Geography Pacific Ocean
Location:body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and theWestern Hemisphere
Geographic coordinates:0 00 N, 160 00 W
Map references:Political Map of the World
Area:total: 155.557 million sq kmnote: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, EastChina Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea ofJapan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and othertributary water bodies
Area - comparative:about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the globalsurface; larger than the total land area of the world
Coastline:135,663 km
Climate:planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibitremarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds andwesterly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonalfluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south ofMexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America;continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much lesspronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitudein the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - arainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-ladenwinds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during thewinter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back tothe ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast andeast Asia from May to December
Terrain:surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by aclockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) andin the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; inthe northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea ofOkhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarcticareaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in theeastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while thewestern Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the MarianaTrench, which is the world's deepest
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 mhighest point: sea level 0 m
Natural resources:oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravelaggregates, placer deposits, fish
Natural hazards:surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activitysometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject totropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May toDecember (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones(hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America andMexico from June to October (most common in August and September);cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorialPacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and thewestern Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extremenorth from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacificcan be a maritime hazard from June to December
Environment - current issues:endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter,seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea andSouth China Sea
Geography - note:the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, LuzonStrait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the PacificOcean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean;dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in thesouthwestern Pacific Ocean
Economy Pacific Ocean
Economy - overview:The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy andparticularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provideslow-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishinggrounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravelfor the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fishcatch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil andgas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energysupplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost ofrecovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings inworld prices for oil since 1985, has led to fluctuations in newdrillings.
Transportation Pacific Ocean
Ports and harbors:Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), LosAngeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), SanFrancisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney(Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)
Transportation - note:Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska toPuget Sound (Washington state)
Transnational Issues Pacific Ocean
Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@Pakistan
Introduction Pakistan
Background:The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state ofPakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu Indiawas never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan havefought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmirterritory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in whichIndia capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis inPakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separatenation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing,Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the stateof Kashmir is ongoing, but recent discussions andconfidence-building measures may be a start toward lessened tensions.
Geography Pakistan
Location:Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the eastand Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north
Geographic coordinates:30 00 N, 70 00 E
Map references:Asia
Area:total: 803,940 sq kmland: 778,720 sq kmwater: 25,220 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly less than twice the size of California
Land boundaries:total: 6,774 kmborder countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912km, Iran 909 km
Coastline:1,046 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north
Terrain:flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest;Balochistan plateau in west
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 mhighest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m
Natural resources:land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poorquality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone
Land use: arable land: 27.87% permanent crops: 0.87% other: 71.26% (2001)
Irrigated land:180,000 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north andwest; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)
Environment - current issues: water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routesbetween Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent
People Pakistan
Population:162,419,946 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 39.6% (male 33,104,311/female 31,244,297)15-64 years: 56.3% (male 46,759,333/female 44,685,828)65 years and over: 4.1% (male 3,189,122/female 3,437,055) (2005 est.)
Median age:total: 19.58 yearsmale: 19.44 yearsfemale: 19.74 years (2005 est.)
Population growth rate:2.03% (2005 est.)
Birth rate:30.42 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate:8.45 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate:-1.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 72.44 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 72.84 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 72.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 63 yearsmale: 62.04 yearsfemale: 64.01 years (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate:4.14 children born/woman (2005 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.1% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:74,000 (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:4,900 (2003 est.)
Major infectious diseases:degree of risk: highfood or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E,and typhoid fevervectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and cutaneousleishmaniasis are high risks depending on locationanimal contact disease: rabies (2004)
Nationality:noun: Pakistani(s)adjective: Pakistani
Ethnic groups:Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants fromIndia at the time of partition and their descendants)
Religions:Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%
Languages:Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English(official and lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most governmentministries), Burushaski, and other 8%
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 48.7%male: 61.7%female: 35.2% (2004 est.)
