Military manpower - military age:18 years of age (2003 est.)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 66,332 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 39,337 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 3,046 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$7.7 million (FY00/01)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.87% (FY00/01)
Transnational Issues Belize
Disputes - international:Guatemala has claimed half of southern Belize; Guatemalan squatterscontinue to settle along the border despite a 2000 agreement; OASbrokered a Differendum in 2002 that created a small adjustment toland boundary, a large Guatemalan maritime corridor in theCaribbean, a joint ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays, anda substantial US-UK financial package, but agreement was not broughtto a popular referendum
Illicit drugs:major transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producerof cannabis for the international drug trade; some money-launderingactivity related to offshore sector
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
======================================================================
@Benin
Introduction Benin
Background:Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West Africankingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a FrenchColony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as theRepublic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishmentof a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move torepresentative government began in 1989. Two years later, freeelections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO aspresident, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africafrom a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power byelections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities werealleged.
Geography Benin
Location:Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria andTogo
Geographic coordinates:9 30 N, 2 15 E
Map references:Africa
Area:total: 112,620 sq kmwater: 2,000 sq kmland: 110,620 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Land boundaries:total: 1,989 kmborder countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km,Togo 644 km
Coastline:121 km
Maritime claims:territorial sea: 200 NM
Climate:tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north
Terrain:mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m
Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber
Land use: arable land: 15.28% permanent crops: 1.36% other: 83.36% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:120 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December toMarch
Environment - current issues:inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlifepopulations; deforestation; desertification
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, EndangeredSpecies, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of theSea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution,Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no naturalharbors, river mouths, or islands
People Benin
Population:7,041,490note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account theeffects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lowerlife expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lowerpopulation and growth rates, and changes in the distribution ofpopulation by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 47% (male 1,668,817; female 1,638,291)15-64 years: 50.7% (male 1,739,517; female 1,834,231)65 years and over: 2.3% (male 67,504; female 93,130) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 16.4 yearsmale: 15.9 yearsfemale: 16.9 years (2002)
Population growth rate:2.95% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:43.15 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:13.65 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 86.76 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 81.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 91.79 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 51.08 yearsmale: 50.35 yearsfemale: 51.84 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:6.04 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:3.6% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:120,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:8,100 (2001 est.)
Nationality:noun: Beninese (singular and plural)adjective: Beninese
Ethnic groups:African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja,Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500
Religions:indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%
Languages:French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars insouth), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 40.9%male: 56.2%female: 26.5% (2000)
Government Benin
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey local long form: Republique du Benin
Government type:republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-LeninismDecember 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transitionto multiparty system completed 4 April 1991
Capital:Porto-Novo is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat ofgovernment
Administrative divisions:12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines,Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou
Independence:1 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday:National Day, 1 August (1960)
Constitution:December 1990
Legal system:based on French civil law and customary law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006)note: the four top-ranking contenders following the first-roundpresidential elections were: Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%,Nicephore SOGOLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI(National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister ofState) 8.6%; the second-round balloting, originally scheduled for 18March 2001, was postponed four days because both SOGOLO andHOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU torun against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termeda "friendly match"election results: Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent ofvote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9%
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats;members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -Presidential Movement 52, opposition (PRB, PRD, E'toile, and 5 othersmall parties) 31elections: last held 30 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007)
Judicial branch:Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court orCour Supreme; High Court of Justice
Political parties and leaders:African Congress for Renewal or DUNYA [Saka SALEY]; AfricanMovement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN];Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU];Coalition of Democratic Forces [Gatien HOUNGBEDJI]; DemocraticRenewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Front for Renewal andDevelopment or FARD-ALAFIA [Jerome Sakia KINA]; Impulse for Progressand Democracy or IPD [Bertin BORNA]; Key Force or FC [leader NA];Presidential Movement (UBF, MADEP, FC, IDP, and 4 other smallparties); Renaissance Party du Benin or PRB [Nicephore SOGLO]; TheStar Alliance (Alliance E'toile) [Sacca LAFIA]; Union of Tomorrow'sBenin or UBF [Bruno AMOUSSOU]note: approximately 20 additional minor parties
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656 chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wayne NEILL embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50 FAX: [229] 30-06-70
Flag description:two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a verticalgreen band on the hoist side
Economy Benin
Economy - overview:The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent onsubsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade.Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past sixyears, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase.Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order toraise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreigninvestment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate thedevelopment of new food processing systems and agriculturalproducts, and encourage new information and communicationtechnology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue intelecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite ofinitial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateralcreditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing forspeeded-up structural reforms.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $7.38 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:6% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 38% industry: 15% services: 47% (2002 est.)
