Transnational Issues Niue
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Norfolk Island
Introduction Norfolk Island
Background:Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony(1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, theisland was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of theBounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.
Geography Norfolk Island
Location:Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
Geographic coordinates:29 02 S, 167 57 E
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 34.6 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 34.6 sq km
Area - comparative:about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:32 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain:volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Bates 319 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2001)
Irrigated land:NA sq km
Natural hazards:typhoons (especially May to July)
Environment - current issues:NA
Geography - note:most of the 32-km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs,but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area onSydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated
People Norfolk Island
Population: 1,841 (July 2004 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 20.2% 15-64 years: 63.9% 65 years and over: 15.9% (2004 est.)
Population growth rate:-0.01% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:NA births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:NA deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:NA migrant(s)/1,000 population
Sex ratio:NA
Infant mortality rate:total: NAmale: NAfemale: NA
Life expectancy at birth:total population: NA yearsmale: NA yearsfemale: NA years
Total fertility rate:NA children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality:noun: Norfolk Islander(s)adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)
Ethnic groups:descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander,Polynesians
Religions:Anglican 37.4%, Uniting Church in Australia 14.5%, Roman Catholic11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.1%, none 12.2%, unknown 17.4%, other3.9% (1996)
Languages:English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English andancient Tahitian
Literacy:NA
Government Norfolk Island
Country name:conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Islandconventional short form: Norfolk Island
Dependency status:territory of Australia; Canberra administers Commonwealthresponsibilities on Norfolk Island through the Department ofEnvironment, Sport, and Territories
Government type:NA
Capital:Kingston
Administrative divisions:none (territory of Australia)
Independence:none (territory of Australia)
National holiday:Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June(1856)
Constitution:Norfolk Island Act of 1979
Legal system:based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; Englishcommon law applies in matters not covered by either Australian orNorfolk Island law
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UKand Australia are represented by Administrator Grant TAMBLING (since1 November 2003)election results: Geoffrey Robert GARDNER elected chief minister;percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NAelections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by thegovernor general of Australia; chief minister elected by theLegislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years;election last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December2004)head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister GeoffreyRobert GARDNER (since 5 December 2001)cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members ofthe Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy andacts as an advisor to the administrator
Legislative branch:unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected byelectors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can begiven to any one candidate; members serve three-year terms)elections: last held 29 November 2001 (next to be held by December2004)election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9
Judicial branch:Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions
Political parties and leaders:none
Political pressure groups and leaders:none
International organization participation:UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with alarge green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly widerwhite band
Economy Norfolk Island
Economy - overview:Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased overthe years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual amonginhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector hasbecome self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.
GDP:purchasing power parity - NA
GDP - real growth rate:NA
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - NA
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: NAindustry: NAservices: NA
Population below poverty line:NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NAhighest 10%: NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):NA
Labor force:NA
Labor force - by occupation:tourism NA, subsistence agriculture NA
Unemployment rate:NA
Budget:revenues: $4.6 millionexpenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of NA(FY92/93)
Agriculture - products:Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables,fruit; cattle, poultry
Industries:tourism
Industrial production growth rate:NA
Electricity - production:NA kWh
Electricity - consumption:NA kWh
Exports:$1.5 million f.o.b. (FY91/92)
Exports - commodities:postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm,small quantities of avocados
Exports - partners:Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia, Europe
Imports:$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92)
Imports - commodities:NA
Imports - partners:Australia, other Pacific island countries, NZ, Asia, Europe
Debt - external:NA
Economic aid - recipient:NA
Currency:Australian dollar (AUD)
Currency code:AUD
Exchange rates:Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002),1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999)
Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
Communications Norfolk Island
Telephones - main lines in use: 2,532; note: a mix of analog (2500) and digital (32) circuits (2004)
Telephones - mobile cellular: 0 (proposed cellular service disallowed in August 2002 island referendum) (2002)
Telephone system:general assessment: adequatedomestic: NAinternational: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links withAustralia, New Zealand, and Canada; satellite service planned fornear future
Radio broadcast stations:AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios:2,500 (1996)
Television broadcast stations:1 (local programming station plus two repeaters that bring inAustralian programs by satellite) (1998)
Televisions:1,200 (1996)
Internet country code:.nf
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):2 (2000)
Internet users:NA
Transportation Norfolk Island
Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: 27 km (2001)
Ports and harbors:none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade
Merchant marine:none
Airports:1 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Military Norfolk Island
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
Transnational Issues Norfolk Island
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Northern Mariana Islands
Introduction Northern Mariana Islands
Background:Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of thePacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer linkswith the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. Acovenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the USwas approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went intoeffect in 1978.
