Geography - note:landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern,cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and thenorthern, arid Saharan
People Mali
Population:11,626,219 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 47.2% (male 2,759,802; female 2,727,226)15-64 years: 49.8% (male 2,771,532; female 3,017,348)65 years and over: 3% (male 161,983; female 188,328) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 16.3 yearsmale: 15.7 yearsfemale: 16.9 years (2002)
Population growth rate:2.82% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:47.79 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:19.21 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:-0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.03 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 119.2 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 112.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 125.72 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 45.43 yearsmale: 44.7 yearsfemale: 46.19 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:6.66 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:1.7% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:110,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:11,000 (2001 est.)
Nationality:noun: Malian(s)adjective: Malian
Ethnic groups:Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%,Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%
Religions:Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%
Languages:French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 46.4%male: 53.5%female: 39.6% (2003 est.)
Government Mali
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Maliconventional short form: Malilocal short form: Maliformer: French Sudan and Sudanese Republiclocal long form: Republique de Mali
Government type:republic
Capital:Bamako
Administrative divisions:8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal,Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou
Independence:22 September 1960 (from France)
National holiday:Independence Day, 22 September (1960)
Constitution:adopted 12 January 1992
Legal system:based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial reviewof legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formallyestablished on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJjurisdiction
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Amadou Toumani TOURE (since 8 June 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Mohamed Ag HAMANI (since 9June 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term(two-term limit); election last held 12 May 2002 (next to be held NAMay 2007); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Amadou Toumani TOURE elected president; percent ofvote - Amadou Toumani TOURE 64.4%, Soumaila CISSE 35.6%
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats;members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)elections: last held 14 July and 28 July 2002 (next to be held NAJuly 2007)election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -Hope 2002 coalition 66, ADEMA 51, other 30
Judicial branch:Supreme Court or Cour Supreme
Political parties and leaders:Alliance for Democracy or ADEMA [Diounconda Traore KEITA, partychairman]; Block of Alternative for the Renewal of Africa or BARA[Yoro DIAKITE]; Democratic and Social Convention or CDS [MamadouBakary SANGARE, chairman]; Hope 2002 [leader NA]; Movement for theIndependence, Renaissance and Integration of Africa or MIRIA[Mohamed Lamine TRAORE, Mouhamedou DICKO]; National Congress forDemocratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL, chairman]; Party forDemocracy and Progress or PDP [Me Idrissa TRAORE]; Party forNational Renewal or PARENA [Yoro DIAKITE, chairman; Tiebile DRAME,secretary general]; Rally for Democracy and Labor or RDT [AliGNANGADO]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Almamy SYLLA,chairman]; Rally for Mali or RPM [Ibrahim Bonbasor KEITA, chairman];Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally or US/RDA [Mamadou BamouTOURE, secretary general]; Union of Democratic Forces for Progressor UFDP [Youssouf TOURE, secretary general]; Union for Democracy andDevelopment or UDD [Moussa Balla COULIBALY]
Political pressure groups and leaders:Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Koye or MPGK; United Movement andFronts of Azawad or MFUA
International organization participation:ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol,IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC,OPCW, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional),WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdoulaye DIOP FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950 chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki HUDDLESTONE embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] (2) 223-833 FAX: [223] (2) 223-712
Flag description:three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red;uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Economy Mali
Economy - overview:Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of itsland area desert or semidesert and with a highly unequaldistribution of income. Economic activity is largely confined to theriverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population isnomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming andfishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farmcommodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerableto fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, alongwith gold. The government has continued its successfulimplementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment programthat is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreigninvestment. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50%devaluation of the African franc in January 1994 have pushed upeconomic growth to a sturdy 5% average in 1996-2002. Workerremittances and external trade routes have been jeopardized bycontinued unrest in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $9.775 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:4.5% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $900 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 45% industry: 17% services: 38% (2001 est.)
Population below poverty line:64% average; 30% of the total population living in urban areas; 70%of the total population living in rural areas) (2001 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: 1.8%highest 10%: 40.4% (1994)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:50.5 (1994)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.5% (2002 est.)