Population below poverty line:37% (2001 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.3% (2002 est.)
Labor force:NA
Unemployment rate:NA%
Budget:revenues: $377.4 millionexpenditures: $561.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(2001)
Industries:textiles, food processing, chemical production, constructionmaterials (2001)
Industrial production growth rate:8.3% (2001 est.)
Electricity - production:274.3 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 14.2% hydro: 85.8% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:631.1 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:376 million kWh (2001)
Oil - production:700 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:11,500 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Oil - proved reserves:4.105 million bbl (37257)
Natural gas - proved reserves:608.8 million cu m (37257)
Agriculture - products: cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, livestock (2001)
Exports:$207 million f.o.b. (2002)
Exports - commodities:cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa
Exports - partners:India 25%, Italy 11.1%, Indonesia 7.4%, China 7.2%, Thailand 6.7%,Brazil 6.1%, UK 4.4%, Niger 4% (2002)
Imports:$479 million c.i.f. (2002)
Imports - commodities:foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products
Imports - partners:China 30.7%, France 15.7%, UK 4.8%, Italy 4.2% (2002)
Debt - external:$1.6 billion (2000)
Economic aid - recipient:$342.6 million (2000)
Currency:Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsibleauthority is the Central Bank of the West African States
Currency code:XOF
Exchange rates:Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 696.99(2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999), 589.95 (1998)
Fiscal year:calendar year
Communications Benin
Telephones - main lines in use:51,000 (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular:55,500 (2000)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: fair system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, andcellular connectionsinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (AtlanticOcean); submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations:AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2000)
Radios:660,000 (2000)
Television broadcast stations:1;; (2001)
Televisions:66,000 (2000)
Internet country code:.bj
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):4 (2002)
Internet users:25,000 (2002)
Transportation Benin
Railways: total: 578 km narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)
Highways:total: 6,787 kmpaved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways)unpaved: 5,430 km (1999 est.)
Waterways:streams navigable along small sections, important only locally
Ports and harbors:Cotonou, Porto-Novo
Merchant marine:none (2002 est.)
Airports:5 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 42,438 to 3,047 m: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)
Military Benin
Military branches:Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie
Military manpower - military age:18 years of age (2003 est.)
Military manpower - availability: note: both sexes are liable for military service females age 15-49: 1,536,036 (2003 est.) males age 15-49: 1,597,562
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 805,603females age 15-49: 809,961 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 75,021females: 78,998 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$80.8 million (FY02)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:2.7% (FY02)
Transnational Issues Benin
Disputes - international:two villages are in dispute along the border with Burkina Faso;much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria,remains undemarcated, but states accept 2001 arbitration overdisputed Niger River islands; several villages along the OkparaRiver are in dispute with Nigeria; in 2001, Benin claimed Togo movedthe boundary stones - joint commission presently resurveying theboundary
Illicit drugs:transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigeriantrafficking organizations and most commonly destined for WesternEurope and the US; vulnerable to money laundering due to a poorlyregulated financial infrastructure
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
======================================================================
@Bermuda
Introduction Bermuda
Background:Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonistsheaded for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North Americanwinters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to beimportant to the island's economy, although international businesshas overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into ahighly successful offshore financial center. A referendum onindependence was soundly defeated in 1995.
Geography Bermuda
Location:North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, eastof North Carolina (US)
Geographic coordinates:32 20 N, 64 45 W
Map references:North America
Area:total: 53.3 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 53.3 sq km
Area - comparative:about one-third the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:103 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate:subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter
Terrain:low hills separated by fertile depressions
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m
Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism
Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% other: 94% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:NA sq km
Natural hazards:hurricanes (June to November)
Environment - current issues:asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space;sustainable development
Geography - note:consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall,but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by USGovernment from 1941 to 1995
People Bermuda
Population:64,482 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 19.2% (male 6,195; female 6,205)15-64 years: 69.3% (male 22,110; female 22,574)65 years and over: 11.5% (male 3,215; female 4,183) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 38.7 yearsmale: 37.8 yearsfemale: 39.6 years (2002)
Population growth rate:0.72% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:12.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:7.46 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:2.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.02 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 10.77 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 77.41 yearsmale: 75.38 yearsfemale: 79.49 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.9 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:NA%
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian
Ethnic groups:black 58%, white 36%, other 6%
Religions:non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%,other 19%
Languages:English (official), Portuguese
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 98%male: 98%female: 99% (1970 est.)