Geography Northern Mariana Islands
Location:Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quartersof the way from Hawaii to the Philippines
Geographic coordinates:15 12 N, 145 45 E
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 477 sq kmnote: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinianwater: 0 sq kmland: 477 sq km
Area - comparative:2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:1,482 km
Maritime claims:territorial sea: 12 nmexclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, littleseasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainyseason July to October
Terrain:southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringingcoral reefs; northern islands are volcanic
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 mhighest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m
Natural resources:arable land, fish
Land use:arable land: 13.04%permanent crops: 4.35%other: 82.61% (2001)
Irrigated land:NA sq km
Natural hazards:active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially Augustto November)
Environment - current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development
Geography - note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean
People Northern Mariana Islands
Population:78,252 (July 2004 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 20.3% (male 8,286; female 7,625)15-64 years: 78.1% (male 25,579; female 35,534)65 years and over: 1.6% (male 603; female 625) (2004 est.)
Median age:total: 29.2 yearsmale: 31.4 yearsfemale: 28.2 years (2004 est.)
Population growth rate:2.71% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:19.77 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:2.3 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:9.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female15-64 years: 0.72 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.79 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 7.25 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 7.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)male: 7.18 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 75.67 yearsmale: 73.11 yearsfemale: 78.38 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.33 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality:noun: NAadjective: NA
Ethnic groups:Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese,Chinese, Filipino, Korean
Religions:Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefsand taboos may still be found)
Languages:English, Chamorro, Caroliniannote: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 97%male: 97%female: 96% (1980 est.)
Government Northern Mariana Islands
Country name:conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islandsconventional short form: Northern Mariana Islandsformer: Mariana Islands District (Trust Territory of the PacificIslands)
Dependency status:commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to theCommonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior,Office of Insular Affairs
Government type:commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor,lieutenant governor, and legislature
Capital:Saipan
Administrative divisions:none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are nofirst-order administrative divisions as defined by the USGovernment, but there are four municipalities at the second order;Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian
Independence:none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
National holiday:Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)
Constitution:Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986 and the Constitutionof the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1January 1978
Legal system:based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws,and taxation
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizensbut do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January2001)head of government: Governor Juan N. BABAUTA (since NA January2002); Lieutenant Governor Diego T. BENAVENTE (since NA January 2002)cabinet: NAelections: US president and vice president elected on the sameticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor electedon the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; electionlast held NA November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005)election results: Juan N. BABAUTA elected governor in a four-wayrace; percent of vote - Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican Party) 49%
Legislative branch:bicameral Legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members areelected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and theHouse of Representatives (18 seats; members are elected by popularvote to serve two-year terms)election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats byparty - NA; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party -NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 9, Republican Party 7,Democratic Party 1, independent 1note: the Northern Mariana Islands does not have a nonvotingdelegate in the US Congress; instead, it has an elected official or"resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats by party- Republican Party 1 (Pedro A. TENORIO)elections: Senate - last held 1 November 2003 (next to be held 5November 2005); House of Representatives - last held 1 November 2003(next to be held 5 November 2005)
Judicial branch:Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court
Political parties and leaders:Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [NA];Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:Interpol (subbureau)
Flag description:blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the graysilhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used inbuilding) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Economy Northern Mariana Islands
Economy - overview:The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance fromthe US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generatedgovernment revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employsabout 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth ofGDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries haveexceeded one-half million in recent years, but financialdifficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. Theagricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farmsproducing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garmentproduction is by far the most important industry with employment of17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US underduty and quota exemptions.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $900 millionnote: GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:NA
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $12,500 (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: NAindustry: NAservices: NA
Population below poverty line:NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NAhighest 10%: NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):1.2% (1997 est.)
