Merchant marine: none (2002 est.)
Airports: 11 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2001)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 5 (2001)
Military French Guiana
Military branches: no regular indigenous military forces; French Forces,Gendarmerie
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 50,504 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 32,720 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA%
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues French Guiana
Disputes - international: Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa)
Illicit drugs: small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe
This page was last updated on 1 January 2002
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Finland
Introduction
Finland
Background: Ruled by Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries and by Russia from 1809, Finland finally won its independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and fend off invasions by the Soviet Union and Germany. In the subsequent half century, the Finns have made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999.
Geography Finland
Location: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia
Geographic coordinates: 64 00 N, 26 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 337,030 sq km water: 31,560 sq km land: 305,470 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Montana
Land boundaries: total: 2,628 km border countries: Norway 729 km,Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km
Coastline: 1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 12 NM; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden territorial sea: 12 NM (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 NM)
Climate: cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes
Terrain: mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Halti 1,328 m
Natural resources: timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver
Land use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% other: 93% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: 640 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, AirPollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-EnvironmentalProtocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty,Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species,Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, MarineDumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-PersistentOrganic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note: long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain
People Finland
Population: 5,183,545 (July 2002 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.9% (male 471,920; female 454,082) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,752,493; female 1,717,544) 65 years and over: 15.2% (male 306,216; female 481,290) (2002 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.14% (2002 est.)
Birth rate: 10.6 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Death rate: 9.78 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 3.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 81.52 years (2002 est.) male: Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (2002 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.05% (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,100 (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (1999 est.)
Nationality: noun: Finn(s) adjective: Finnish
Ethnic groups: Finn 93%, Swede 6%, Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Russian Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%
Languages: Finnish 93.4% (official), Swedish 5.9% (official), small Lapp- and Russian-speaking minorities
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 100% (1980 est.) male: NA% female: NA%
Government Finland
Country name: Republic of Finland conventional short form: Government type: republic
Capital: Helsinki
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces (laanit, singular - laani);Aland, Etela-Suomen Laani, Ita-Suomen Laani, Lansi-Suomen Laani, Lappi,Oulun Laani
Independence: 6 December 1917 (from Russia)
National holiday: Independence Day, 6 December (1917)
Constitution: 17 July 1919
Legal system: civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request legislation interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000) head of government: Prime Minister Paavo LIPPONEN (since 13 April 1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Ville ITALA (since 31 August 2001) cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 6 February 2000 (next to be held NA February 2006); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed from the majority party by the president after parliamentary elections note: Union and Democratic Alternative), SFP, and Green League election results: 51.6%, Esko AHO (Kesk) 48.4%
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - SDP 22.9%, Kesk 22.5%, Kok 21.0%, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 10.9%, SFP 5.1%, Green League 7.2%, SKL 4.2%; seats by party - SDP 51, Kesk 48, Kok 46, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 20, SFP 11, Green League 11, SKL 10, other 3 elections: last held 21 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2003)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus (judges appointed by the president)
Political parties and leaders: Center Party or Kesk [Esko AHO]; FinnishChristian Democratic Party or SKL [C. P. Bjarne KALLIS]; Green League[Osmo SOININVAARA]; Leftist Alliance (Communist) composed of People'sDemocratic League and Democratic Alternative [Suvi-Anne SIIMES]; NationalCoalition (conservative) Party or Kok [Ville ITALA]; Social DemocraticParty or SDP [Paavo LIPPONEN]; Swedish People's Party or SFP [Jan-ErikENESTAM]; True Finns [Timo SOINI]
International organization participation: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group,BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NC, NEA,NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOGIP,UNMOP, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US: Ambassador Jukka Robert VALTASAARI consulate(s) general: 298-5800 chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: AmbassadorBonnie McELVEEN-HUNTER embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, FIN-00140,Helsinki mailing address: APO AE 09723 telephone: [358] (9) 171931 FAX:[358] (9) 174681
Flag description: white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
Economy Finland
Economy - overview: Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy, with per capita output roughly that of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Trade is important, with exports equaling almost one-third of GDP. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. Rapidly increasing integration with Western Europe - Finland was one of the 11 countries joining the euro monetary system (EMU) on 1 January 1999 - will dominate the economic picture over the next several years. Growth in 2001 was held back by the global slowdown and will likely be anemic again in 2002.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $133.5 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 0.6% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $25,800 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 28% services: 69% (2000)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 21.6% (1991)
Distribution of family income - Gini index: 25.6 (1991)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2001 est.)