Government Bermuda
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda former: Somers Islands
Dependency status:overseas territory of the UK
Government type:parliamentary British overseas territory with internalself-government
Capital:Hamilton
Administrative divisions:9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*,Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's,Southampton, Warwick
Independence:none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday:Bermuda Day, 24 May
Constitution:8 June 1968, amended 1989
Legal system:English law
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since NA April 2002)head of government: Premier Alex SCOTT (since 24 July 2003)cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governorelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed premier by the governor
Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member bodyappointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and theHouse of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote toserve five-year terms)elections: last general election held 24 July 2003 (next to be heldNA July 2008)election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 51.7%, UBP 48%;seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14
Judicial branch:Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts
Political parties and leaders:National Liberal Party or NLP [Dessaline WALDRON]; ProgressiveLabor Party or PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; United Bermuda Party or UBP[Chairman Wayne FURBERT]
Political pressure groups and leaders:Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Unionor BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Association orBPSA [leader NA]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES]
International organization participation:Caricom (observer), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, WCO
Diplomatic representation in the US:none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Consul General Denis Patrick COLEMAN, Jr. consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, [1] (441) 296-9233
Flag description:red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant andthe Bermudian coat of arms (white and green shield with a red lionholding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship SeaVenture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag
Economy Bermuda
Economy - overview:Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world,with its economy primarily based on providing financial services forinternational business and luxury facilities for tourists. Theeffects of 11 September 2001 have had both positive and negativeramifications for Bermuda. On the positive side, a number of newreinsurance companies have located on the island, contributing tothe expansion of an already robust international business sector. Onthe negative side, Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over80% of its visitors from the US - has been severely hit as Americantourists have chosen not to travel. Tourism rebounded somewhat in2002, but remains below the pre-11 September level. Most capitalequipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector issmall, although construction continues to be important. Agricultureis limited, only 6% of the land being arable.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $2.25 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:0.5% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $35,200 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 1%industry: 10%services: 89% (2002 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.3% (July 2002)
Labor force:37,472 (2000)
Labor force - by occupation: clerical 22%, services 20%, laborers 17%, professional and technical 17%, administrative and managerial 13%, sales 8%, agriculture and fishing 3% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate:4.5% (1993)
Budget:revenues: $609.5 millionexpenditures: $574.6 million, including capital expenditures of$54.8 million (FY 00/01)
Industries:tourism, international business, light manufacturing
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production:643.7 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:598.6 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:0 kWh (2001)
Oil - production:0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Agriculture - products:bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products
Exports:$51 million (2000)
Exports - commodities:reexports of pharmaceuticals
Exports - partners:France 77.4%, UK 2.8%, US 2.4% (2002)
Imports:$719 million (2000)
Imports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment, construction materials,chemicals, food and live animals
Imports - partners:Kazakhstan 30.9%, France 24.7%, Italy 10.5%, US 9.7%, South Korea8.4%, Mexico 4.3% (2002)
Debt - external:$145 million (FY 99/00)
Economic aid - recipient:$NA
Currency:Bermudian dollar (BMD)
Currency code:BMD
Exchange rates:Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to theUS dollar)
Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
Communications Bermuda
Telephones - main lines in use:52,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular:7,980 (1996)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: modern, fully automatic telephone systeminternational: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios:82,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:3 (1997)
Televisions:66,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.bm
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):20 (2000)
Internet users:25,000 (2000)
Transportation Bermuda
Railways:0 km
Highways:total: 450 kmpaved: 450 kmnote: public roads - 209 km; private roads - 241 km (2002)unpaved: 0 km
Waterways:none
Ports and harbors:Hamilton, Saint George's, Dockyard
Merchant marine:total: 93 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,993,227 GRT/7,089,760 DWTnote: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag ofconvenience: Croatia 5, Denmark 2, Germany 1, Greece 1, Hong Kong 9,Indonesia 1, Norway 2, Sweden 11, United Kingdom 52, United States13 (2002 est.)ships by type: bulk 25, cargo 4, chemical tanker 1, container 14,liquefied gas 9, passenger 5, petroleum tanker 11, refrigeratedcargo 13, roll on/roll off 7, short-sea passenger 4
Airports:1 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)
Military Bermuda
Military branches:no regular indigenous military forces; Bermuda Regiment, BermudaPolice Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$4.028 million (January 2002)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:0.11% (FY00/01)
Military - note:defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues Bermuda
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Bhutan
Introduction Bhutan
Background:In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, underwhich Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for cedingsome border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the Britishagreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutanallowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumedby independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formalIndo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by theBritish, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, anddefined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Arefugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved;90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of theHigh Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Maoist Assameseseparatists from India, who have established themselves in thesoutheast portion of Bhutan, have drawn Indian cross-borderincursions.