Labor force:3.93 million (2001 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture and fishing 80% (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate:14.6% urban areas; 5.3% rural areas (2001 est.)
Budget:revenues: $764 millionexpenditures: $828 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(2002 est.)
Industries:food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production:480.2 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 41.7% hydro: 58.3% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption: 446.6 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh; note - recent hydropower developments may be providing electricity to Senegal and Mauritania (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: cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; cattle, sheep, goats
Exports:$680 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)
Exports - commodities:cotton, gold, livestock
Exports - partners:Thailand 13.9%, Italy 9.8%, India 7.7%, Brazil 5.5%, Germany 5%,Spain 4.9%, Portugal 4.3%, Taiwan 4.3% (2002)
Imports:$630 million f.o.b. (2002 est.)
Imports - commodities:petroleum, machinery and equipment, construction materials,foodstuffs, textiles
Imports - partners:Cote d'Ivoire 17.1%, France 13.5%, Senegal 6.5%, Germany 4% (2002)
Debt - external:$3.3 billion (2000)
Economic aid - recipient:$596.4 million (2001)
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 Mali
Telephones - main lines in use:45,000 (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular:40,000 (2001)
Telephone system:general assessment: domestic system unreliable but improving;provides only minimal servicedomestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open-wire, andradiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radiorelay in progressinternational: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 AtlanticOcean and 1 Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 28, shortwave 1 note: the shortwave station in Bamako has seven frequencies and five transmitters and relays broadcasts for China Radio International (2001)
Radios:570,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:1 (plus repeaters) (2001)
Televisions:45,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.ml
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):13 (2001)
Internet users:30,000 (2002)
Transportation Mali
Railways: total: 729 km narrow gauge: 729 km 1.000-m gauge (2002)
Highways: total: 15,100 km paved: 1,827 km unpaved: 13,273 km (1999 est.)
Waterways:1,815 km
Ports and harbors:Koulikoro
Airports:26 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 72,438 to 3,047 m: 41,524 to 2,437 m: 1914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 191,524 to 2,437 m: 6914 to 1,523 m: 5under 914 m: 8 (2002)
Military Mali
Military branches:Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard,National Police (Surete Nationale)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 2,441,769 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 1,400,711 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$419.7 million (FY02)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:15% (FY02)
Transnational Issues Mali
Disputes - international: armed bandits based in Mali attack southern Algerian towns
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
======================================================================
@Malta
Introduction Malta
Background:Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. Theisland staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars andremained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. Adecade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, theisland has become a freight transshipment point, financial center,and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EUmembership.
Geography Malta
Location:Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily(Italy)
Geographic coordinates:35 50 N, 14 35 E
Map references:Europe
Area:total: 316 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 316 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)
Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive fishing zone: 25 NM continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate:Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain:mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)
Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land
Land use: arable land: 31.25% permanent crops: 3.13% other: 65.62% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:20 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:NA
Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Environment - international agreements:party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, ClimateChange-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban,Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largestislands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) beinginhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia arediscussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelfbetween their countries, particularly for oil exploration
People Malta
Population:400,420 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 19.5% (male 40,448; female 37,623)15-64 years: 67.5% (male 136,221; female 134,142)65 years and over: 13% (male 21,730; female 30,256) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 37.2 yearsmale: 35.6 yearsfemale: 38.8 years (2002)
Population growth rate:0.73% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:12.75 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.09 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 5.62 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 5.87 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 78.43 yearsmale: 75.94 yearsfemale: 81.14 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.91 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 100 (2001 est.)
Nationality:noun: Maltese (singular and plural)adjective: Maltese
Ethnic groups:Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, withstrong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Religions:Roman Catholic 98%
Languages:Maltese (official), English (official)
Literacy:definition: age 10 and over can read and writetotal population: 92.8%male: 92%female: 93.6% (2003 est.)