Government Pakistan
Country name:conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistanconventional short form: Pakistanformer: West Pakistan
Government type:federal republic
Capital:Islamabad
Administrative divisions:4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan,Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**,North-West Frontier Province, Punjab, Sindhnote: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu andKashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas
Independence:14 August 1947 (from UK)
National holiday:Republic Day, 23 March (1956)
Constitution:12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored 31 December 2002;amended 31 December 2003
Legal system:based on English common law with provisions to accommodatePakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJjurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reservedparliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims
Executive branch:note: following a military takeover on 12 October 1999, Chief ofArmy Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee,General Pervez MUSHARRAF, suspended Pakistan's constitution andassumed the additional title of Chief Executive; on 12 May 2000,Pakistan's Supreme Court unanimously validated the October 1999 coupand granted MUSHARRAF executive and legislative authority for threeyears from the coup date; on 20 June 2001, MUSHARRAF named himselfas president and was sworn in, replacing Mohammad Rafiq TARAR; in areferendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF's presidency wasextended by five more years; on 1 January 2004, MUSHARRAF won a voteof confidence in the Senate, National Assembly, and four provincialassemblieschief of state: President General Pervez MUSHARRAF (since 20 June2001)head of government: Prime Minister Shaukat AZIZ (since 28 August2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections: the president is elected by Parliament for a five-yearterm; note - in a referendum held on 30 April 2002, MUSHARRAF'spresidency was extended by five more years (next to be held NA2007); the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly for afive-year term (next to be held NA 2007)election results: AZIZ elected by the National Assembly on 27 August2004 with 191 of the votes
Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100seats - formerly 87; members indirectly elected by provincialassemblies to serve four-year terms; and the National Assembly (342seats - formerly 217; 60 seats represent women; 10 seats representminorities; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)elections: Senate - last held 24 and 27 February 2003 (next to beheld by February 2007); National Assembly - last held 10 October2002 (next to be held by October 2006)election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA%;seats by party - PML/Q 40, PPPP 11, MMA 21, MQM/A 6, PML/N 4, NA 3,PML/F 1, PkMAP 2, ANP 2, PPP/S 2, JWP 1, BNP-Awami 1, BNP-Mengal 1,BNM/H 1, independents 4; National Assembly results - percent ofvotes by party - NA%; seats by party - PML/Q 126, PPPP 81, MMA 63,PML/N 19, MQM/A 17, NA 16, PML/F 5, PML/J 3, PPP/S 2, BNP 1, JWP 1,PAT 1, PML/Z 1, PTI 1, MQM/H 1, PkMAP 1, independents 3
Judicial branch:Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); FederalIslamic or Shari'a Court
Political parties and leaders:Awami National Party or ANP [Wali KHAN]; Balochistan NationalMovement/Hayee Group or BNM/H [Dr. Hayee BALUCH]; Baluch NationalParty/Awami or BNP/Awami [Moheem Khan BALOCH]; Baluch NationalParty-Mengal or BNP/M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL]; Jamhoori Watan Partyor JWP [Akbar Khan BUGTI]; Jamiat-al-Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR];Jamiat-i-Islami or JI [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam,Fazlur Rehman faction or JUI/F [Fazlur REHMAN]; JamiatUlema-i-Islam, Sami ul-HAQ faction or JUI/S [Sami ul-HAQ]; JamiatUlema-i-Pakistan or JUP [Shah Faridul HAQ]; Millat Party or MP[Farooq LEGHARI]; Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan or MMA [QaziHussain AHMED]; Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf faction or MQM/A[Altaf HUSSAIN]; Muttahida Quami Movement, Haqiqi faction or MQM/H[Afaq AHMAD]; National People's Party or NPP [Ghulam MustaphaJATOI]; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PkMAP [Mahmood KhanACHAKZAI]; Pakhtun Quami Party or PQP [Mohammed Afzal KHAN];Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]; Pakistan DemocraticParty or PDP [Mehbooba Mufti SAYEED]; Pakistan Muslim League,Functional Group or PML/F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan Muslim League,Nawaz Sharif faction or PML/N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Muslim Leagueor PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN]; note - as of May 2004, the PML/Qchanged its name to PML and absorbed the PML/J, PML/Z, and NA;Pakistan National Party or PNP [Hasil BIZENJO]; Pakistan People'sParty or PPP [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan People's PartyParliamentarians or PPPP [Benazir BHUTTO]; Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaafor PTI [Imran KHAN]; Tehrik-i-Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently
Political pressure groups and leaders:military remains most important political force; ulema (clergy),landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also influential
International organization participation:ARF, AsDB, C (reinstated 2004), CP, ECO, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA,IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM,OAS (observer), OIC, ONUB, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMSIL,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIK, UNMIL, UNMISET, UNOCI,UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Jehangir KARAMATchancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008telephone: [1] (202) 243-3277FAX: [1] (202) 686-1534consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York, Sunnyvale (California)consulate(s): Chicago, Houston
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Ryan CROCKERembassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabadmailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200telephone: [92] (51) 2080-0000FAX: [92] (51) 2276427consulate(s): Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar
Flag description:green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religiousminorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star arecentered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green aretraditional symbols of Islam
Economy Pakistan
Economy - overview:Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has sufferedfrom decades of internal political disputes, low levels of foreigninvestment, and a costly, ongoing confrontation with neighboringIndia. However, IMF-approved government policies, bolstered bygenerous foreign assistance and renewed access to global marketssince 2001, have generated solid macroeconomic recovery the lastthree years. The government has made substantial macroeconomicreforms since 2000, although progress on more politically sensitivereforms has slowed. For example, in the third and final year of its$1.3 billion IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, Islamabadhas continued to require waivers for energy sector reforms. Whilelong-term prospects remain uncertain, given Pakistan's low level ofdevelopment, medium-term prospects for job creation and povertyreduction are the best in nearly a decade. Islamabad has raiseddevelopment spending from about 2% of GDP in the 1990s to 4% in2003, a necessary step towards reversing the broad underdevelopmentof its social sector. GDP growth, spurred by double-digit gains inindustrial production over the past year, has become less dependenton agriculture. Foreign exchange reserves continued to reach newlevels in 2004, supported by robust export growth and steady workerremittances.
GDP (purchasing power parity):$347.3 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:6.1% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:agriculture: 22.6%industry: 24.1%services: 53.3% (2004 est.)
Labor force:45.43 millionnote: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and useof child labor (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture 42%, industry 20%, services 38% (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate:8.3% plus substantial underemployment (2004 est.)
Population below poverty line:32% (FY00/01 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 27.6% (FY96/97)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:41 (FY98/99)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):4.8% (FY03/04 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):16.4% of GDP (FY03/04 est.)
Budget:revenues: $13.45 billionexpenditures: $16.51 billion, including capital expenditures of NA(2004 est.)
Public debt:71.4% of GDP (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products:cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef,mutton, eggs
Industries:textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals,construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp
Industrial production growth rate:13.1% (2004 est.)
Electricity - production:75.27 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 68.8% hydro: 28.2% nuclear: 3% other: 0% (2001)
Electricity - consumption:52.66 billion kWh (2003)
Electricity - exports:0 kWh (2003)
Electricity - imports:0 kWh (2003)
Oil - production:61,000 bbl/day (2004 est.)
Oil - consumption:365,000 bbl/day (2004 est.)
Oil - exports:NA
Oil - imports:NA
Oil - proved reserves:325.5 million bbl (2004 est.)
Natural gas - production:23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - consumption:23.4 billion cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - exports:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - imports:0 cu m (2001 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves:695.6 billion cu m (2004)
Current account balance:$1.4 billion (2004 est.)
Exports:$15.07 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Exports - commodities:textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, and yarn), rice,leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets andrugs
Exports - partners:US 23.5%, UAE 7.4%, UK 7.3%, Germany 5%, Hong Kong 4.4% (2004)
Imports:$14.01 billion f.o.b. (2004 est.)
