Natural gas - exports:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - imports:7.205 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves:7.504 billion cu m (37257)
Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products
Exports:$12.9 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.)
Exports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment 39.4%, intermediate manufacturedgoods 27.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 13%, chemicals 8%(1999)
Exports - partners:Germany 30.1%, Czech Republic 16.4%, Austria 10.7%, Italy 7.2%,Poland 5.7%, Hungary 4.6% (2002)
Imports:$15.4 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Imports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment 37.7%, intermediate manufacturedgoods 18%, fuels 13%, chemicals 11%, miscellaneous manufacturedgoods 9.5% (1999)
Imports - partners:Germany 24.8%, Czech Republic 16%, Russia 13.5%, Austria 7%, Italy6.4%, France 4% (2002)
Debt - external:$9.6 billion (2002 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:ODA $113 million (2000),; $92 million EU structural adjustmentfunds (2000 est.)
Currency:Slovak koruna (SKK)
Currency code:SKK
Exchange rates:koruny per US dollar - 45.33 (2002), 48.35 (2001), 46.04 (2000),41.36 (1999), 35.23 (1998)
Fiscal year:calendar year
Communications Slovakia
Telephones - main lines in use:1,934,558 (1998)
Telephones - mobile cellular:736,662 (April 1999)
Telephone system:general assessment: a modernization and privatization program isincreasing accessibility to telephone service, reducing the waitingtime for new subscribers, and generally improving service qualitydomestic: predominantly an analog system that is now receivingdigital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable,especially in the larger cities; mobile cellular capability has beenaddedinternational: three international exchanges (one in Bratislava andtwo in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating inseveral international telecommunications projects that will increasethe availability of external services
Radio broadcast stations:AM 15, FM 78, shortwave 2 (1998)
Radios:3.12 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations:38 (plus 864 repeaters) (1995)
Televisions:2.62 million (1997)
Internet country code:.sk
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):6 (2000)
Internet users:700,000 (2000)
Transportation Slovakia
Railways:total: 3,668 kmbroad gauge: 106 km 1.520-m gaugenarrow gauge: 51 km (46 km 1,000-m gauge; 5 km 0.750-m gauge) (2002)standard gauge: 3,511 km 1.435-m gauge (1,567 km electrified)
Highways:total: 42,717 kmpaved: 37,036 km (including 296 km of expressways)unpaved: 5,681 km (2000)
Waterways:172 km (all on the Danube)
Pipelines:gas 6,769 km; oil 449 km (2003)
Ports and harbors:Bratislava, Komarno
Merchant marine:total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 11,574 GRT/16,330 DWTships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1 (2002 est.)
Airports:37 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 9 (2002) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 7 (2002)
Heliports: 1 (2002)
Military Slovakia
Military branches:Army (Ground Forces), Air and Air Defense Forces, Home Guards(Territorial Defense Forces), Civil Defense Force, Railway ArmedForces (subordinate to the Ministry of Transportation, Post, andTelecommunications)
Military manpower - military age:18 years of age (2003 est.)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 1,484,950 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 1,135,612 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 44,287 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$406 million (2002)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.89% (2002)
Transnational Issues Slovakia
Disputes - international:small boundary changes made with Poland in 2003; Hungary has yet toamend status law extending special social and cultural benefits toethnic Hungarians in Slovakia, who protest the law
Illicit drugs:transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for WesternEurope; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Slovenia
Introduction Slovenia
Background:The Slovene lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and Austriauntil 1918 when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forminga new nation, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II,Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which thoughCommunist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied withthe exercise of power of the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeededin establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war.Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stabledemocracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modernstate. In December 2002, Slovenia received an invitation to joinNATO, and it is scheduled to accede to the EU along with nine otherstates on 1 May 2004. In a March 2003 referendum on NATO and EUmembership, Slovenes voted 90% in favor of joining the EU and 66% infavor of joining NATO.