Labor force: 2.6 million (2000 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: public services 32%, industry 22%, commerce 14%, finance, insurance, and business services 10%, agriculture and forestry 8%, transport and communications 8%, construction 6%
Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2001 est.)
Budget: revenues: $36.1 billion expenditures: $31 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)
Industries: metal products, electronics, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing
Industrial production growth rate: 5.1% (2001)
Electricity - production: 75.356 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 40.86% hydro: 19.22% other: 11.6% (2000) nuclear: 28.32%
Electricity - consumption: 81.961 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports: 326 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports: 12.206 billion kWh (2000)
Agriculture - products: barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish
Exports: $40.1 billion (f.o.b., 2001)
Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals; timber, paper, pulp
Exports - partners: Germany 12.5%, Sweden 9.3%, UK 9.1%, US 7.4%,France 5.2%, Italy 4.4% (2000)
Imports: $31.2 billion (f.o.b., 2001)
Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, grains
Imports - partners: Germany 14.2%, Sweden 10.3%, Russia 9.4%, US 7.1%,UK 6.4%, Japan 5.3% (2000)
Debt - external: $30 billion (December 1993)
Economic aid - donor: ODA, $379 million (1997)
Currency: markka (FIM); euro (EUR) note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries
Currency code: FIM; EUR
Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 1.1324 (January 2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); markkaa per US dollar - 5.3441 (1998), 5.1914 (1997)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications Finland
Telephones - main lines in use: 2.861 million (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 2,162,574 (1997)
Telephone system: general assessment: modern system with excellent service domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and an extensive cellular net provide domestic needs international: 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 186, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios: 7.7 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 130 (plus 385 repeaters) (1995)
Televisions: 3.2 million (1997)
Internet country code: .fi
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 23 (2000)
Internet users: 2.27 million (2000)
Transportation Finland
Railways: total: 5,865 km broad gauge: 5,865 km 1.524-m gauge (2,234 km electrified; 480 km double- or multiple-track) (2000 est.)
Highways: total: 77,831 km paved: 49,789 km (including 444 km of expressways) unpaved: 28,042 km (1999)
Waterways: 6,675 km note: includes Saimaa Canal; 3,700 km suitable for large ships
Pipelines: natural gas 580 km
Ports and harbors: Hamina, Helsinki, Kokkola, Kotka, Loviisa, Oulu,Pori, Rauma, Turku, Uusikaupunki, Varkaus
Merchant marine: total: 98 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,172,404 GRT/1,144,139 DWT ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 26, chemical tanker 5, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 36, short-sea passenger 10 note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Airports: 160 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 73 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 26 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 12 (2001)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 87 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 82 (2001)
Military Finland
Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (includingSea Guard)
Military manpower - military age: 17 years of age (2002 est.)
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,240,762 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,024,379 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 33,883 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $1.8 billion (FY98/99)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (FY98/99)
Transnational Issues Finland
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 1 January 2002
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Fiji
Introduction
Fiji
Background: Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, 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 by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May of 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.
Geography Fiji
Location: Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 18 00 S, 175 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 18,270 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 18,270 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,129 km
Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added
Climate: tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point:Tomanivi 1,324 m
Natural resources: timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 11% permanent crops: 5% other: 84% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: cyclonic storms can occur from November to January
Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, EndangeredSpecies, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban,Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed,but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note: includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited
People Fiji
Population: 856,346 (July 2002 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 32.5% (male 141,757; female 136,198) 15-64 years: 63.8% (male 273,658; female 273,100) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 14,648; female 16,985) (2002 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.41% (2002 est.)
Birth rate: 23.2 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Death rate: 5.72 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Net migration rate: -3.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 13.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 71.11 years (2002 est.) male: Total fertility rate: 2.83 children born/woman (2002 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.07% (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 85 (2000 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Nationality: noun: Fijian(s) adjective: Fijian
Ethnic groups: Fijian 51% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 44%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other 5% (1998 est.)
Religions: Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2% note: Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslim minority (1986)
Languages: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 92.5% male: 90% female: 95% (1999 est.)