Imports - commodities:petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportationequipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea
Imports - partners:Saudi Arabia 11.6%, UAE 10%, US 9.7%, China 8.4%, Japan 6.5%,Kuwait 5.6% (2004)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:$12.58 billion (2004 est.)
Debt - external:$33.97 billion (2004 est.)
Economic aid - recipient:$2.4 billion (FY01/02)
Currency (code):Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Currency code:PKR
Exchange rates:Pakistani rupees per US dollar - 58.258 (2004), 57.752 (2003),59.724 (2002), 61.927 (2001), 53.648 (2000)
Fiscal year:1 July - 30 June
Communications Pakistan
Telephones - main lines in use:3,982,800 (2003)
Telephones - mobile cellular:2,624,800 (2003)
Telephone system:general assessment: the domestic system is mediocre, but improving;service is adequate for government and business use, in part becausemajor businesses have established their own private systems; since1988, the government has promoted investment in the nationaltelecommunications system on a priority basis, significantlyincreasing network capacity; despite major improvements in trunk andurban systems, telecommunication services are still not readilyavailable to the majority of the rural populationdomestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable,cellular, and satellite networksinternational: country code - 92; satellite earth stations - 3Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operationalinternational gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad);microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (1999)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 27, FM 1, shortwave 21 (1998)
Radios:13.5 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations:22 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)
Televisions:3.1 million (1997)
Internet country code:.pk
Internet hosts:15,124 (2003)
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):30 (2000)
Internet users:1.5 million (2002)
Transportation Pakistan
Railways:total: 8,163 kmbroad gauge: 7,718 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)narrow gauge: 445 km 1.000-m gauge (2004)
Highways:total: 257,683 kmpaved: 152,033 km (including 339 km of expressways)unpaved: 105,650 km (2001)
Pipelines:gas 9,945 km; oil 1,821 km (2004)
Ports and harbors:Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim
Merchant marine:total: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 329,486 GRT/512,506 DWTby type: cargo 10, petroleum tanker 3registered in other countries: 14 (2005)
Airports:131 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 92 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 22 1,524 to 2,437 m: 32 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 6 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 39 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 21 (2004 est.)
Heliports: 15 (2004 est.)
Military Pakistan
Military branches:Army, Navy, Air Force
Military service age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age of 18 (2001)
Manpower available for military service:males age 16-49: 39,028,014 (2005 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:males age 16-49: 29,428,747 (2005 est.)
Manpower reaching military service age annually:males: 1,969,055 (2005 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:$3.848 billion (2004)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:4.9% (2004)
Transnational Issues Pakistan
Disputes - international:recent talks and confidence-building measures have begun to defusetensions over Kashmir, site of the world's largest and mostmilitarized territorial dispute with portions under the de factoadministration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), andPakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); UN Military ObserverGroup in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small groupof peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan'sceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; in 2004, India andPakistan instituted a cease fire in the Kashmir, and in 2005restored bus service across the highly militarized Line of Control;Pakistan has taken its dispute on the impact and benefits of India'sbuilding the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmirto the World Bank for arbitration and in general the two statesstill dispute Indus River water sharing; to defuse tensions andprepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistanresurveyed a portion of the disputed Sir Creek estuary at the mouthof the Rann of Kutch in 2004; Pakistani maps continue to showJunagadh in India's Gujarat State; by 2005, Pakistan with UNassistance had repatriated 2.3 million Afghan refugees and hasundertaken a census to count the remaining million or more, many ofwhom remain at their own choosing; Pakistan maintains troops inremote tribal areas to control the border with Afghanistan and rootout organized terrorist and other illegal cross-border activities;regular meetings with Afghan and Coalition allies aim to resolveperiodic claims of boundary encroachments
Refugees and internally displaced persons:refugees (country of origin): 1,064,230 (Afghanistan)IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in SouthWaziristan) (2004)
Illicit drugs:opium poppy in Federally Administered Tribal Areas, North-WestFrontier Province, and Balochistan Province has rebounded since itwas nearly eliminated in 2001; key transit point for Afghan drugs,including heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Westernmarkets, the Gulf States, and Africa; financial crimes related todrug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remainproblems
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@Palau
Introduction Palau
Background:After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of thePacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of theCaroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join theFederated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association withthe US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It enteredinto force the following year, when the islands gained independence.