Geography Slovenia
Location:Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, betweenAustria and Croatia
Geographic coordinates:46 07 N, 14 49 E
Map references:Europe
Area:total: 20,273 sq kmwater: 122 sq kmland: 20,151 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries:total: 1,334 kmborder countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 670 km, Italy 232 km,Hungary 102 km
Coastline:46.6 km
Maritime claims:NA
Climate:Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mildto hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to theeast
Terrain:a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain regionadjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys withnumerous rivers to the east
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 mhighest point: Triglav 2,864 m
Natural resources:lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower,forests
Land use: arable land: 11.48% permanent crops: 2.68% other: 85.84% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:20 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:flooding and earthquakes
Environment - current issues: Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain
Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note:despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls someof Europe's major transit routes
People Slovenia
Population:1,935,677 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 15.3% (male 152,341; female 144,189)15-64 years: 70% (male 687,939; female 666,194)65 years and over: 14.7% (male 105,837; female 179,177) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 38.6 yearsmale: 37.1 yearsfemale: 40.2 years (2002)
Population growth rate:0.14% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:9.23 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:10.15 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 3.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 5.53 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 75.51 yearsmale: 71.65 yearsfemale: 79.58 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.27 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:less than 0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:280 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 100 (2001 est.)
Nationality:noun: Slovene(s)adjective: Slovenian
Ethnic groups:Slovene 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Bosniak 1%, Yugoslav 0.6%,Hungarian 0.4%, other 5% (1991)
Religions:Roman Catholic (Uniate 2%) 70.8%, Lutheran 1%, Muslim 1%, atheist4.3%, other 22.9%
Languages:Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 6%, other 3%
Literacy: definition: NA total population: 99.7% male: 99.7% female: 99.6% (2003 est.)
Government Slovenia
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Sloveniaconventional short form: Slovenialocal short form: Slovenijalocal long form: Republika Slovenija
Government type:parliamentary democratic republic
Capital:Ljubljana
Administrative divisions:182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urbanmunicipalities* (mestne obcine , singular - mestna obcina )Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke,Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica,Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno,Cerkvenjak, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca,Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov Gradec,Dobrovnik-Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale,Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, GornjaRadgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina,Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos-Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola-Isola, Jesenice,Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje,Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*,Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart,Lendava-Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Logatec, LoskaDolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk,Maribor*, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz naDravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Moravce,Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje,Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica,Pesnica, Piran-Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka,Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*, Puconci,Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne naKoroskem, Razkrizje, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogasovci, RogaskaSlatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Salovci, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic,Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur pri Celju,Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj Gradec*,Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smartno obPaki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sostanj, Starse,Store, Sveta Ana, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij,Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic,Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej,Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica,Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica,Zuzemberk, Zrecenote: there may be 45 more municipalities
Independence:25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
National holiday:Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)
Constitution:adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991
Legal system:based on civil law system
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)
Executive branch:chief of state: President Janez DRNOVSEK (since 22 December 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Anton ROP (since 11 December 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andelected by the National Assemblyelection results: Janez DRNOVSEK elected president; percent of vote- Janez DRNOVSEK 56.5%, Barbara BREZIGAR 43.5%; Anton ROP electedprime minister; National Assembly vote - 63 to 24elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 10 November and 1 December 2002 (next to be heldin the fall of 2007); following National Assembly elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalitionis usually nominated to become prime minister by the president andelected by the National Assembly; election last held 6 December 2002(next National Assembly elections to be held NA October 2004)
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats, 40 aredirectly elected and 50 are selected on a proportional basis; note -the numbers of directly elected and proportionally elected seatsvaries with each election; members are elected by popular vote toserve four-year terms)election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 36%, SDS 16%, ZLSD12%, SLS/SKD 10%, NSi 9%, SMS 4%, SNS 4%, DeSUS 5%, other 4%; seatsby party - LDS 34, SDS 13, ZLSD 11, SLS 10, NSi 8, SMS 4, SNS 4,DeSUS 4, Hungarian and Italian minorities 1 eachnote: the National Council or Drzavni Svet is an advisory body withlimited legislative powers; it may propose laws and ask to reviewany National Assembly decisions; in the election of November 1997,40 members were elected to represent local, professional, andsocioeconomic interestselections: National Assembly - last held 15 October 2000 (next to beheld NA October 2004)
Judicial branch:Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on therecommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court(judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly andnominated by the president)
Political parties and leaders:Democratic Party of Retired (Persons) of Slovenia or DeSUS [AntonROUS]; Liberal Democratic or LDS [Anton ROP]; New Slovenia or NSi[Andrej BAJUK]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC];Slovene People's Party or SLS [Franc BUT]; Slovene Youth Party orSMS [Dominic CERNJAK]; Social Democratic Party of Slovenia or SDS[Janez JANSA]; United List of Social Democrats or ZLSD [Borut PAHOR]
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:ABEDA, ACCT (observer), BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU(applicant), FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC,IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest),NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTSO,UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Davorin KRACUNFAX: [1] (202) 667-4563consulate(s) general: New York and Clevelandtelephone: [1] (202) 667-5363chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140 telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500 FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555
Flag description:three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, withthe Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia'shighest peak, in white against a blue background at the center;beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, andabove it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an invertedtriangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts ofCelje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early15th centuries); the seal is located in the upper hoist side of theflag centered in the white and blue bands
Economy Slovenia
Economy - overview:Slovenia, with its historical ties to Western Europe, enjoys a GDPper capita substantially higher than that of the other transitioningeconomies of Central Europe. Privatization of the economy proceededat an accelerated pace in 2002-3, and the budget deficit droppedfrom 3.0% of GDP in 2002 to 1.9% in 2003. Despite the economicslowdown in Europe in 2001-03, Slovenia maintained 3% growth.Structural reforms to improve the business environment allow forgreater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and help tolower unemployment. Further measures to curb inflation are alsoneeded. Corruption and the high degree of coordination betweengovernment, business, and central bank policy are issues of concernin the run-up to Slovenia's scheduled 1 May 2004 accession to theEuropean Union.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $37.06 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:3.2% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $19,200 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 3.2%industry: 36.3%services: 60.5% (2001 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.9% highest 10%: 23% (1998)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:28.4 (1998)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.4% (2002 est.)
