGibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the St. Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US)are important strategic access waterways. The decision by theInternational Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 todelimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portionof the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south.
Australia:Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in1901. It was able to take advantage of its natural resources torapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and tomake a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I andII. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion ofthe ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas,especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to changeAustralia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the Britishmonarch to an independent republic, was defeated in 1999.
Austria:Once the center of power for the large Austro-HungarianEmpire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat inWorld War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 andsubsequent occupation by the victorious Allies, Austria's 1955 StateTreaty declared the country "permanently neutral" as a condition ofSoviet military withdrawal. Neutrality, once ingrained as part ofthe Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question sincethe Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's increasingly prominentrole in European affairs. A prosperous country, Austria joined theEuropean Union in 1995 and the euro monetary system in 1999.
Azerbaijan:Azerbaijan - a nation of Turkic Muslims - has been anindependent republic since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.Despite a cease-fire, in place since 1994, Azerbaijan has yet toresolve its conflict with Armenia over the AzerbaijaniNagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijanhas lost almost 20% of its territory and must support some 750,000refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of theconflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespreadwealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remainslargely unfulfilled.
Bahamas, The:Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, TheBahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking andinvestment management. Because of its geography, the country is amajor transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipmentsto the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrantsinto the US.
Bahrain:Bahrain's small size and central location among PersianGulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act inforeign affairs among its larger neighbors. Possessing minimal oilreserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining,and has transformed itself into an international banking center. Thenew amir is pushing economic and political reforms, and has workedto improve relations with the Shi'a community. In 2001, theInternational Court of Justice awarded the Hawar Islands, longdisputed with Qatar, to Bahrain.
Baker Island:The US took possession of the island in 1857, and itsguano deposits were mined by US and British companies during thesecond half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt atcolonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby HowlandIsland - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned.Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the USDepartment of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middleof the west coast.
Bangladesh:Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali EastPakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third ofthis extremely poor country annually floods during the monsoon rainyseason, hampering economic development.
Barbados:The island was uninhabited when first settled by theBritish in 1627. Its economy remained heavily dependent on sugar,rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. Inthe 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry ineconomic importance.
Bassas da India:This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefsand is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it wasplaced under the administration of a commissioner residing inReunion in 1968.
Belarus:After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR,Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closerpolitical and economic ties to Russia than any of the other formerSoviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-stateunion on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economicintegration but, to date, neither side has actively sought toimplement the accord.
Belgium:Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 andwas occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prosperedin the past half century as a modern, technologically advancedEuropean state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between theDutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speakingWalloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutionalamendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Belize:Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayedthe independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981.Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourismhas become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plaguedby high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drugtrade, and increased urban crime.
Benin:Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the namewas changed to Benin in 1975. From 1974 to 1989 the country was asocialist state; free elections were reestablished in 1991.
Bermuda:Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked Englishcolonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape NorthAmerican winters first developed in Victorian times. Bermuda hasdeveloped into a highly successful offshore financial center. Areferendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.
Bhutan:Under British influence a monarchy was set up in 1907; threeyears later a treaty was signed whereby the country became a Britishprotectorate. Independence was attained in 1949, with Indiasubsequently guiding foreign relations and supplying aid. A refugeeissue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% ofthese displaced persons are housed in seven United Nations Office ofthe High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Maoist Assameseseparatists from India, who have established themselves in thesoutheast portion of Bhutan, have drawn Indian cross-borderincursions.
Bolivia:Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent historyhas consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s,but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attractingforeign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuingthe privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.
Bosnia and Herzegovina:Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration ofsovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a referendum forindependence from the former Yugoslavia in February 1992. TheBosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded witharmed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethniclines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." InMarch 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warringfactions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a jointBosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties signed a peace agreementthat brought to a halt the three years of interethnic civil strife(the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). TheDayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's internationalboundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democraticgovernment. This national government is charged with conductingforeign, economic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a secondtier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size:the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and theBosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RSgovernments are charged with overseeing internal functions. In1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the militaryaspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-ledStabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission is to deter renewedhostilities. SFOR remains in place at a level of approximately21,000 troops.
Botswana:Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland,Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Theeconomy, one of the most robust on the continent, is dominated bydiamond mining.
Bouvet Island:This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirelycovered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discoveredin 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named.No claim was made until 1825 when the British flag was raised. In1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupiedthe island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and theadjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on theisland.
Brazil:Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazilbecame an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and mostpopulous country in South America, Brazil has overcome more thanhalf a century of military intervention in the governance of thecountry to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and developmentof the interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large laborpool, Brazil became Latin America's leading economic power by the1970s. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.