Geography Bhutan
Location:Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates:27 30 N, 90 30 E
Map references:Asia
Area:total: 47,000 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 47,000 sq km
Area - comparative:about half the size of Indiana
Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
Coastline:0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:none (landlocked)
Climate:varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summersin central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Terrain:mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide
Land use: arable land: 2.98% permanent crops: 0.43% other: 96.59% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:400 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country'sname which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequentlandslides during the rainy season
Environment - current issues:soil erosion; limited access to potable water
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Bansigned, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography - note:landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controlsseveral key Himalayan mountain passes
People Bhutan
Population: 2,139,549 note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 39.6% (male 438,784; female 407,919)15-64 years: 56.4% (male 621,666; female 585,550)65 years and over: 4% (male 43,262; female 42,368) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 20.1 yearsmale: 19.9 yearsfemale: 20.3 years (2002)
Population growth rate:2.14% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:34.82 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:13.47 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 104.68 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 106.97 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 102.49 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 53.58 yearsmale: 53.9 yearsfemale: 53.25 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:4.94 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:less than 0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:less than 100 (1999 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality:noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)adjective: Bhutanese
Ethnic groups:Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas—one of severalNepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
Religions:Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
Languages:Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects,Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 42.2%male: 56.2%female: 28.1% (1995 est.)
Government Bhutan
Country name:conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutanconventional short form: Bhutan
Government type:monarchy; special treaty relationship with India
Capital:Thimphu
Administrative divisions:18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha,Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel,Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu,Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrangnote: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse
Independence:8 August 1949 (from India)
National holiday:National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17December (1907)
Constitution:no written constitution or bill of rights; note - the Kingcommissioned a committee to draft a constitution in 2001, but hasyet to be approved
Legal system:based on Indian law and English common law; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:each family has one vote in village-level elections
Executive branch:chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reformsin July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove themonarch with two-thirds votehead of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers LyonpoJigme Y. THINLEY (since 30 August 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by themonarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 electedfrom village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35are designated by the monarch to represent government and othersecular interests; members serve three-year terms)elections: local elections last held November 2002 (next to be heldNA 2005)election results: NA
Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointedby the monarch)
Political parties and leaders:no legal parties
Political pressure groups and leaders:Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militantantigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front forDemocracy (exiled)
International organization participation:AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, IOM(observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WTrO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US:none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN; address: 2United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1](212) 826-1919; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consularjurisdiction in the USconsulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, althoughinformal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassyin New Delhi (India)
Flag description:divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the uppertriangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered alongthe dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away fromthe hoist side
Economy Bhutan
Economy - overview:The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, isbased on agriculture and forestry, providing the main livelihood formore than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely ofsubsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominatethe terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructuredifficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India'sthrough strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India'sfinancial assistance. The industrial sector is technologicallybackward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Mostdevelopment projects, such as road construction, rely on Indianmigrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction fortourists are key resources. The government has made some progress inexpanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare.Model education, social, and environment programs are underway withsupport from multilateral development organizations. Each economicprogram takes into account the government's desire to protect thecountry's environment and cultural traditions. Detailed controls anduncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor,and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:7.7% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 45%industry: 10%services: 45% (2002 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):3% (2002 est.)