Labor force:857,400
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%
Unemployment rate:11% (2002 est.)
Budget:revenues: $8.11 billionexpenditures: $8.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA(1997 est.)
Industries:ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting,electronics (including military electronics), trucks, electric powerequipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools
Industrial production growth rate:2.4% (2002)
Electricity - production:13.69 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 35.2% hydro: 27.3% other: 0.7% (2001) nuclear: 36.8%
Electricity - consumption:13.83 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:3 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:4.1 billion kWh (2001)
Oil - production:20 bbl/day NA bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:53,300 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Natural gas - production:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - consumption:1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - exports:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - imports:1.04 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Agriculture - products: potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry
Exports:$10.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)
Exports - commodities:manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals,food
Exports - partners:Germany 23.9%, Italy 12.7%, Austria 9.5%, Croatia 8%, France 7.4%,Bosnia and Herzegovina 4.4% (2002)
Imports:$11.1 billion f.o.b. (2002)
Imports - commodities:machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals,fuels and lubricants, food
Imports - partners:Germany 20%, Italy 19%, Austria 11.3%, France 10.5% (2002)
Debt - external:$7.9 billion (2001)
Economic aid - recipient:ODA, $62 million (2000 est.)
Currency:tolar (SIT)
Currency code:SIT
Exchange rates:tolars per US dollar - 240.25 (2002), 242.75 (2001), 222.66 (2000),181.77 (1999), 166.13 (1998)
Fiscal year:calendar year
Communications Slovenia
Telephones - main lines in use:722,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular:1 million (2000)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: 100% digital (2000)international: NA
Radio broadcast stations:AM 17, FM 160, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios:805,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:48 (2001)
Televisions:710,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.si
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):11 (2000)
Internet users:600,000 (2001)
Transportation Slovenia
Railways: total: 1,201 km standard gauge: 1,201 km 1.435-m gauge (499 km electrified) (2002)
Highways:total: 20,177 kmpaved: 20,157 km (including 427 km of expressways)unpaved: 20 km (2000)
Waterways:NA
Pipelines:gas 2,526 km; oil 11 km (2003)
Ports and harbors:Izola, Koper, Piran
Airports:16 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 5 (2002)
Military Slovenia
Military branches:Slovenian Army (includes Air and Naval Forces)
Military manpower - military age:19 years of age (2003 est.)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 520,037 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 413,453 (2003 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 13,704 (2003 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$370 million (FY00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.7% (FY00)
Transnational Issues Slovenia
Disputes - international:parliamentarians are far from ratifying the Croatia-Slovenia landand maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most ofPiran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages toCroatia
Illicit drugs:minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin boundfor Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Solomon Islands
Introduction Solomon Islands
Background:The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred onthese islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independencetwo years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, andendemic crime have undermined stability and civil society.