Labor force:6,006 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 28,717foreign workers (June 1995)
Labor force - by occupation:NA
Unemployment rate:NA
Budget:revenues: $193 millionexpenditures: $223 million, including capital expenditures of NA(FY01/02 est.)
Agriculture - products:coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle
Industries:tourism, construction, garments, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate:NA
Electricity - production:NA kWh
Electricity - consumption:NA kWh
Electricity - exports:0 kWh
Electricity - imports:0 kWh
Exports:NA
Exports - commodities:garments
Exports - partners:US (2000)
Imports:NA
Imports - commodities:food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products
Imports - partners:US, Japan (2000)
Debt - external:NA
Economic aid - recipient:extensive funding from US
Currency:US dollar (USD)
Currency code:USD
Exchange rates:the US dollar is used
Fiscal year:1 October - 30 September
Communications Northern Mariana Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:21,000 (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular:3,000 (2000)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: NAinternational: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios:NA
Television broadcast stations:1 (on Saipan and one station planned for Rota; in addition, twocable services on Saipan provide varied programming from satellitenetworks) (1997)
Televisions:NA
Internet country code:.mp
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):1 (2001)
Internet users:NA
Transportation Northern Mariana Islands
Highways: total: 362 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1991)
Ports and harbors:Saipan, Tinian
Merchant marine:none
Airports:6 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 32,438 to 3,047 m: 21,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 2under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
Heliports:1 (2003 est.)
Military Northern Mariana Islands
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues Northern Mariana Islands
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Norway
Introduction Norway
Background:Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following theadoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversionof the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that was to lastfor more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted thecession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution.Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep itsconstitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king.Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remainedneutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping.Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, butwas nonetheless occupied for five-years by Nazi Germany (1940-45).In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member ofNATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960sboosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is oncontaining spending on the extensive welfare system and planning forthe time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.
Geography Norway
Location:Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North AtlanticOcean, west of Sweden
Geographic coordinates:62 00 N, 10 00 E
Map references:Europe
Area:total: 324,220 sq kmland: 307,860 sq kmwater: 16,360 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly larger than New Mexico
Land boundaries:total: 2,551 kmborder countries: Finland 736 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km
Coastline:21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, longfjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm contiguous zone: 10 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colderinterior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainyyear-round on west coast
Terrain:glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken byfertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indentedby fjords; arctic tundra in north
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 mhighest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m
Natural resources:petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium,pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 2.87% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.13% (2001)
Irrigated land:1,270 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:rockslides, avalanches
Environment - current issues:water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affectinglakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions
Environment - international agreements:party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, AirPollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85,Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds,Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources,Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, MarineDumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whalingsigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its muchindented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and airroutes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlinesin world
People Norway
Population:4,574,560 (July 2004 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 19.8% (male 462,899; female 440,725)15-64 years: 65.4% (male 1,520,481; female 1,473,101)65 years and over: 14.8% (male 284,170; female 393,184) (2004 est.)
Median age:total: 37.9 yearsmale: 37 yearsfemale: 38.8 years (2004 est.)
Population growth rate:0.41% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:11.89 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:9.51 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:1.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/femaletotal population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 3.73 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 3.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)male: 4.11 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 79.25 yearsmale: 76.64 yearsfemale: 82.01 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:1.78 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:1,800 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 100 (2003 est.)