Government Malta
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Maltaconventional short form: Maltalocal short form: Maltalocal long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
Government type:republic
Capital:Valletta
Administrative divisions: none (administered directly from Valletta); note - Local Councils carry out administrative orders
Independence:21 September 1964 (from UK)
National holiday:Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Constitution:1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 andagain in 1987
Legal system:based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsoryICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Guido DE MARCO (since 4 April 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 6September 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 4 April1999)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of theprime ministerelections: president elected by the House of Representatives for afive-year term; election last held NA April 1999 (next to be held byApril 2004); following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or leader of a majority coalition is usuallyappointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; thedeputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice ofthe prime ministerelection results: Guido DE MARCO elected president; percent of Houseof Representatives vote - 54%
Legislative branch:unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note -additional seats are given to the party with the largest popularvote to ensure a legislative majority; members are elected bypopular vote on the basis of proportional representation to servefive-year terms)elections: last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held by April 2008)election results: percent of vote by party - PN 51.7%, MLP 47.6%, AD0.7%; seats by party - PN 34, MLP 31
Judicial branch:Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts areappointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders:Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [HarryVASSALLO]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT]; Nationalist Partyor PN [Edward FENECH ADAMI]
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:C, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM(observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John LOWELL consulate(s): New York FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony H. GIOIAembassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,Malta VLT 01mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Maltatelephone: [356] 21-235-960FAX: [356] 2124-3229
Flag description:two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in theupper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross,edged in red
Economy Malta
Economy - overview:Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, anda productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its foodneeds, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energysources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing(especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Malta isprivatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets in orderto prepare for membership in the European Union. The island remainsdivided politically, however, over the question of joining the EU.Continued sluggishness in the global economy is holding backexports, tourism, and overall growth.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $6.818 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:1.2% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $17,200 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 2.8%industry: 25.5%services: 71.7% (1999)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.4% (2002 est.)
Labor force:160,000 (2002 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:industry 24%, services 71%, agriculture 5% (1999 est.)
Unemployment rate:7% (2002 est.)
Budget:revenues: $1.5 billionexpenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(2000)
Industries:tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; foodand beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production:1.768 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:1.644 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:0 kWh (2001)
Oil - production:0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Agriculture - products: potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Exports:$2 billion f.o.b. (2001)
Exports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment, manufactures
Exports - partners:Singapore 17.3%, US 11.4%, UK 9.4%, Germany 9%, France 7.2%, China6.5%, Italy 6% (2002)
Imports:$2.8 billion f.o.b. (2001)
Imports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment, manufactured andsemi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco
Imports - partners:Italy 18.3%, France 12.1%, South Korea 11.3%, UK 7.5%, Singapore5.3%, Germany 5.2%, Japan 5%, US 4.6%, Spain 4.2% (2002)
Debt - external:$130 million (1997)
Economic aid - recipient:$NA
Currency:Maltese lira (MTL)
Currency code:MTL
Exchange rates:Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.43 (2002), 0.45 (2001), 0.44 (2000),0.4 (1999), 0.39 (1998)
Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
Communications Malta
Telephones - main lines in use:187,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular:17,691 (1997)
Telephone system:general assessment: automatic system satisfies normal requirementsdomestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islandsinternational: 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)
Radios:255,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:6 (2000)
Televisions:280,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.mt
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):6 (2002)
Internet users:59,000 (2002)
Transportation Malta
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 2,254 km paved: 1,972 km unpaved: 282 km (2000)
Waterways:none
Ports and harbors:Marsaxlokk, Valletta
Merchant marine:total: 1,234 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 25,885,128 GRT/42,467,864 DWTnote: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag ofconvenience: Australia 4, Austria 6, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 3,Bulgaria 19, Canada 2, China 16, Croatia 14, Cuba 1, Cyprus 7,Denmark 3, Estonia 5, Finland 1, Germany 54, Greece 627, Hong Kong12, Iceland 3, India 10, Iran 2, Israel 26, Italy 36, Japan 2,Latvia 24, Lebanon 6, Monaco 29, Netherlands 10, Nigeria 2, Norway43, Poland 29, Portugal 2, Romania 15, Russia 85, Saudi Arabia 1,Slovenia 2, South Korea 5, Spain 1, Switzerland 54, Syria 4, Turkey84, Ukraine 25, UAE 3, UK 4, US 10 (2002 est.)ships by type: bulk 459, cargo 280, chemical tanker 45, combinationbulk 10, combination ore/oil 10, container 80, liquefied gas 3,livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 1,passenger 6, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 236, refrigeratedcargo 37, roll on/roll off 41, short-sea passenger 7, vehiclecarrier 15
Airports:1 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)
Military Malta
Military branches:Armed Forces (including land forces [with subordinate air squadronand maritime squadron] and the Revenue Security Corps), MaltesePolice Force
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 99,312 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 79,080 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$60 million (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.7% (2000)
Transnational Issues Malta
Disputes - international:none
Illicit drugs:minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to WesternEurope
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
======================================================================
@Man, Isle of
Introduction Man, Isle of
Background:Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13thcentury when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under theBritish crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almostextinct Manx Celtic language.
