United Arab Emirates18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)
United Kingdom16 years of age for voluntary military service(January 2004)
United States18 years of age (2004)
Uruguay18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory militaryservice (2001)
Uzbekistan18 years of age for compulsory military service;conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)
Venezuela18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary militaryservice; conscript service obligation - 30 months (2004)
Vietnam18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscriptservice obligation - 2 years (2004)
Yemen18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscriptservice obligation - 2 years (2004)
Zambia18 years of age (est.) (2004)
Zimbabwe18 years of age (est.) (2004)
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@2025 Manpower fit for military service
Afghanistanmales age 22-49: 2,662,946 (2005 est.)
Albaniamales age 19-49: 668,526 (2005 est.)
Algeriamales age 19-49: 6,590,079 (2005 est.)
Angolamales age 17-49: 1,174,548 (2005 est.)
Argentinamales age 18-49: 7,316,038 (2005 est.)
Armeniamales age 18-49: 551,938 (2005 est.)
Australiamales age 16-49: 4,092,717 (2005 est.)
Austriamales age 18-49: 1,550,441 (2005 est.)
Azerbaijanmales age 18-49: 1,314,955 (2005 est.)
Bahrainmales age 18-49: 161,372 (2005 est.)
Bangladeshmales age 18-49: 26,841,255 (2005 est.)
Barbadosmales age 18-49: 51,298 (2005 est.)
Belarusmales age 18-49: 1,657,984 (2005 est.)
Belgiummales age 16-49: 1,998,003 (2005 est.)
Belizemales age 18-49: 41,368 (2005 est.)
Beninmales age 21-49: 670,170females age 21-49: 630,078 (2005 est.)
Bhutanmales age 18-49: 314,975 (2005 est.)
Boliviamales age 18-49: 1,311,414 (2005 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovinamales age 18-49: 829,530 (2005 est.)
Botswanamales age 18-49: 136,322 (2005 est.)
Brazilmales age 19-49: 33,119,098 (2005 est.)
Bruneimales age 18-49: approx. 85,045 (2005 est.)
Bulgariamales age 18-49: 1,302,037 (2005 est.)
Burkina Fasomales age 18-49: 1,323,548 (2005 est.)
Burmamales age 18-49: 6,512,923females age 18-49: 6,789,720 (2005 est.)
Burundimales age 16-49: 693,956 (2005 est.)
Cambodiamales age 18-49: 1,844,144 (2005 est.)
Cameroonmales age 18-49: 1,720,385 (2005 est.)
Canadamales age 16-49: 6,740,490 (2005 est.)
Cape Verdemales age 18-49: 65,614 (2005 est.)
Central African Republicmales age 18-49: 330,255 (2005 est.)
Chadmales age 20-49: 834,695 (2005 est.)
Chilemales age 18-49: 3,123,281 (2005 est.)
Chinamales age 18-49: 281,240,272 (2005 est.)
Colombiamales age 18-49: 6,986,228 (2005 est.)
Comorosmales age 18-49: 98,792 (2005 est.)
Congo, Democratic Republic of the males age 18-49: 5,851,292 (2005 est.)
Congo, Republic of themales age 18-49: 360,492 (2005 est.)
Costa Ricamales age 18-49: 829,874 (2005 est.)
Cote d'Ivoiremales age 18-49: 1,973,265 (2005 est.)
Croatiamales age 18-49: 725,914 (2005 est.)
Cubamales age 17-49: 2,441,927females age 17-49: 2,396,741 (2005 est.)
Cyprusmales age 18-49: 150,750 (2005 est.)
Czech Republicmales age 18-49: 1,996,631 (2005 est.)
Denmarkmales age 18-49: 955,168 (2005 est.)
Djiboutimales age 18-49: 46,020 (2005 est.)
Dominican Republicmales age 18-49: 1,420,693 (2005 est.)
East Timormales age 18-49: NA
Ecuadormales age 20-49: 2,338,428 (2005 est.)
Egyptmales age 18-49: 15,540,234 (2005 est.)
El Salvadormales age 18-49: 960,315 (2005 est.)
Equatorial Guineamales age 18-49: 66,379 (2005 est.)
Eritreamales age 18-49: NA (2005)
Estoniamales age 18-49: 200,382 (2005 est.)note - in 2004, 51% of the young men called up for service weredetermined to be unfit; main obstacles to conscription werepsychiatric and behavioral
Ethiopiamales age 18-49: 8,072,755 (2005 est.)
Fijimales age 18-49: 163,960 (2005 est.)
Finlandmales age 18-49: 913,617 (2005 est.)
Francemales age 17-49: 11,262,661 (2005 est.)
French Guianamales age 18-49: 38,676 (2005 est.)
Gabonmales age 18-49: 156,632 (2005 est.)
Gambia, Themales age 18-49: 188,117 (2005 est.)