Geography Solomon Islands
Location:Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of PapuaNew Guinea
Geographic coordinates:8 00 S, 159 00 E
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 28,450 sq kmwater: 910 sq kmland: 27,540 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than Maryland
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:5,313 km
Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM continental shelf: 200 NM
Climate:tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather
Terrain:mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Makarakomburu 2,447 m
Natural resources: fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel
Land use: arable land: 1.5% permanent crops: 0.64% other: 97.86% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:NA sq km
Natural hazards:typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region withfrequent earth tremors; volcanic activity
Environment - current issues:deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefsare dead or dying
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification,Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, MarineLife Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whalingsigned, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Geography - note:strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean,the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea
People Solomon Islands
Population:509,190 (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 42.9% (male 111,333; female 107,062)15-64 years: 54% (male 139,072; female 135,721)65 years and over: 3.1% (male 7,754; female 8,248) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 18.2 yearsmale: 18.1 yearsfemale: 18.3 years (2002)
Population growth rate:2.83% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:32.45 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:4.12 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: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 22.88 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 19.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 26.03 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 72.1 yearsmale: 69.64 yearsfemale: 74.68 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:4.34 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: Solomon Islander(s)adjective: Solomon Islander
Ethnic groups:Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%,Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%
Religions:Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian)12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, other Protestant 5%,indigenous beliefs 4%
Languages:Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; Englishis official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the populationnote: 120 indigenous languages
Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA%
Government Solomon Islands
Country name:conventional long form: noneconventional short form: Solomon Islandsformer: British Solomon Islands
Government type:parliamentary democracy tending toward anarchy
Capital:Honiara
Administrative divisions:9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central, Choiseul (Lauru),Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell/Bellona,Temotu, Western
Independence:7 July 1978 (from UK)
National holiday:Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Constitution:7 July 1978
Legal system:English common law, which is widely disregarded
Suffrage:21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Sir John LAPLI (since NA 1999)elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch on the advice of Parliament for up to fiveyears; following legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected primeminister by Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by thegovernor general on the advice of the prime minister from among themembers of Parliamentcabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governorgeneral on the advice of the prime minister from among the membersof Parliamenthead of government: Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA (since 17December 2001); Deputy Prime Minister Snyder RINI (since 17 December2001)
Legislative branch:unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members elected fromsingle-member constituencies by popular vote to serve four-yearterms)election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 40%, SIACC 40%, PPP20%; seats by party - PAP 16, SIACC 13, PPP 2, SILP 1, independents18elections: last held 5 December 2001 (next to be held not later thanDecember 2005)
Judicial branch:Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders:Association of Independents [Snyder RINI]; People's Alliance Partyor PAP [Allan KEMAKEZA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [MannasehDamukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon Islands Alliance for Change Coalition orSIACC [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Labor Party or SILP[Joses TUHANUKU]note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluidcoalitions
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM,IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Colin BECKchancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925
Diplomatic representation from the US:the US does not have an embassy in Solomon Islands (embassy closedJuly 1993); the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to theSolomon Islands
Flag description:divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lowerhoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with fivewhite five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lowertriangle is green
Economy Solomon Islands
Economy - overview:The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, andforestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufacturedgoods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are richin undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, andgold. However, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businessenterprises, and an empty government treasury have led to seriouseconomic disarray, indeed near collapse. Tanker deliveries ofcrucial fuel supplies (including those for electrical generation)have become sporadic due to the government's inability to pay andattacks against ships. Telecommunications are threatened by thenonpayment of bills and by the lack of technical and maintenancestaff many of whom have left the country.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $800 million (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:-10% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 42%industry: 11%services: 47% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.8% (2001 est.)
Labor force:26,842
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture 75%, industry 5%, services 20% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate:NA%
Budget:revenues: $38 millionexpenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (2001)
Industries:fish (tuna), mining, timber
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production:32 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:29.76 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:0 kWh (2001)
Oil - production:0 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:1,250 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:NA (2001)
Oil - imports:NA (2001)
Agriculture - products: cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs; timber; fish
Exports:$47 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Exports - commodities:timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa
Exports - partners:Japan 21.2%, China 18.8%, South Korea 16.3%, Philippines 8.9%,Thailand 7.6%, Singapore 4.1% (2002)
Imports:$82 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Imports - commodities:food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals
Imports - partners:Australia 31.3%, Singapore 19.7%, New Zealand 5.1%, Fiji 4.6%,Papua New Guinea 4.5% (2002)
Debt - external:$137 million (2001 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:$28 million mainly from Japan, Australia, China, and NZ (2001 est.)