Nationality:noun: Norwegian(s)adjective: Norwegian
Ethnic groups:Norwegian, Sami 20,000
Religions:Evangelical Lutheran 86% (state church), other Protestant and RomanCatholic 3%, other 1%, none and unknown 10% (1997)
Languages:Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official)note: small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 100%male: NAfemale: NA
Government Norway
Country name:conventional long form: Kingdom of Norwayconventional short form: Norwaylocal short form: Norgelocal long form: Kongeriket Norge
Government type:constitutional monarchy
Capital:Oslo
Administrative divisions:19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder,Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland,Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane,Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold
Dependent areas:Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard
Independence:7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)
National holiday:Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)
Constitution:17 May 1814, modified in 1884
Legal system:mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common lawtraditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislaturewhen asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); HeirApparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20July 1973)head of government: Prime Minister Kjell Magne BONDEVIK (since 19October 2001)cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval ofParliamentelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentaryelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by themonarch with the approval of the Parliament
Legislative branch:modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (165 seats; members areelected by popular vote by proportional representation to servefour-year terms)elections: last held 10 September 2001 (next to be held NA September2005)note: for certain purposes, the Parliament divides itself into twochambers and elects one-fourth of its membership to an upper houseor Lagtingelection results: percent of vote by party - Labor Party 24.3%,Conservative Party 21.2%, Progress Party 14.6%, Socialist Left Party12.5%, Christian People's Party 12.4%, Center Party 5.6%, LiberalParty 3.9%, Coastal Party 1.7%, other 3.8%; seats by party - LaborParty 43, Conservative Party 38, Progress Party 26, Socialist LeftParty 23, Christian People's Party 22, Center Party 10, LiberalParty 2, Coastal Party 1
Judicial branch:Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)
Political parties and leaders:Center Party [Aslaug Marie HAGA]; Christian People's Party [DagfinnHOYBRATEN]; Coastal Party [Steinar BASTESEN]; Conservative Party[Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party [LarsSPONHEIM]; Progress Party [Carl I. HAGEN]; Socialist Left Party[Kristin HALVORSEN]
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA,ESA, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD,OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,UNMEE, UNMIK, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO,ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Knut VOLLEBAEKchancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008consulate(s) general: Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and SanFranciscoFAX: [1] (202) 337-0870telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ONG embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] (22) 44 85 50 FAX: [47] (22) 44 33 63
Flag description:red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edgesof the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoistside in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
Economy Norway
Economy - overview:The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfarecapitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity andgovernment intervention. The government controls key areas, such asthe vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises).The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum,hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent onits oil production and international oil prices, with oil and gasaccounting for one-third of exports. Only Saudi Arabia and Russiaexport more oil than Norway. Norway opted to stay out of the EUduring a referendum in November 1994. The government has moved aheadwith privatization. With arguably the highest quality of lifeworldwide, Norwegians still worry about that time in the next twodecades when the oil and gas begin to run out. Accordingly, Norwayhas been saving its oil-boosted budget surpluses in a GovernmentPetroleum Fund, which is invested abroad and now is valued at morethan $43 billion. GDP growth was a lackluster 1% in 2002 and 0.5% in2003 against the background of a faltering European economy.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $171.7 billion (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:0.6% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $37,800 (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 2.5% industry: 36.2% services: 61.2% (2003)
Investment (gross fixed):17.8% of GDP (2003)
Population below poverty line:NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 21.8% (1995)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:25.8 (1995)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.5% (2003 est.)
Labor force:2.38 million (2003 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture, forestry, and fishing 4%, industry 22%, services 74% (1995)
Unemployment rate:4.7% (2003 est.)
Budget:revenues: $129.8 billionexpenditures: $105.5 billion, including capital expenditures of NA(2003 est.)
Public debt:22.1% of GDP (2003)
Agriculture - products:barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish
Industries:petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paperproducts, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing
Industrial production growth rate:-3.5% (2003 est.)
Electricity - production:120.1 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - consumption:115.3 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports:7.162 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports:10.76 billion kWh (2001)
Oil - production:3.408 million bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - consumption:171,100 bbl/day (2001 est.)