Geography Man, Isle of
Location:Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain andIreland
Geographic coordinates:54 15 N, 4 30 W
Map references:Europe
Area:total: 572 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 572 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:160 km
Maritime claims:exclusive fishing zone: 12 NMterritorial sea: 12 NM
Climate:temperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about one-thirdof the time
Terrain:hills in north and south bisected by central valley
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 621 m
Natural resources:none
Land use:arable land: 0%permanent crops: 0%other: 100% (permanent pastures, forests, mountain, and heathland)(1998 est.)
Irrigated land:0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:NA
Environment - current issues:waste disposal (both household and industrial); transboundary airpollution
Geography - note:one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is abird sanctuary
People Man, Isle of
Population:74,261 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 17.5% (male 6,637; female 6,337)15-64 years: 65.4% (male 24,373; female 24,165)65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,102; female 7,647) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 39.1 yearsmale: 37.8 yearsfemale: 40.6 years (2002)
Population growth rate:0.53% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:11.38 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:11.49 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:5.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 6.17 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 5.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 7.24 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 77.98 yearsmale: 74.62 yearsfemale: 81.53 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.65 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: Manxman (men), Manxwoman (women)adjective: Manx
Ethnic groups:Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton
Religions:Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Societyof Friends
Languages:English, Manx Gaelic
Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%
Government Man, Isle of
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man
Dependency status:British crown dependency
Government type:parliamentary democracy
Capital:Douglas
Administrative divisions:there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by theUS Government, but there are 24 local authorities each with its ownelections
Independence:none (British crown dependency)
National holiday:Tynwald Day, 5 July
Constitution:unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act, 1961, does notembody the Manx Constitution
Legal system:English common law and Manx statute
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Ian MACFADYEN (since 26October 2002)election results: Richard CORKILL elected chief minister by theTynwaldelections: the monarch is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointedby the monarch for a five-year term; the Chief Minister is electedby the Tynwald; election last held 6 December 2001 (next to be heldNA December 2006)head of government: Chief Minister Richard CORKILL (since 6 December2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers
Legislative branch:bicameral Tynwald consists of the Legislative Council (an 11-memberbody composed of the President of Tynwald, the Lord Bishop of Sodorand Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by theHouse of Keys) and the House of Keys (24 seats; members are electedby popular vote to serve five-year terms)elections: House of Keys - last held 22 November 2001 (next to beheld NA November 2006)election results: House of Keys - percent of vote by party - ManLabor Party 17.3%, Alliance for Progressive Government 14.6%; seatsby party - Man Labor Party 2, Alliance for Progressive Government 3,independents 19
Judicial branch:High Court of Justice (justices are appointed by the LordChancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant governor)
Political parties and leaders: Man Labor Party [leader NA]; Alliance for Progressive Government [leader NA]; Man Nationalist Party [leader NA] note: most members sit as independents
Political pressure groups and leaders:none
International organization participation:none
Diplomatic representation in the US:none (British crown dependency)
Diplomatic representation from the US:none (British crown dependency)
Flag description:red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center;the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; inorder to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag,a two-sided emblem is used
Economy Man, Isle of
Economy - overview:Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of theeconomy. The government's policy of offering incentives tohigh-technology companies and financial institutions to locate onthe island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities inhigh-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, oncethe mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP.Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access toEU markets.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $1.6 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:13.5%
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 1%industry: 13%services: 86% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.6% (March 2003 est.)