Currency:Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
Currency code:SBD
Exchange rates:Solomon Islands dollars per US dollar - NA (2002), NA (2001), 5.09(2000), 4.84 (1999), 4.82 (1998)
Fiscal year:calendar year
Communications Solomon Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:8,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular:658 (1997)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: NAinternational: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios:57,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:0 (1997)
Televisions:3,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.sb
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):1 (2000)
Internet users:8,400 (2002)
Transportation Solomon Islands
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 1,360 km paved: 34 km unpaved: 1,326 km (1999 est.)
Waterways:none
Ports and harbors:Aola Bay, Honiara, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina
Merchant marine:none (2002 est.)
Airports:32 (2002)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 21,524 to 2,437 m: 1914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 30 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 20 (2002)
Military Solomon Islands
Military branches:no regular military forces; Solomon Islands National Reconnaissanceand Surveillance Force; Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:NA%
Transnational Issues Solomon Islands
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 18 December, 2003
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@Somalia
Introduction Somalia
Background:The SIAD BARRE regime was ousted in January 1991; turmoil,factional fighting, and anarchy have followed for twelve years. InMay of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic ofSomaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal,Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognizedby any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence,aided by the overwhelming dominance of a ruling clan and economicinfrastructure left behind by British, Russian, and Americanmilitary assistance programs. The regions of Bari and Nugaal andnorthern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous stateof Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998, but does notaim at independence; it has also made strides towards reconstructinga legitimate, representative government, but has suffered civilstrife in 2002. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as italso claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993,a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was ableto alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995,having suffered significant casualties, order still had not beenrestored. The mandate of the Transitional National Government (TNG),created in August 2000 in Arta, Djibouti, expires in August 2003 anda new interim government was being created at peace talks held inKenya. Numerous warlords and factions are still fighting for controlof Mogadishu and the other southern regions. Suspicion of Somalilinks with global terrorism further complicates the picture.
Geography Somalia
Location:Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean,east of Ethiopia
Geographic coordinates:10 00 N, 49 00 E
Map references:Africa
Area:total: 637,657 sq kmwater: 10,320 sq kmland: 627,337 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries: total: 2,340 km border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km
Coastline:3,025 km
Maritime claims:territorial sea: 200 NM
Climate:principally desert; December to February - northeast monsoon,moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May to October- southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the south,irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) betweenmonsoons
Terrain:mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 mhighest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m
Natural resources:uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum,bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves
Land use: arable land: 1.66% permanent crops: 0.04% other: 98.3% (1998 est.)
Irrigated land:2,000 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains insummer; floods during rainy season
Environment - current issues:famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human healthproblems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Environment - international agreements:party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protectionsigned, but not ratified: Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban
Geography - note:strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches toBab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal
People Somalia
Population:8,025,190note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia iscomplicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movementsin response to famine and clan warfare (July 2003 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,802,154; female 1,792,749)15-64 years: 52.5% (male 2,120,934; female 2,093,699)65 years and over: 2.7% (male 93,682; female 121,972) (2003 est.)
Median age:total: 17.6 yearsmale: 17.6 yearsfemale: 17.6 years (2002)
Population growth rate:3.43% (2003 est.)
Birth rate:46.42 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Death rate:17.64 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)
Net migration rate:5.56 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: 1.01 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 120.34 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 110.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)male: 129.84 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 47.34 yearsmale: 45.67 yearsfemale: 49.05 years (2003 est.)
Total fertility rate:6.98 children born/woman (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:43,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality:noun: Somali(s)adjective: Somali
Ethnic groups:Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)
Religions:Sunni Muslim
Languages:Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 37.8%male: 49.7%female: 25.8% (2001 est.)