Labor force:NAnote: massive lack of skilled labor
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%
Unemployment rate:NA%
Budget:revenues: $146 millionexpenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of NAnote: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths ofBhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.)
Industries:cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages,calcium carbide
Industrial production growth rate:9.3% (1996 est.)
Electricity - production:1.896 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 0.1% hydro: 99.9% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:379.5 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:1.4 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:16 million kWh (2001)
Oil - production:0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:1,020 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Agriculture - products:rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs
Exports:$154 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)
Exports - commodities:electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts,cement, fruit, precious stones, spices
Exports - partners:US 24.1%, UK 23.9%, Pakistan 23.1%, France 13.9% (2002)
Imports:$196 million c.i.f. (2000 est.)
Imports - commodities:fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics,rice
Imports - partners:Japan 44.5%, Germany 12.2%, UK 8.5%, Singapore 6%, South Korea 5%,US 4.2% (2002)
Debt - external:$245 million (2000)
Economic aid - recipient:substantial aid from India and other nations
Currency:ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)
Currency code:BTN; INR
Exchange rates:ngultrum per US dollar - 48.61 (2002), 47.19 (2001), 44.94 (2000),43.06 (1999), 41.26 (1998)
Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
Communications Bhutan
Telephones - main lines in use:6,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular:NA
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with fewtelephones in useinternational: international telephone and telegraph service is bylandline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios:37,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:0 (1997)
Televisions:11,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.bt
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):NA
Internet users:2,500 (2002)
Transportation Bhutan
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 3,690 km paved: 2,240 km unpaved: 1,450 km (1999 est.)
Waterways:none
Ports and harbors:none
Airports:2 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 1914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)
Military Bhutan
Military branches:Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia, Royal BhutanPolice, Forest Guards
Military manpower - military age:18 years of age (2003 est.)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 530,860 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 283,493 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 22,755 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$9.3 million (FY02)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.9% (FY02)
Transnational Issues Bhutan
Disputes - international:approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal, 90% ofwhom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugeescamps, place decades-long strains on Nepal
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Bolivia
Introduction Bolivia
Background:Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke awayfrom Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history hasconsisted 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, resolvingdisputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts,continuing the privatization program, and waging an anticorruptioncampaign.
Geography Bolivia
Location:Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Geographic coordinates:17 00 S, 65 00 W
Map references:South America
Area:total: 1,098,580 sq kmwater: 14,190 sq kmland: 1,084,390 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Land boundaries:total: 6,743 kmborder countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km,Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km
Coastline:0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:none (landlocked)
Climate:varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Terrain:rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills,lowland plains of the Amazon Basin
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 mhighest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m
Natural resources:tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver,iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 1.73% permanent crops: 0.21% other: 98.06% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:1,280 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:flooding in the northeast (March-April)
Environment - current issues:the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and theinternational demand for tropical timber are contributing todeforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivationmethods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification;loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies usedfor drinking and irrigation
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-KyotoProtocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Lawof the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,Tropical Timber 94, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, MarineDumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection
Geography - note:landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highestnavigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
People Bolivia
Population:8,586,443 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 37.1% (male 1,624,366; female 1,562,501)15-64 years: 58.4% (male 2,452,892; female 2,561,873)65 years and over: 4.5% (male 172,292; female 212,519) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 20.8 yearsmale: 20.1 yearsfemale: 21.5 years (2002)
Population growth rate:1.63% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:25.53 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:7.91 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:-1.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 56.05 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 52.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 59.75 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 64.78 yearsmale: 62.2 yearsfemale: 67.48 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:3.23 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:4,600 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:290 (2001 est.)
Nationality:noun: Bolivian(s)adjective: Bolivian
Ethnic groups:Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%,Aymara 25%, white 15%
Religions:Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)
Languages:Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 87.2%male: 93.1%female: 81.6% (2003 est.)
Government Bolivia
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Boliviaconventional short form: Bolivialocal short form: Bolivialocal long form: Republica de Bolivia
Government type:republic
Capital:La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat ofjudiciary)
Administrative divisions:9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca,Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija
Independence:6 August 1825 (from Spain)
National holiday:Independence Day, 6 August (1825)
Constitution:2 February 1967; revised in August 1994
Legal system:based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not acceptedcompulsory ICJ jurisdiction