British Indian Ocean Territory: Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier resident in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration order which had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia.
British Virgin Islands:First settled by the Dutch in 1648, theislands were soon after (1672) annexed by the English. The economyis closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands tothe west; the US dollar is the legal currency.
Brunei:The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15thand 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas ofnorthwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequentlyentered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royalsuccession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence wasachieved in 1984. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum andnatural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPsin the less developed countries. The same family has now ruled inBrunei for over six centuries.
Bulgaria:Bulgaria earned its independence from the Ottoman Empirein 1878, but having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, itfell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People'sRepublic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgariaheld its first multi-party election since World War II and began thecontentious process of moving toward political democracy and amarket economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption,and crime. Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on apath toward eventual integration into NATO and the EU - with whichit began accession negotiations in 2000.
Burkina Faso:Independence from France came to Burkina Faso(formerly Upper Volta) in 1960. Governmental instability during the1970s and 1980s was followed by multiparty elections in the early1990s. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate south everyyear to Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Burma:Despite multiparty elections in 1990 that resulted in themain opposition party winning a decisive victory, the military juntaruling the country refused to hand over power. Key opposition leaderand Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG San Suu Kyi, under house arrestfrom 1989 to 1995, was again placed under house detention inSeptember 2000; her supporters are routinely harassed or jailed.
Burundi:Between 1993 and 2000, wide-spread, often intense ethnicviolence between Hutu and Tutsi factions in Burundi created hundredsof thousands of refugees and left tens of thousands dead. Althoughsome refugees have returned from neighboring countries, continuedethnic strife has forced many others to flee. Burundian troops,seeking to secure their borders, have intervened in the conflict inthe Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cambodia:Following a five-year struggle, communist Khmer Rougeforces captured Phnom Penh in 1975 and ordered the evacuation of allcities and towns; over 1 million displaced people died fromexecution or enforced hardships. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drovethe Khmer Rouge into the countryside and touched off 13 years offighting. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore somesemblance of normalcy, as did the rapid diminishment of the KhmerRouge in the mid-1990s. A coalition government, formed afternational elections in 1998, brought renewed political stability andthe surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces.
Cameroon:The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroonmerged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generallyenjoyed stability, which has permitted the development ofagriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remainsfirmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.
Canada:A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canadabecame a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to theBritish crown. Economically and technologically the nation hasdeveloped in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south acrossan unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues tobe the relationship of the province of Quebec, with itsFrench-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder ofthe country.
Cape Verde:The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized bythe Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became atrading center for African slaves. Most Cape Verdeans descend fromboth groups. Independence was achieved in 1975.
Cayman Islands:The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica bythe British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered byJamaica from 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962when the former became independent.
Central African Republic:The former French colony of Ubangi-Sharibecame the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. Afterthree tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments- a civilian government was installed in 1993.
Chad:Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, enduredthree decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya beforea semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The governmenteventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-militarygroups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorableto Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multipartypresidential and National Assembly elections in 1996 and 1997respectively. In 1998 a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad,which continued to escalate throughout 2000. Despite movement towarddemocratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnicoligarchy.
Chile:A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 bya dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, which ruleduntil a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Soundeconomic policies, first implemented by the PINOCHET dictatorship,led to unprecedented growth in 1991-97 and have helped secure thecountry's commitment to democratic and representative government.Growth slowed in 1998-99, but recovered strongly in 2000.
China:For centuries China has stood as a leading civilization,outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences. But in thefirst half of the 20th century, China was beset by major famines,civil unrest, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After WorldWar II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established a dictatorshipthat, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controlsover everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people.After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping gradually introducedmarket-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making.Output quadrupled in the next 20 years and China now has the world'ssecond largest GDP. Political controls remain tight even whileeconomic controls continue to weaken.
Christmas Island:Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, theisland was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888.Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereigntyto Australia in 1958. The phosphate mine, closed in 1987, wasreopened four years later, but the need for an alternative industryhas spurred investment in tourism. Old mining areas are beingrestored, and almost two-thirds of the island has been declared anational park.
Clipperton Island:This isolated island was named for JohnCLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18thcentury. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897.Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which tookpossession in 1935.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands:The islands were discovered in 1609, butremained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955.The population on the two inhabited islands is split between themostly Europeans on West Island and the Malays on Home Island.