Government Somalia
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Somalia former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic
Government type:no permanent national government; transitional, parliamentarynational government
Capital:Mogadishu
Administrative divisions:18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool,Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe,Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, ShabeellahaHoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed
Independence:1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which becameindependent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland,which became independent from the Italian-administered UNtrusteeship on 1 July 1960, to form the Somali Republic)
National holiday:Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June(1960) in Somaliland
Constitution:25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979note: the Transitional National Government formed in August 2000 hasa mandate to create a new constitution and hold elections withinthree years
Legal system:no national system; Shari'a and secular courts are in somelocalities
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan (since 26 August 2000);note - as of December 2002, there was no executive branch insouthern Somalia; Interim President ABDIKASSIM was chosen for athree-year term by a 245-member National Assembly serving as atransitional government but has little power and was due to leaveoffice in August 2003; the political situation, particularly in thesouth, with interclan fighting and random banditry, remains fluidelection results: ABDIKASSIM Salad Hassan was elected president ofan interim government at the Djibouti-sponsored Arta PeaceConference on 26 August 2000 by a broad representation of Somaliclans that comprised a transitional National Assemblyhead of government: Prime Minister HASSAN Abshir Farah (since 12November 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and sworn in on 20October 2000; as of 1 January 2002, the Cabinet was in caretakerstatus following a no-confidence vote in October 2001 that oustedHASSAN's predecessor
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assemblynote: fledgling parliament; a transitional 245-member NationalAssembly began to meet on 13 August 2000 in the town of Arta,Djibouti and is now based in Mogadishu
Judicial branch:following the breakdown of national government, most regions havereverted to either Islamic (Shari'a) law with a provision for appealof all sentences, or traditional clan-based arbitration
Political parties and leaders:none
Political pressure groups and leaders:numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for power
International organization participation:ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM,IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM(observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US:Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased operations on 8May 1991); note - the TNG and other factions have representatives inWashington and at the United Nations
Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at Mombasa Road; mailing address: P. O. Box 30137, Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831; telephone: [254] (2) 537800; FAX [254] (2) 537810
Flag description:light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; bluefield influenced by the flag of the UN
Government - note:although an interim government was created in 2000 other governingbodies continue to exist and control various cities and regions ofthe country, including Somaliland, Puntland, and traditional clanand faction strongholds
Economy Somalia
Economy - overview:Somalia's economic fortunes are being driven by its deep politicaldivisions. The northern area has declared its independence as"Somaliland"; the central area, Puntland, is a self-declaredautonomous state; and the remaining southern portion is riddled withthe struggles of rival factions. Economic life continues, in partbecause much activity is local and relatively easily protected.Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normallyaccounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings,but Saudi Arabia's recent ban on Somali livestock, because of RiftValley Fever concerns, has severely hampered the sector. Nomads andsemi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood,make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish,charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar,sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports.Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing ofagricultural products, has largely been looted and sold as scrapmetal. Despite the seeming anarchy, Somalia's service sector hasmanaged to survive and grow. Telecommunication firms providewireless services in most major cities and offer the lowestinternational call rates on the continent. In the absence of aformal banking sector, money exchange services have sproutedthroughout the country, handling between $200 million and $500million in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers avariety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotelscontinue to operate, and security is provided by militias. Theongoing civil disturbances and clan rivalries, however, haveinterfered with any broad-based economic development andinternational aid arrangements. In 2002 Somalia's overdue financialobligations to the IMF continued to grow.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $4.27 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:3.5% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $600 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 65%industry: 10%services: 25% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NA%highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):over 100% (businesses print their own money)
Labor force:3.7 million (very few are skilled laborers)
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture (mostly pastoral nomadism) 71%, industry and services29%
Unemployment rate:NA%
Budget:revenues: $NAexpenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Industries:a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles,petroleum refining (mostly shut down), wireless communication
Industrial production growth rate:NA%
Electricity - production:245.1 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100% hydro: 0% other: 0% (2001) nuclear: 0%
Electricity - consumption:227.9 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)
Oil - proved reserves:0 bbl (37257)
Natural gas - proved reserves:2.832 billion cu m (37257)
Agriculture - products: cattle, sheep, goats; bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; fish
Exports:$126 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Exports - commodities:livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal
Exports - partners:UAE 45.6%, Yemen 24.3%, Oman 9.5% (2002)
Imports:$343 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Imports - commodities:manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, constructionmaterials, qat
Imports - partners:Djibouti 29.8%, Kenya 13.6%, Brazil 10.5%, Thailand 4.7%, UK 4.4%,UAE 4.3% (2002)
Debt - external:$2.6 billion (2000 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:$60 million (1999 est.)
Currency:Somali shilling (SOS)
Currency code:SOS
Exchange rates:Somali shillings per US dollar - 11,000 (November 2000), 2,620(January 1999), 7,500 (November 1997 est.), 7,000 (January 1996est.), 5,000 (1 January 1995)note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independentcountry not recognized by any foreign government, issues its owncurrency, the Somaliland shilling
Fiscal year:NA
Communications Somalia
Telephones - main lines in use:15,000 (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular:NA
Telephone system:general assessment: the public telecommunications system was almostcompletely destroyed or dismantled by the civil war factions;private wireless companies offer service in most major cities andcharge the lowest international rates on the continentdomestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established inMogadishu and in several other population centersinternational: international connections are available fromMogadishu by satellite