Georgiamales age 18-49: 827,281 (2005 est.)
Germanymales age 18-49: 15,258,931 (2005 est.)
Ghanamales age 18-49: 2,721,239 (2005 est.)
Greecemales age 18-49: 2,018,557 (2005 est.)
Guatemalamales age 18-49: 2,106,847 (2005 est.)
Guineamales age 18-49: 1,038,036 (2005 est.)
Guinea-Bissaumales age 18-49: 152,760 (2005 est.)
Guyanamales age 18-49: 137,964 (2005 est.)
Haitimales age 18-49: 948,320 (2005 est.)
Hondurasmales age 18-49: 955,019 (2005 est.)
Hong Kongmales age 18-49: 1,403,088 (2005 est.)
Hungarymales age 18-49: 1,780,513 (2005 est.)
Icelandmales age 18-49: 56,777 (2005 est.)
Indiamales age 16-49: 219,471,999 (2005 est.)
Indonesiamales age 18-49: 48,687,234 (2005 est.)
Iranmales age 18-49: 15,665,725 (2005 est.)
Iraqmales age 18-49: 4,930,074 (2005 est.)
Irelandmales age 17-49: 814,768 (2005 est.)
Israelmales age 17-49: 1,255,902females age 17-49: 1,212,394 (2005 est.)
Italymales age 18-49: 10,963,513 (2005 est.)
Jamaicamales age 18-49: 587,006 (2005 est.)
Japanmales age 18-49: 22,234,663 (2005 est.)
Jordanmales age 17-49: 1,348,076 (2005 est.)
Kazakhstanmales age 18-49: 2,473,529 (2005 est.)
Kenyamales age 18-49: 3,963,532 (2005 est.)
Korea, Northmales age 17-49: 4,810,831 (2005 est.)
Korea, Southmales age 20-49: 9,932,026 (2005 est.)
Kuwaitmales age 18-49: 737,292 (2005 est.)
Kyrgyzstanmales age 18-49: 871,493 (2005 est.)
Laosmales age 15-49: 954,816 (2005 est.)
Latviamales age 19-49: 361,098 (2005 est.)
Lebanonmales age 18-49: 821,762 (2005 est.)
Lesothomales age 18-49: 162,857 (2005 est.)
Liberiamales age 18-49: 360,373 (2005 est.)
Libyamales age 17-49: 1,291,624 (2005 est.)
Lithuaniamales age 19-49: 590,606 (2005 est.)
Luxembourgmales age 17-49: 90,279 (2005 est.)
Macaumales age 18-49: 91,299 (2005 est.)
Macedoniamales age 18-49: 411,156 (2005 est.)
Madagascarmales age 18-49: 2,218,662 (2005 est.)
Malawimales age 18-49: 995,084 (2005 est.)
Malaysiamales age 18-49: 4,574,854 (2005 est.)
Maldivesmales age 18-49: 56,687 (2005 est.)
Malimales age 18-49: 1,231,930 (2005 est.)
Maltamales age 18-49: 74,525 (2005 est.)
Mauritaniamales age 18-49: 370,513 (2005 est.)
Mauritiusmales age 18-49: 248,659 (2005 est.)
Mexicomales age 18-49: 19,058,337 (2005 est.)
Moldovamales age 18-49: 693,913 (2005 est.)
Mongoliamales age 18-49: 570,435 (2005 est.)
Moroccomales age 18-49: 6,484,787 (2005 est.)
Mozambiquemales age 18-49: 1,751,223 (2005 est.)
Namibiamales age 18-49: 217,118 (2005 est.)
Naurumales age 18-49: 1,963 (2005 est.)
Nepalmales age 18-49: 4.193 million (2005 est.)
Netherlandsmales age 20-49: 2,856,691 (2005 est.)
Netherlands Antillesmales age 16-49: 45,273 (2005 est.)
New Zealandmales age 17-49: 809,519 (2005 est.)
Nicaraguamales age 17-49: 1,051,425 (2005 est.)
Nigermales age 18-49: 1,180,027 (2005 est.)
Nigeriamales age 18-49: 15,053,936 (2005 est.)
Norwaymales age 18-49: 827,016 (2005 est.)
Omanmales age 18-49: 581,444 (2005 est.)
Pakistanmales age 16-49: 29,428,747 (2005 est.)
Panamamales age 18-49: 511,905 (2005 est.)
Papua New Guineamales age 18-49: 902,432 (2005 est.)
Paraguaymales age 18-49: 1,109,166 (2005 est.)
Perumales age 18-49: 4,938,417 (2005 est.)
Philippinesmales age 18-49: 15,170,096 (2005 est.)
Polandmales age 17-49: 7,740,164 (2005 est.)
Portugalmales age 18-49: 1,952,819 (2005 est.)
Qatarmales age 18-49: 238,566 (2005 est.)