Geography Palau
Location:Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast ofthe Philippines
Geographic coordinates:7 30 N, 134 30 E
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 458 sq kmland: 458 sq kmwater: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:1,519 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Terrain:varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island ofBabelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrierreefs
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 mhighest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
Natural resources:forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabedminerals
Land use:arable land: 8.7%permanent crops: 4.35%other: 86.95% (2001)
Irrigated land:NA
Natural hazards:typhoons (June to December)
Environment - current issues:inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to themarine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishingpractices, and overfishing
Environment - international agreements:party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-KyotoProtocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protectionsigned, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of sixisland groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War IIbattleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands
People Palau
Population:20,303 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 26.4% (male 2,768/female 2,601)15-64 years: 69% (male 7,565/female 6,436)65 years and over: 4.6% (male 443/female 490) (2005 est.)
Median age:total: 31.43 yearsmale: 32.4 yearsfemale: 30.36 years (2005 est.)
Population growth rate:1.39% (2005 est.)
Birth rate:18.37 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate:6.85 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate:2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.06 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.18 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 14.84 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 16.6 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 12.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 70.14 yearsmale: 66.98 yearsfemale: 73.48 years (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate:2.46 children born/woman (2005 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:NA
Nationality:noun: Palauan(s)adjective: Palauan
Ethnic groups:Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 69.9%,Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%, other or unspecified 3.2% (2000census)
Religions:Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8% (indigenousto Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%,Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other religion 3.1%, unspecified or none16.4% (2000 census)
Languages:Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoraleseand English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), andAngaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%,English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, otherAsian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 92%male: 93%female: 90% (1980 est.)
Government Palau
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Palauconventional short form: Palaulocal long form: Beluu er a Belaulocal short form: Belauformer: Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
Government type:constitutional government in free association with the US; theCompact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994
Capital:Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast ofKoror
Administrative divisions:16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror,Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar,Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol
Independence:1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)
National holiday:Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)
Constitution:1 January 1981
Legal system:based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,common, and customary laws
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:chief of state: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. (since 19January 2001) and Vice President Camsek CHIN (since 1 January 2005);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinetelections: president and vice president elected on separate ticketsby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 2 November2004 (next to be held November 2008)election results: Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. reelected president;percent of vote - Tommy Esang REMENGESAU, Jr. 64%, Polycarp BASILIUS33%; Elias Camsek CHIN elected vice president; percent of vote -Elias Camsek CHIN 70%, Sandra PIERANTOZZI 29%
Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of theSenate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a populationbasis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)elections: Senate - last held 2 November 2004 (next to be heldNovember 2008); House of Delegates - last held 2 November 2004 (nextto be held November 2008)election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA%; seats -independents 9 (four new members elected); House of Delegates -percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 16 (one new memberelected)
Judicial branch:Supreme Court; National Court; Court of Common Pleas
Political parties and leaders:none
Political pressure groups and leaders:NA
International organization participation:ACP, AsDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC,MIGA, OPCW, PIF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA chancery: 1800 K Street NW, Suite 714, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814 FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281 consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: US ambassador to the Philippines is accredited toPalauembassy: Koror (no street address)mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990FAX: [680] 488-2911
Flag description:light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shiftedslightly to the hoist side
Economy Palau
Economy - overview:The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture,and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force,relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. Business andtourist arrivals numbered 63,000 in 2003. The population enjoys aper capita income twice that of the Philippines and much ofMicronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have beengreatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, therising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and thewillingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.