Labor force:36,610 (1998)
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture, forestry and fishing 3%, manufacturing 11%,construction 10%, transport and communication 8%, wholesale andretail distribution 11%, professional and scientific services 18%,public administration 6%, banking and finance 18%, tourism 2%,entertainment and catering 3%, miscellaneous services 10%
Unemployment rate:0.7% (March 2003)
Budget:revenues: $485 millionexpenditures: $463 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(FY00/01 est.)
Industries:financial services, light manufacturing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:3.2% (FY 96/97)
Agriculture - products:cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry
Exports:$NA
Exports - commodities:tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb
Exports - partners:UK (2000 est.)
Imports:$NA
Imports - commodities:timber, fertilizers, fish
Imports - partners:UK (2000)
Debt - external:$NA
Economic aid - recipient:$NA
Currency:British pound (GBP); note - there is also a Manx pound
Currency code:GBP
Exchange rates:Manx pounds per US dollar - 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596(2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998); the Manx pound is at par withthe British pound
Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
Communications Man, Isle of
Telephones - main lines in use:51,000 (1999)
Telephones - mobile cellular:NA
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone systeminternational: fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satelliteearth station, submarine cable
Radio broadcast stations:AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios:NA
Television broadcast stations:0 (receives broadcasts from the UK and satellite) (1999)
Televisions:27,490 (1999)
Internet country code:.im
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):NA
Internet users:NA
Transportation Man, Isle of
Railways: total: 60 km (35 km electrified) (2002)
Highways: total: 800 km paved: 800 km unpaved: 0 km (1999)
Waterways:none
Ports and harbors:Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey
Merchant marine:total: 211 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,297,301 GRT/8,703,079 DWTnote: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag ofconvenience: Denmark 45, France 1, Germany 48, Greece 6, Hong Kong10, Iceland 1, Italy 8, Monaco 7, Netherlands 3, Norway 5, Sweden 4,Switzerland 2, UK 70, US 1 (2002 est.)ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 32, chemical tanker 20, combinationbulk 2, container 22, liquefied gas 38, petroleum tanker 49, rollon/roll off 16, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 5
Airports:1 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2002)
Military Man, Isle of
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues Man, Isle of
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
======================================================================
@Marshall Islands
Introduction Marshall Islands
Background:After almost four decades under US administration as theeasternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compactof Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of USnuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. TheMarshall Islands have been home to the US Army Base Kwajalein(USAKA) since 1964.