Oil - exports:3.466 million bbl/day (2001)
Oil - imports:88,870 bbl/day (2001)
Oil - proved reserves:9.859 billion bbl (1 January 2002)
Natural gas - production:54.6 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - consumption:4.1 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - exports:50.5 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - imports:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves:1.716 trillion cu m (1 January 2002)
Current account balance:$29.34 billion (2003)
Exports:$67.27 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Exports - commodities:petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals,chemicals, ships, fish
Exports - partners:UK 21.3%, Germany 13%, Netherlands 9.6%, US 8.7%, France 8.2%,Sweden 7.4% (2003)
Imports:$40.19 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Imports - commodities:machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs
Imports - partners:Sweden 16.1%, Germany 13.3%, Denmark 7.9%, UK 7.2%, US 5.2%,Netherlands 4.5%, China 4.4%, France 4.3%, Italy 4% (2003)
Debt - external:$0 (Norway is a net external creditor) (2003 est.)
Economic aid - donor:ODA, $1.4 billion (1998)
Currency:Norwegian krone (NOK)
Currency code:NOK
Exchange rates:Norwegian kroner per US dollar - 7.0802 (2003), 7.9838 (2002),8.9917 (2001), 8.8018 (2000), 7.7992 (1999)
Fiscal year:calendar year
Communications Norway
Telephones - main lines in use:3.343 million (2002)
Telephones - mobile cellular:4,163,400 (2003)
Telephone system:general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the mostadvanced telecommunications networks in Europedomestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; moreover, theprevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of cellular mobilesystems instead of fixed-wire systemsinternational: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 4coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NAIntelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Oceanregions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with theother Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 5, FM at least 650, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios:4.03 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations:360 (plus 2,729 repeaters) (1995)
Televisions:2.03 million (1997)
Internet country code:.no
Internet hosts:593,850 (2004)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):13 (2000)
Internet users:2.288 million (2002)
Transportation Norway
Railways: total: 4,077 km standard gauge: 4,077 km 1.435-m gauge (2,518 km electrified) (2003)
Highways:total: 91,454 kmpaved: 69,505 km (including 143 km of expressways)unpaved: 21,949 km (2000)
Pipelines:condensate 411 km; gas 6,199 km; oil 2,213 km; oil/gas/water 746km; unknown (oil/water) 38 km (2004)
Ports and harbors:Bergen, Drammen, Floro, Hammerfest, Harstad, Haugesund,Kristiansand, Larvik, Narvik, Oslo, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromso,Trondheim
Merchant marine:total: 693 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,820,495 GRT/27,449,456 DWTforeign-owned: Cyprus 3, Denmark 23, Estonia 2, Germany 12, Greece15, Hong Kong 1, Iceland 2, Japan 10, Lithuania 1, Malta 1, MarshallIslands 1, Monaco 33, Poland 1, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 12, Sweden31, United Kingdom 4, United States 5registered in other countries: 695 (2004 est.)by type: bulk 62, cargo 128, chemical tanker 124, combination bulk7, combination ore/oil 32, container 15, liquefied gas 84,multi-functional large load carrier 1, passenger 6, petroleum tanker113, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 48, short-sea/passenger22, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 43
Airports:101 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 652,438 to 3,047 m: 131,524 to 2,437 m: 12under 914 m: 26 (2004 est.)914 to 1,523 m: 14
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 36 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 29 (2004 est.)
Heliports: 1 (2003 est.)
Military Norway
Military branches:Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy (including Coast Artillery andCoast Guard), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige NorskeLuftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard
Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard; conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)
Military manpower - availability:males age 15-49: 1,106,484 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:males age 15-49: 916,155 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:males: 27,252 (2004 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$4,033.5 million (2003)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:1.9% (2003)
Transnational Issues Norway
Disputes - international:Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Landand its continental shelf); despite recent discussions, Russia andNorway continue to dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Seaand Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limitswithin the Svalbard Treaty zone
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Oman
Introduction Oman
Background:In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled assultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has openedthe country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standingpolitical and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate,independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relationswith all Middle Eastern countries.