Government Fiji
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Fiji Islands conventional short form: Fiji
Government type: republic note: military coup leader Maj. Gen. SitiveniRABUKA formally declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987
Capital: Suva
Administrative divisions: 4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central,Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western
Independence: 10 October 1970 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)
Constitution: promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first time at the national level
Legal system: based on British system
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda (since NA 2000); Vice President Jope SENILOLI (since NA 2000) head of government: Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); Deputy Prime Minister Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since NA 2000) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament; note - there is also a Presidential Council that advises the president on matters of national importance and a Great Council of Chiefs which consists of the highest ranking members of the traditional chiefly system elections: president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president election results: Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda elected president by the Great Council of Chiefs; percent of vote - NA%
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (34 seats; 24 appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs, nine appointed by the president, and one appointed by the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71 seats; 23 reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, three reserved for other ethnic groups, one reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 25 August, 2 September, 19 September 2001 (next to be held NA September 2006) election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - FLP 34.8%, SDL 26%, NFP 10.1%, MV 9.9%, independents 2.7%, other 16.5%; seats by party - SDL 32, FLP 27, MV 6, NFP 1, independents 2, other 3
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president);Court of Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts
Political parties and leaders: Bai Kei Viti Party or BKV [Ratu TevitaMOMOEDONU]; Christian Democrat Alliance or VLV [leader NA]; ConservativeAlliance Party/Matanitu Vanua or MV [Ratu Rakuita VAKALALABURE]; DodonuNi Taukei Party or DNT [leader NA]; Fiji Labor Party or FLP [MahendraCHAUDRHRY]; Fijian Association Party of FAP [Adi Kuini SPEED]; FijianPolitical Party or SVT (primarily Fijian) [Felipe BOLE]; General VotersParty or GHP [leader NA]; Girmit Heritage Party or GHP [leader NA];Justice and Freedom Party or AIM [leader NA]; Lio 'On Famor RotumaParty or LFR [leader NA]; National Federation Party or NFP (primarilyIndian) [Attar SINGH]; Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party or NVTLP[Samisoni BOLATAGICI]; New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Tupeni BABA];Party of National Unity or PANU [leader NA]; Party of the Truth or POTT[leader NA]; United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL[Laisenia QARASE]; United General Party or UGP [Mick BEDDOES]
Political pressure groups and leaders: NA
International organization participation: ACP, AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP,FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, OPCW, PCA, Sparteca,SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK,UNTAET, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: [1] (202) 337-1996 telephone:Washington, DC 20007
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Ronald K. McMULLEN embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva telephone: [679] 314466 FAX: [679] 300081
Flag description: light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove
Economy Fiji
Economy - overview: Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and a growing tourist industry - with 300,000 to 400,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity. Long-term problems include low investment and uncertain property rights. The political turmoil in Fiji has had a severe impact with the economy shrinking by 2.8% in 2000 and growing by only 1% in 2001. The Fiji Visitor's Bureau expects visitor arrivals to reach pre-coup levels during 2002. The government's ability to manage its budget - which is expected to run a net deficit of 6% in 2002 - will depend upon a return of political stability and investor confidence.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.4 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 1% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,200 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 25% services: 58% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line: 25.5% (1990-91)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (2000 est.)
Labor force: 137,000 (1999)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture, including subsistence agriculture 70% (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate: 7.6% (1999)
Budget: revenues: $427.9 million expenditures: $531.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)
Industries: tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity - production: 515 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 18.06% hydro: 81.94% other: 0% (2000) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption: 478.95 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2000)
Agriculture - products: sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish
Exports: $572 million (f.o.b., 2000)
Exports - commodities: sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil
Exports - partners: Australia 24.9%, US 20.8%, UK 14.4%, Japan 5.1%, other Pacific island countries 5.0%, NZ 3.6% (2000)
Imports: $833 million (c.i.f., 2000)
Imports - commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals
Imports - partners: Australia 46.2%, NZ 13.1%, Singapore 6.6%, Japan 4.5%, Hong Kong 3.8%, US 3.2%, Taiwan 3.0% (2000)
Debt - external: $162.7 million (1999)
Economic aid - recipient: $40.3 million (1995)
Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD)
Currency code: FJD
Exchange rates: Fijian dollars per US dollar - 2.2934 (January 2002), 2.2766 (2001), 2.1286 (2000), 1.9696 (1999), 1.9868 (1998), 1.4437 (1997)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Communications Fiji
Telephones - main lines in use: 80,901 (1999)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 5,200 (1997)
Telephone system: general assessment: modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center domestic: as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 40, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: 541,476 (1999)
Television broadcast stations: NA
Televisions: 88,110 (1999)
Internet country code: .fj
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000)
Internet users: 7,500 (2000)
Transportation Fiji
Railways: total: 597 km narrow gauge: 597 km 0.610-m gauge note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation (1995)
Highways: total: 3,440 km paved: 1,692 km unpaved: 1,748 km (1996)
Waterways: 203 km note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges
Ports and harbors: Lambasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Malau, Savusavu, Suva, Vuda
Merchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,870 GRT/14,787 DWT ships by type: chemical tanker 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1, includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Australia 1, Singapore 4 (2002 est.)