Geography Marshall Islands
Location:Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean,about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Geographic coordinates:9 00 N, 168 00 E
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 181.3 sq kmnote: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro,Rongelap, and Utirikwater: 0 sq kmland: 181.3 sq km
Area - comparative:about the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:370.4 km
Maritime claims:contiguous zone: 24 NMterritorial sea: 12 NMexclusive economic zone: 200 NM
Climate:wet season from May to November; hot and humid; islands bordertyphoon belt
Terrain:low coral limestone and sand islands
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m
Natural resources: coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals
Land use: arable land: 16.67% permanent crops: 0% other: 83.33% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:0 sq km
Natural hazards:infrequent typhoons
Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note:two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands;Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, thefamous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile testrange
People Marshall Islands
Population:56,429 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 39.1% (male 11,233; female 10,819)15-64 years: 58.2% (male 16,857; female 16,003)65 years and over: 2.7% (male 726; female 791) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 19.3 yearsmale: 19.3 yearsfemale: 19.2 years (2002)
Population growth rate:2.3% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:34.18 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:5.03 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:-6.18 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: 1.05 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 31.58 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 27.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 35.38 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 69.39 yearsmale: 67.49 yearsfemale: 71.4 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:4.12 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: Marshallese (singular and plural)adjective: Marshallese
Ethnic groups:Micronesian
Religions:Christian (mostly Protestant)
Languages:English (widely spoken as a second language, both English andMarshallese are official languages), two major Marshallese dialectsfrom the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 93.7%male: 93.6%female: 93.7% (1999)
Government Marshall Islands
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islandsconventional short form: Marshall Islandsformer: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the PacificIslands)
Government type:constitutional government in free association with the US; theCompact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986
Capital:Majuro
Administrative divisions:33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur,Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo,Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili,Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik,Wotho, Wotje
Independence:21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday:Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)
Constitution:1 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 Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January 2000);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Kessai Hesa NOTE (since 3 January2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members ofParliamentelections: president elected by Parliament from among its ownmembers for a four-year term; election last held 15 November 1999(next to be held NA November 2003)election results: Kessai Hesa NOTE elected president; percent ofParliament vote - 100%
Legislative branch:unicameral Parliament or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected bypopular vote to serve four-year terms)elections: last held 17 November 2003 (next to be held not laterthan November 2007)note: the Council of Chiefs is a 12-member body that advises onmatters affecting customary law and practiceelection results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA
Judicial branch:Supreme Court; High Court
Political parties and leaders: traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Kabua Party [Imata KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:ACP, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFC, IMF,IMO, Interpol, ITU, OPCW (signatory), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DE BRUM chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Honolulu FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. SENKOembassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuromailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the MarshallIslands 96960-1379telephone: [692] 247-4011FAX: [692] 247-4012
Flag description:blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner -orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large raysand 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
Economy Marshall Islands
Economy - overview:US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny islandeconomy. Agricultural production is primarily subsistence and isconcentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops arecoconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited tohandicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now asmall source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of thelabor force, remains the best hope for future added income. Theislands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.Under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US hasprovided more than $1 billion in aid since 1986. Negotiations havecontinued for an extended agreement. Government downsizing, drought,a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreigninvestment due to the Asian financial difficulties, and less incomefrom the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth toan average of 1% over the past decade.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $115 million (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:1% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 14%industry: 16%services: 70% (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% (2001 est.)
Labor force:28,698
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture 21.4%, industry 20.9%, services 57.7%
Unemployment rate:30.9% (1999 est.)
Budget:revenues: $42 millionexpenditures: $40 million, including capital expenditures of $NA(1999)
Industries:copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 99% hydro: 0% nuclear: 0% other: 1% (solar)
Agriculture - products:coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens
Exports:$9 million f.o.b. (2000)
Exports - commodities:copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish
Exports - partners:US, Japan, Australia, China (2000)
Imports:$54 million f.o.b. (2000)
Imports - commodities:foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco
Imports - partners:US, Japan, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Fiji, China, Philippines (2000)
Debt - external:$86.5 million (FY 99/00 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:more than $1 billion from the US, 1986-2002
Currency:US dollar (USD)
Currency code:USD
Exchange rates:the US dollar is the legal tender
Fiscal year:1 October - 30 September
Communications Marshall Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:4,186 (2001)
Telephones - mobile cellular:489 (2001)
Telephone system:general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern servicesinclude telex, cellular, internet, international calling, caller ID,and leased data circuitsdomestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular,seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected byshortwave radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes)international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (PacificOcean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein(2001)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0note: additionally, the US Armed Forces Radio and TelevisionServices (Central Pacific Network) operate one FM and one AM stationon Kwajalein (2002)
Radios:NA
Television broadcast stations:2 (both are US military stations) (2002)
Televisions:NA
Internet country code:.mh
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):1 (2002)
Internet users:900 (2002)