GDP (purchasing power parity): $174 million note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:1% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita:purchasing power parity - $9,000 (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA
Labor force:9,845 (2000)
Labor force - by occupation:agriculture 20%, industry NA, services NA (1990)
Unemployment rate:2.3% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share:lowest 10%: NAhighest 10%: NA
Inflation rate (consumer prices):3.4% (2000 est.)
Budget:revenues: $57.7 millionexpenditures: $80.8 million, including capital expenditures of $17.1million (FY98/99 est.)
Agriculture - products:coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes
Industries:tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction,garment making
Industrial production growth rate:NA
Electricity - production by source:NA
Exports:$18 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Exports - commodities:shellfish, tuna, copra, garments
Exports - partners:US, Japan, Singapore (2000)
Imports:$99 million f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Imports - commodities:machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs
Imports - partners:US, Guam, Japan, Singapore, South Korea (2000)
Debt - external:$0 (FY99/00)
Economic aid - recipient:$155.8 million ; note - the Compact of Free Association with theUS, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October1994, provides Palau with up to $700 million in US aid over 15 yearsin return for furnishing military facilities
Currency (code):US dollar (USD)
Currency code:USD
Exchange rates:the US dollar is used
Fiscal year:1 October - 30 September
Communications Palau
Telephones - main lines in use:6,700 (2002)
Telephones - mobile cellular:1,000 (2002)
Telephone system:general assessment: NAdomestic: NAinternational: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations:AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2002)
Radios:12,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations:1 (cable) (2005)
Televisions:11,000 (1997)
Internet country code:.pw
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):1 (2002)
Transportation Palau
Highways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: 25 km
Ports and harbors:Koror
Airports:3 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:total: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 21,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.)
Military Palau
Military branches:no regular military forces; Police Force
Military expenditures - dollar figure:NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:NA
Military - note:defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of FreeAssociation between Palau and the US, the US military is grantedaccess to the islands for 50 years
Transnational Issues Palau
Disputes - international: border delineation disputes being negotiated with Philippines, Indonesia
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@Palmyra Atoll
Introduction Palmyra Atoll
Background:The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the USincluded it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed thearchipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did notinclude Palmyra Atoll, which is now privately owned by the NatureConservancy. This organization is managing the atoll as a naturepreserve. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nauticalmile US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish andWildlife Service and were designated a National Wildlife Refuge inJanuary 2001.
Geography Palmyra Atoll
Location:Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way betweenHawaii and American Samoa
Geographic coordinates:5 52 N, 162 06 W
Map references:Oceania
Area:total: 11.9 sq kmland: 11.9 sq kmwater: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:0 km
Coastline:14.5 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:equatorial, hot, and very rainy
Terrain:very low
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2 m
Natural resources: terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (forests and woodlands) (2005)
Irrigated land:0 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:NA
Environment - current issues:NA
Geography - note:about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, andbalsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall
People Palmyra Atoll
Population:no indigenous inhabitants; 4 to 20 Nature Conservancy staff, USFish and Wildlife staff (July 2005 est.)
Government Palmyra Atoll
Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll
Dependency status:incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administeredfrom Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the USDepartment of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the USDepartment of the Interior continues to administer nine excludedareas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nmterritorial sea or within the lagoon
Legal system:the laws of the US, where applicable, apply
Flag description:the flag of the US is used
Economy Palmyra Atoll
Economy - overview: no economic activity
Transportation Palmyra Atoll
Highways:most of the roads and many causeways built during World War II areunserviceable and overgrown (2001)
Ports and harbors:West Lagoon
Airports:1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:total: 11,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Military Palmyra Atoll
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues Palmyra Atoll
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@Panama
Introduction Panama
Background:With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptlysigned a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canaland US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of thestructure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by theUS Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. On 7 September1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canalfrom the US to Panama by the end of 1999. Certain portions of theZone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned overin the intervening years. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA wasdeposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting theCanal, and remaining US military bases were turned over to Panama byor on 31 December 1999.