Colombia:Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged fromthe collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador andVenezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the ColombianGovernment escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by fundsfrom the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and largeswaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, themovement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary tooverthrow the government. While Bogota continues to try to negotiatea settlement, neighboring countries worry about the violencespilling over their borders.
Comoros:Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coupssince gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islandsof Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He has pledged toresolve the secessionist crisis through the 2000 Fomboni Accord, aconfederal arrangement that the Organization of African Unity hasyet to recognize.
Congo, Democratic Republic of the:Since 1994 the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo (DROC; formerly called Zaire) has been rent byethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow ofrefugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi. The government offormer president MOBUTU Sese Seko was toppled by a rebellion led byLaurent KABILA in May 1997; his regime was subsequently challengedby a Rwanda- and Uganda-backed rebellion in August 1998. Troops fromZimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Chad, and Sudan intervened to support theKinshasa regime. A cease-fire was signed on 10 July 1999, butsporadic fighting continued. KABILA was assassinated in January 2001and his son Joseph KABILA was named head of state. The new presidentquickly began overtures to end the war.
Congo, Republic of the:Upon independence in 1960, the former Frenchregion of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quartercentury of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and ademocratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civilwar in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO.
Cook Islands:Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770,the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900,administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965residents chose self-government in free association with NewZealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand andgovernment deficits are continuing problems.
Coral Sea Islands:Scattered over some 1 million square kilometersof ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory ofAustralia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a smallmeteorological staff on Willis Island. Automated weather stations,beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.
Costa Rica:Costa Rica is a Central American success story: sincethe late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence havemarred its democratic development. Although still a largelyagricultural country, it has achieved a relatively high standard ofliving. Land ownership is widespread. Tourism is a rapidly expandingindustry.
Cote d'Ivoire:Close ties to France since independence in 1960, thedevelopment of cocoa production for export, and foreign investmentmade Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropicalAfrican states. Falling cocoa prices and political turmoil, however,sparked an economic downturn in 1999 and 2000. On 25 December 1999,a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history -overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan BEDIE.Presidential and legislative elections held in October and December2000 provoked violence due to the exclusion of opposition leaderAlassane OUATTARA. In October 2000, Laurent GBAGBO replaced juntaleader Robert GUEI as president, ending 10 months of military rule.
Croatia:In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdomknown after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslaviabecame an independent communist state under the strong hand ofMarshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence fromYugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but oftenbitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly clearedfrom Croatian lands. Under UN supervision the last Serb-held enclavein eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.
Cuba:Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his ironrule has held the country together since. Cuba's communistrevolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout LatinAmerica and Africa during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The country isnow slowly recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990,following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4billion to $6 billion annually. Havana portrays its difficulties asthe result of the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migrationto the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, or falsifiedvisas - is a continuing problem. Some 3,000 Cubans took to theStraits of Florida in 2000; the US Coast Guard interdicted onlyabout 35% of these.
Cyprus:Independence from the UK was approved in 1960 withconstitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to theTurkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt toseize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey,which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, theTurkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of NorthernCyprus", but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led talks on thestatus of Cyprus resumed in December 1999 to prepare the ground formeaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement.
Czech Republic:After World War II, Czechoslovakia fell within theSoviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pacttroops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalizeparty rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Sovietdemonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harshrepression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989,Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "VelvetRevolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvetdivorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic andSlovakia. Now a member of NATO, the Czech Republic has moved towardintegration in world markets, a development that poses bothopportunities and risks.
Denmark:Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major northEuropean power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nationthat is participating in the political and economic integration ofEurope. So far, however, the country has opted out of some aspectsof the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the economicand monetary system (EMU) and issues concerning certain internalaffairs.
Djibouti:The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas becameDjibouti in 1977. A peace accord in 1994 ended a three-year uprisingby Afars rebels.
Dominica:Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to becolonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of thenative Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763,which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years afterindependence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt andtyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary EugeniaCHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, whoremained in office for 15 years.
Dominican Republic:A legacy of unsettled, mostlynon-representative, rule for much of the 20th century was brought toan end in 1996 when free and open elections ushered in a newgovernment.
Ecuador:The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countriesthat emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the othersbeing Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lostterritories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A borderwar with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999.
Egypt:Nominally independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquiredfull sovereignty following World War II. The completion of the AswanHigh Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered thetime-honored place of the Nile river in the agriculture and ecologyof Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arabworld), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continueto overtax resources and stress society. The government hasstruggled to ready the economy for the new millennium througheconomic reform and massive investment in communications andphysical infrastructure.