Reunionmales age 18-49: 142,578 (2005 est.)
Romaniamales age 20-49: 3,932,579 (2005 est.)
Russiamales age 18-49: 21,049,651 (2005 est.)
Rwandamales age 16-49: 1,103,823 (2005 est.)
Sao Tome and Principemales age 18-49: 25,950 (2005 est.)
Saudi Arabiamales age 18-49: 6,592,709 (2005 est.)
Senegalmales age 18-49: 1,300,502 (2005 est.)
Serbia and Montenegromales age 19-49: 1,959,166 (2005 est.)
Seychellesmales age 18-49: 16,122 (2005 est.)
Sierra Leonemales age 18-49: 552,785 (2005 est.)
Singaporemales age 18-49: 982,368 (2005 est.)
Slovakiamales age 18-49: 1,089,645 (2005 est.)
Sloveniamales age 17-49: 405,593 (2005 est.)
Somaliamales age 18-49: 1,022,360 (2005 est.)
South Africamales age 18-49: 4,927,757 (2005 est.)
Spainmales age 20-49: 7,623,356 (2005 est.)
Sri Lankamales age 18-49: 3,789,627 (2005 est.)
Sudanmales age 18-49: 5,427,474 (2005 est.)
Surinamemales age 18-49: 77,793 (2005 est.)
Swazilandmales age 18-49: 98,530 (2005 est.)
Swedenmales age 19-49: 1,493,668 (2005 est.)
Switzerlandmales age 19-49: 1,375,889 (2005 est.)
Syriamales age 18-49: 3,453,888 (2005 est.)
Taiwanmales age 19-49: 4,749,537 (2005 est.)
Tajikistanmales age 18-49: 1,244,941 (2005 est.)
Tanzaniamales age 18-49: 3,879,630 (2005 est.)
Thailandmales age 21-49: 10,342,337 (2005 est.)
Togomales age 18-49: 629,933 (2005 est.)
Trinidad and Tobagomales age 18-49: 203,531 (2005 est.)
Tunisiamales age 20-49: 2,035,431 (2005 est.)
Turkeymales age 20-49: 13,905,901 (2005 est.)
Turkmenistanmales age 18-49: 759,978 (2005 est.)
Ugandamales age 18-49: 2,889,808 (2005 est.)
Ukrainemales age 18-49: 7,114,337 (2005 est.)
United Arab Emiratesmales age 18-49: 526,671 (2005 est.)
United Kingdommales age 16-49: 12,046,268 (2005 est.)
United States males age 18-49: 54,609,050 females age 18-49: 54,696,706 (2005 est.)
Uruguaymales age 18-49: 637,445 (2005 est.)
Uzbekistanmales age 18-49: 4,609,621 (2005 est.)
Venezuelamales age 18-49: 4,907,947 (2005 est.)
Vietnammales age 18-49: 16,032,358 (2005 est.)
Yemenmales age 18-49: 2,790,705 (2005 est.)
Zambiamales age 18-49: 1,043,702 (2005 est.)
Zimbabwemales age 18-49: 1,148,590 (2005 est.)
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@2026 Manpower reaching military service age annually
Afghanistanmales: 275,362 (2005 est.)
Albaniamales: 37,407 (2005 est.)
Algeriamales: 374,639 (2005 est.)
Angolamales: 121,254 (2005 est.)
Argentinamales: 344,575 (2005 est.)
Armeniamales: 31,774 (2005 est.)
Australiamales: 142,158 (2005 est.)
Austriamales: 48,967 (2005 est.)
Azerbaijanmales: 82,358 (2005 est.)
Bahrainmales: 6,013 (2005 est.)
Belarusmales: 85,202 (2005 est.)
Belgiummales: 64,263 (2005 est.)
Belizemales: 3,209 (2005 est.)
Benin males: 72,841 females: 71,428 (2005 est.)
Bhutanmales: 23,939 (2005 est.)
Boliviamales: 101,101 (2005 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovinamales: 31,264 (2005 est.)
Botswanamales: 21,103 (2005 est.)
Brazilmales: 1,785,930 (2005 est.)
Bruneimales: 3,478 (2005 est.)
Bulgariamales: 51,023 (2005 est.)
Burmamales: 440,914females: 427,382 (2005 est.)
Burundimales: 84,597 (2005 est.)
Cambodiamales: 175,305 (2005 est.)
Cameroonmales: 188,662 (2005 est.)
Canadamales: 223,821 (2005 est.)
Chadmales: 95,228 (2005 est.)
Chilemales: 140,084 (2005 est.)
Chinamales: 13,186,433 (2005 est.)
Colombiamales: 389,735 (2005 est.)
Congo, Republic of themales: 34,281 (2005 est.)
Costa Ricamales: 41,097 (2005 est.)
Cote d'Ivoiremales: 189,354 (2005 est.)