Airports: 27 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2001)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 18 (2001)
Military Fiji
Military branches: Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), includes ground forces, naval division
Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age (2002 est.)
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 231,649 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 127,384 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 9,471 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $35 million (FY00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.2% (FY00)
Transnational Issues Fiji
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 1 January 2002
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Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Introduction
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Background: Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
Geography Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Location: Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina
Geographic coordinates: 51 45 S, 59 00 W
Map references: South America
Area: total: 12,173 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands water: 0 sq km land: 12,173 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,288 km
Maritime claims: 200 NM territorial sea: Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate
Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point:Mount Usborne 705 m
Natural resources: fish, wildlife
Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: strong winds persist throughout the year
Environment - current issues: overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the Chornobyl disaster
Geography - note: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
People Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Population: 2,967 (July 2002 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA%
Population growth rate: 2.44% (2002 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Nationality: noun: Falkland Islander(s) adjective: Falkland Island
Ethnic groups: British
Religions: primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church,Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist
Languages: English
Government Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; also claimed byArgentina
Government type: NA
Capital: Stanley
Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed byArgentina)
National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Constitution: 3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) elections: head of government: Governor Donald LAMONT (since NA May 1999); note - Howard PEARCE was elected governor on 24 January 2002, but will not take office until October 2002; Chief Executive A. M. GURR (since NA); Financial Secretary D. F. HOWATT (since NA) cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected by popular vote, members serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor elections: last held 22 November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005) election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 8; note - 71% voter turnout
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction
Political parties and leaders: none; all independents
Political pressure groups and leaders: none
International organization participation: ICFTU
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of theUK; also claimed by Argentina)
Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
Economy Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Economy - overview: The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Tourism is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. The second largest source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $52 million (1996 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 1% (FY95/96 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $19,000 (FY95/96 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1998)
Labor force: 1,100 (est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)
Unemployment rate: full employment; labor shortage
Budget: revenues: $66.2 million expenditures: $67.9 million, including capital expenditures of $23.2 million (FY98/99 est.)
Industries: wool and fish processing; sale of stamps and coins; tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity - production: 12 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (1999) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption: 11.2 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1999)
Agriculture - products: fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products
Exports: $7.6 million (1995)
Exports - commodities: wool, hides, meat
Exports - partners: UK, Japan, Chile, NZ
Imports: $24.7 million (1995)
Imports - commodities: fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing
Imports - partners: UK, Japan, Chile, NZ
Debt - external: $NA
Economic aid - recipient: none
Currency: Falkland pound (FKP)
Currency code: FKP
Exchange rates: Falkland pounds per US dollar - 0.6981 (January 2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998), 0.6106 (1997); note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Communications Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Telephones - main lines in use: NA
Telephones - mobile cellular: NA
Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: 1,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)
Televisions: 1,000 (1997)
Internet country code: .fk
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000)
Internet users: NA; however one-half of all households are reported to have internet access (2002)
Transportation Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 550 km paved: at least 50 km unpaved: NA (2002)
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: Stanley
Merchant marine: none (2002 est.)
Airports: 5 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 1 (2001)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 3 under 914 m: 3 (2001)
Military Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Military branches: British Forces Falkland Islands no regular indigenous military forces; (includes Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy), Police Force
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA%
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Disputes - international: claimed by Argentina
This page was last updated on 1 January 2002
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Micronesia, Federated States of
Introduction
Micronesia, Federated States of
Background: In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.
Geography Micronesia, Federated States of
Location: Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 15 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 702 sq km note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk)Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae water: 0 sq km land: 702 sq km
Area - comparative: four times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 6,112 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point:Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m
Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals
Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 46% other: 48% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: typhoons (June to December)
Environment - current issues: overfishing, climate change, pollution
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, ClimateChange, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes,Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: noneof the selected agreements
Geography - note: four major island groups totaling 607 islands
People Micronesia, Federated States of
Population: 135,869 (July 2002 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA% 15-64 years: NA% 65 years and over: NA%
Population growth rate: NA% (2002 est.)
Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population
Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population
Sex ratio: NA
Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years
Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s) adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese,Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, Yapese
Ethnic groups: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups
Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%
Languages: English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian,Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 89% male: 91% female: 88% (1980 est.)
Government Micronesia, Federated States of
Country name: conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia conventional short form: none abbreviation: FSM former: Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
Government type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 and is due for renegotiation
Capital: Palikir
Administrative divisions: 4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap
Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
Constitution: 10 May 1979
Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Leo A. FALCAM (since 21 July 1999); Vice President Redley KILLION (since 21 July 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: KILLION (since 21 July 1999); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet elections: president and vice president elected by Congress from among the four senators-at-large for four-year terms; election last held NA May 1999 (next to be held NA May 2003); note - a proposed constitutional amendment would establish popular elections for president and vice president election results: KILLION elected vice president; percent of Congress vote - NA%
Legislative branch: unicameral Congress (14 seats; members elected by popular vote; four - one elected from each state - to serve four-year terms and 10 - elected from single-member districts delineated by population - to serve two-year terms) elections: elections for four-year term seats last held 2 March 1999 (next to be held NA March 2003); elections for two-year term seats last held 6 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2003) election results: Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: no formal parties
International organization participation: ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD,ICAO, IDA, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IMF, IOC, ITU, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC,SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse Bibiano MAREHALAU telephone: [1] Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam) FAX: Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Larry DINGER embassy: address NA, Kolonia mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941 telephone: [691] 320-2187 FAX: [691] 320-2186
Flag description: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern
Economy Micronesia, Federated States of
Economy - overview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remote location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. In 1996, the country experienced a 20% reduction in revenues from the Compact of Free Association - the agreement with the US in which Micronesia received $1.3 billion in financial and technical assistance over a 15-year period until 2001. Since these revenues accounted for 57% of consolidated government revenues, reduced Compact funding resulted in a severe depression. Economic activity recovered in 1999-2001. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile due to likely further reductions in external grants made under the US Compact funding. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure remain major impediments to long-term growth.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $269 million (2001 est.) note: GDP is supplemented by grant aid, averaging perhaps $100 million annually
GDP - real growth rate: 2% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 50% industry: 4% services: 46% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (2001 est.)
Labor force: NA
Labor force - by occupation: two-thirds are government employees
Unemployment rate: 16% (1999 est.)
Budget: revenues: $161 million ($69 million less grants) expenditures: $160 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1998 est.)
Industries: tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity - production: NA kWh
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: NA% nuclear: NA% other:NA% hydro: NA%
Electricity - consumption: NA kWh
Agriculture - products: black pepper, tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, chickens
Exports: $22 million (f.o.b., FY99/00 est.)
Exports - commodities: fish, garments, bananas, black pepper
Exports - partners: Japan, US, Guam
Imports: $149 million (f.o.b., FY99/00 est.)
Imports - commodities: food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages
Imports - partners: US, Australia, Japan
Debt - external: $66.5 million (FY99/00 est.)
Economic aid - recipient: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US pledged $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001
Currency: US dollar (USD)
Currency code: USD
Exchange rates: the US dollar is used
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Communications Micronesia, Federated States of
Telephones - main lines in use: 11,000 (2001)
Telephones - mobile cellular: NA
Telephone system: general assessment: adequate system domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) international: satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2002)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios: 9,400 (1996)
Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997)
Televisions: 2,800 (1999)
Internet country code: .fm
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000)
Internet users: 2,000 (2000)
Transportation Micronesia, Federated States of
Highways: total: 240 km paved: 42 km unpaved: 198 km (1996)
Waterways: none
Ports and harbors: Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele, Moen
Merchant marine: none note: includes a foreign-owned ship registered here as a flag of convenience: United States 1 (2002 est.)
Airports: 7 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2001)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2001)
Military Micronesia, Federated States of
Military - note: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a sovereign, self-governing state in free association with the US; FSM is totally dependent on the US for its defense
Transnational Issues Micronesia, Federated States of
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 1 January 2002
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Faroe Islands
Introduction Faroe Islands
Background: The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.
Geography Faroe Islands
Location: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway
Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 7 00 W
Map references: Europe
Area: total: 1,399 sq km water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams) land: 1,399 sq km
Area - comparative: eight times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 1,117 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries ormedian line exclusive200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line territorial sea:Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
Terrain: rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point:Slaettaratindur 882 m
Natural resources: fish, whales, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% other: 98% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: NA
Geography - note: archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands
People Faroe Islands
Population: 46,011 (July 2002 est.)