El Salvador:El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civilwar, which cost the lives of some 75,000 people, was brought to aclose in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treatythat provided for military and political reforms.
Equatorial Guinea:Composed of a mainland portion and five inhabitedislands, Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by ruthless leaders whohave badly mismanaged the economy since independence from 190 yearsof Spanish rule in 1968. Although nominally a constitutionaldemocracy since 1991, the 1996 presidential and 1999 legislativeelections were widely seen as being flawed.
Eritrea:Eritrea was awarded to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of afederation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 yearslater sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence wasoverwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two and a half yearborder war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UNauspices on 12 December 2000.
Estonia:After centuries of Swedish and Russian rule, Estoniaattained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSRin 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of theSoviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estoniahas been free to promote economic and political ties with WesternEurope.
Ethiopia:Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopianmonarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule, one exceptionbeing the Italian occupation of 1936-41. In 1974 a military junta,the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930)and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings,wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime wasfinally toppled by a coalition of rebel forces, the EthiopianPeople's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), in 1991. Aconstitution was adopted in 1994 and Ethiopia's first multipartyelections were held in 1995. A two and a half year border war withEritrea that ended with a peace treaty on 12 December 2000 hasstrengthened the ruling coalition, but has hurt the nation's economy.
Europa Island:A French possession since 1897, the island is heavilywooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs aweather station.
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas):Although first sighted by anEnglish navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occuruntil almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement(French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned overto Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subjectof a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, thenbetween Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to theislands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentinainvaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with anexpeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fiercefighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
Faroe Islands:The population of the Faroe Islands is largelydescended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. Theislands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14thcentury. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.
Fiji:Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as aBritish colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two militarycoups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived asdominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborersbrought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led toheavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economicdifficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable.Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led byan Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May of 2000 ushered in a prolongedperiod of political turmoil. New elections are scheduled for August2001.
Finland:Ruled by Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries and byRussia from 1809, Finland finally won its independence in 1917.During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedomand fend off invasions by the Soviet Union and Germany. In thesubsequent half century, the Finns have made a remarkabletransformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modernindustrial economy; per capita income is now on par with WesternEurope. As a member of the European Union, Finland was the onlyNordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January1999.
France:Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, Francesuffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rankas a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of themost modern countries in the world and is a leader among Europeannations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracyresistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentarydemocracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperationwith Germany have proved central to the economic integration ofEurope, including the advent of the euro in January 1999. Presently,France is at the forefront of European states seeking to exploit themomentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a more unifiedand capable European defense and security apparatus.
French Guiana:First settled by the French in 1604, French Guianawas the site of notorious penal settlements until 1951. The EuropeanSpace Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou.
French Polynesia:The French annexed various Polynesian islandgroups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred upwidespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atollafter a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January1996.
French Southern and Antarctic Lands:The Southern Lands consist oftwo archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen, and two volcanicislands, Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul. They contain no permanentinhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the nativefauna. The Antarctic portion consists of "Adelie Land," a thin sliceof the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in1840.
Gabon:Ruled by autocratic presidents since independence from Francein 1960, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitutionin the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoralprocess and for reforms of governmental institutions. A smallpopulation, abundant natural resources, and foreign privateinvestment have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous blackAfrican countries.
Gambia, The:The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965;it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegalbetween 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendshipand cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew thepresident and banned political activity, but a new 1996 constitutionand presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in1997, have completed a nominal return to civilian rule.
Gaza Strip:The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on InterimSelf-Government Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13September 1993, provided for a transitional period not exceedingfive years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Stripand the West Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certainpowers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, whichincludes the Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January1996, as part of the interim self-governing arrangements in the WestBank and Gaza Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities forthe Gaza Strip and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area andin additional areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28September 1995 Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997Protocol Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23October 1998 Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharmel-Sheikh Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retainresponsibility during the transitional period for external securityand for internal security and public order of settlements andIsraeli citizens. Permanent status is to be determined throughdirect negotiations, which resumed in September 1999 after athree-year hiatus. An intifadah broke out in September 2000; theresulting widespread violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip,Israel's military response, and instability in the PalestinianAuthority are undermining progress toward a permanent settlement.
Georgia:Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19thcentury. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following theRussian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR untilthe Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Russian troops remain garrisonedat four military bases and as peacekeepers in the separatist regionsof Abkhazia and South Ossetia (but are scheduled to withdraw fromtwo of the bases by July 2001). Despite a badly degradedtransportation network - brought on by ethnic conflict, criminalactivities, and fuel shortages - the country continues to movetoward a market economy and greater integration with Westerninstitutions.