Geography Panama
Location:Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the NorthPacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica
Geographic coordinates:9 00 N, 80 00 W
Map references:Central America and the Caribbean
Area:total: 78,200 sq kmland: 75,990 sq kmwater: 2,210 sq km
Area - comparative:slightly smaller than South Carolina
Land boundaries: total: 555 km border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km
Coastline: 2,490 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (Mayto January), short dry season (January to May)
Terrain:interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, uplandplains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills
Elevation extremes:lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 mhighest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m
Natural resources:copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower
Land use: arable land: 7.36% permanent crops: 1.98% other: 90.66% (2001)
Irrigated land:320 sq km (1998 est.)
Natural hazards:occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area
Environment - current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridgeconnecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that linksNorth Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean
People Panama
Population:3,039,150 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure:0-14 years: 29.8% (male 460,840/female 443,359)15-64 years: 63.9% (male 984,558/female 956,748)65 years and over: 6.4% (male 91,383/female 102,262) (2005 est.)
Median age:total: 26.18 yearsmale: 25.89 yearsfemale: 26.48 years (2005 est.)
Population growth rate:1.26% (2005 est.)
Birth rate:19.96 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate:6.54 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate:-0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.04 male(s)/femaleunder 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/femaletotal population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 20.47 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 22.59 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 18.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 75.25 yearsmale: 72.68 yearsfemale: 77.93 years (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate:2.45 children born/woman (2005 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:0.9% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:16,000 (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 500 (2003 est.)
Nationality:noun: Panamanian(s)adjective: Panamanian
Ethnic groups:mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed(West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%
Religions:Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%
Languages:Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual
Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 92.6%male: 93.2%female: 91.9% (2003 est.)
Government Panama
Country name:conventional long form: Republic of Panamaconventional short form: Panamalocal long form: Republica de Panamalocal short form: Panama
Government type:constitutional democracy
Capital:Panama
Administrative divisions:9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory*(comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera,Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*(Kuna Yala), and Veraguas
Independence:3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28November 1821)
National holiday:Independence Day, 3 November (1903)
Constitution:11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004
Legal system:based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts inthe Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,with reservations
Suffrage:18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:chief of state: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1 September2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1 September2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since 1September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Martin TORRIJOS Espino (since 1September 2004); First Vice President Samuel LEWIS Navarro (since 1September 2004); Second Vice President Ruben AROSEMENA Valdes (since1 September 2004); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticketby popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 2 May 2004(next to be held 3 May 2009); note - beginning in 2009, Panama willhave only one vice president.election results: Martin TORRIJOS Espino elected president; percentof vote - Martin TORRIJOS Espino 47.5%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany30.6%, Jose Miguel ALEMAN 17%, Ricardo MARTINELLI 4.9%note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party),PP (Popular Party)
Legislative branch:unicameral National Assembly (formerly called Legislative Assembly)or Asamblea Nacional (78 seats; members are elected by popular voteto serve five-year terms; note - in 2009, the number of seats willchange to 71)elections: last held 2 May 2004 (next to be held 3 May 2009)election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party -PRD 40, PA 17, PS 8, MOLIRENA 3, CD 2, PP 2, PLN 1, other 5note: legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on aplurality basis while districts located in more populous towns andcities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-basedformula
Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judgesappointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts ofappeal
Political parties and leaders:Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; DemocraticRevolutionary Party or PRD [Martin TORRIJOS]; National Liberal Partyor PLN [Anibal GALINDO]; Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement orMOLIRENA [Jesus ROSAS]; Panamenista Party or PA (formerly theArnulfista Party) [Mireya Elisa MOSCOSO Rodriguez]; Popular Party orPP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC) [Ruben AROSEMENA];Solidarity Party or PS [Jose Raul MULINO]
Political pressure groups and leaders:Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council ofOrganized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private Enterpriseor CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar Workers(SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE;Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation ofthe Republic of Panama or CTRP