Geography Oman
Location:Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and PersianGulf, between Yemen and UAE
Geographic coordinates:21 00 N, 57 00 E
Map references:Middle East
Area:total: 212,460 sq kmwater: 0 sq kmland: 212,460 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than Kansas
Land boundaries: total: 1,374 km border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km
Coastline: 2,092 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strongsouthwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Terrain:central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 mhighest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m
Natural resources:petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium,gypsum, natural gas
Land use: arable land: 0.12% permanent crops: 0.14% other: 99.74% (2001)
Irrigated land:620 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms ininterior; periodic droughts
Environment - current issues:rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limitednatural fresh water resources
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, HazardousWastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, ShipPollution, Whalingsigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait ofHormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
People Oman
Population: 2,903,165 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 42.4% (male 628,078; female 603,829)15-64 years: 55.1% (male 955,765; female 643,687)65 years and over: 2.5% (male 38,761; female 33,045) (2004 est.)
Median age:total: 19.3 yearsmale: 22.1 yearsfemale: 16.4 years (2004 est.)
Population growth rate:3.35% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:37.12 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:3.91 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.49 male(s)/female65 years and over: 1.17 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.27 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 20.26 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 17.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)male: 23.18 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 72.85 yearsmale: 70.66 yearsfemale: 75.16 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:5.9 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:1,300 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 200 (2003 est.)
Nationality:noun: Omani(s)adjective: Omani
Ethnic groups:Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan,Bangladeshi), African
Religions:Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu
Languages:Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
Literacy: definition: NA total population: 75.8% male: 83.1% female: 67.2% (2003 est.)
Government Oman
Country name:conventional long form: Sultanate of Omanconventional short form: Omanlocal long form: Saltanat Umanformer: Muscat and Omanlocal short form: Uman
Government type:monarchy
Capital:Muscat
Administrative divisions:5 regions (manaatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 3 governorates*(muhaafazaat, singular - muhaafaza) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, AlWusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat*, Musandam*, Zufar*
Independence:1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)
National holiday:Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)
Constitution:none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royaldecree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be aconstitution which, among other things, clarifies the royalsuccession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers fromholding interests in companies doing business with the government,establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civilliberties for Omani citizens
Legal system:based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to themonarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:in Oman's most recent Majlis al-Shura elections in 2003, suffragewas universal for all Omanis over age 21 except for members of themilitary and security forces; the next Majlis al-Shura elections arescheduled for 2007
Executive branch:chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said(since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief of stateand head of governmenthead of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said AlSaid (since 23 July 1970); note - the monarch is both the chief ofstate and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Legislative branch:bicameral Majlis Oman consists of an upper chamber or Majlisal-Dawla (58 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has advisorypowers only) and a lower chamber or Majlis al-Shura (83 seats;members elected by universal suffrage for four-year term; body hassome limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise has onlyadvisory powers)elections: last held 4 October 2003 (next to be held NA 2007)election results: NA
Judicial branch:Supreme Courtnote: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, hasjudges who practice secular and Sharia (Islamic) law
Political parties and leaders:none
Political pressure groups and leaders:none
International organization participation:ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory),IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU,LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO,WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Muhammad bin Ali bin Thani al-KHUSSAIBYchancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1981, 1988FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Lewis BALTIMORE IIIembassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscatmailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos,Muscattelephone: [968] 24-698989FAX: [968] 24-699771
Flag description:three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width witha broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem(a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swordsin scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band
Economy Oman
Economy - overview:Oman is a small, well-off middle Eastern economy with large oil andgas resources, a substantial trade surplus, and low inflation. Thegovernment is moving ahead with privatization of its utilities, thedevelopment of a body of commercial law to facilitate foreigninvestment, and increased budgetary outlays. Oman continues toliberalize its markets and joined the World Trade Organization (WTO)in November 2000. In order to reduce unemployment and limitdependence on foreign countries, the government is encouraging thereplacement of expatriate workers with local people, i.e., theprocess of Omanization. Training in information technology, businessmanagement, and English support this objective. Industrialdevelopment plans focus on gas resources.
GDP:purchasing power parity - $36.7 billion (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:1.1% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $13,100 (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.1% industry: 42.1% services: 54.8% (2003 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):13% of GDP (2003)
Population below poverty line:NA