Croatiamales: 29,020 (2005 est.)
Cubamales: 91,901females: 87,500 (2005 est.)
Cyprusmales: 6,578 (2005 est.)
Czech Republicmales: 66,583 (2005 est.)
Denmarkmales: 31,317 (2005 est.)
Dominican Republicmales: 91,597 (2005 est.)
East TimorNA
Ecuadormales: 133,922 (2005 est.)
Egyptmales: 802,920 (2005 est.)
El Salvadormales: 70,286 (2005 est.)
Estoniamales: 11,146 (2005 est.)
Ethiopiamales: 803,777 (2005 est.)
Fijimales: 9,266 (2005 est.)
Finlandmales: 32,040 (2005 est.)
Francemales: 389,204 (2005 est.)
Gabonmales: 15,150 (2005 est.)
Georgiamales: 38,857 (2005 est.)
Germanymales: 497,048 (2005 est.)
Ghanamales: 250,782 (2005 est.)
Greecemales: 58,399 (2005 est.)
Guatemalamales: 161,964 (2005 est.)
Haitimales: 98,554 (2005 est.)
Hondurasmales: 77,399 (2005 est.)
Hong Kongmales: 40,343 (2005 est.)
Hungarymales: 63,847 (2005 est.)
Indiamales: 11,446,452 (2005 est.)
Indonesiamales: 2,201,047 (2005 est.)
Iranmales: 862,056 (2005 est.)
Iraqmales: 298,518 (2005 est.)
Irelandmales: 29,327 (2005 est.)
Israel males: 53,760 females: 51,293 (2005 est.)
Italymales: 286,344 (2005 est.)
Jamaicamales: 26,080 (2005 est.)
Japanmales: 683,147 (2005 est.)
Jordanmales: 60,625 (2005 est.)
Kazakhstanmales: 173,129 (2005 est.)
Korea, Northmales: 194,605 (2005 est.)
Korea, Southmales: 344,723 (2005 est.)
Kuwaitmales: 18,743 (2005 est.)
Kyrgyzstanmales: 61,091 (2005 est.)
Laosmales: 73,167 (2005 est.)
Latviamales: 19,137 (2005 est.)
Libyamales: 62,034 (2005 est.)
Lithuaniamales: 29,689 (2005 est.)
Luxembourgmales: 2,775 (2005 est.)
Macedoniamales: 16,686 (2005 est.)
Madagascarmales: 187,000 (2005 est.)
Malaysiamales: 244,418 (2005 est.)
Mexicomales: 1,063,233 (2005 est.)
Moldovamales: 43,729 (2005 est.)
Mongoliamales: 34,674 (2005 est.)
Moroccomales: 353,377 (2005 est.)
Nepalmales: 308,031 (2005 est.)
Netherlandsmales: 99,934 (2005 est.)
Netherlands Antillesmales: 1,720 (2005 est.)
New Zealandmales: 29,738 (2005 est.)
Nicaraguamales: 65,170 (2005 est.)
Nigermales: 126,719 (2005 est.)
Nigeriamales: 1,353,161 (2005 est.)
Norwaymales: 29,179 (2005 est.)
Omanmales: 26,391 (2005 est.)
Pakistanmales: 1,969,055 (2005 est.)
Paraguaymales: 63,058 (2005 est.)
Perumales: 277,105 (2005 est.)
Philippinesmales: 907,542 (2005 est.)
Polandmales: 275,521 (2005 est.)
Portugalmales: 67,189 (2005 est.)
Qatarmales: 7,851 (2005 est.)
Reunionmales: 7,339 (2005 est.)
Romaniamales: 172,093 (2005 est.)
Russiamales: 1,286,069 (2005 est.)
Saudi Arabiamales: 247,334 (2005 est.)
Senegalmales: 124,096 (2005 est.)
Serbia and Montenegromales: 81,033 (2005 est.)
Slovakiamales: 41,544 (2005 est.)
Sloveniamales: 12,816 (2005 est.)
South Africamales: 512,407 (2005 est.)
Spainmales: 233,384 (2005 est.)
Sri Lankamales: 174,049 (2005 est.)
Sudanmales: 442,915 (2005 est.)
Swedenmales: 58,724 (2005 est.)
Switzerlandmales: 46,319 (2005 est.)
Syriamales: 225,113 (2005 est.)
Taiwanmales: 174,173 (2005 est.)
Tajikistanmales: 87,846 (2005 est.)
Thailandmales: 530,493 (2005 est.)
Tunisiamales: 108,817 (2005 est.)
Turkeymales: 679,734 (2005 est.)
Turkmenistanmales: 56,532 (2005 est.)
Ukrainemales: 378,176 (2005 est.)
United Arab Emiratesmales: 30,706 (2005 est.)
United States males: 2,143,873 females: 2,036,201 (2005 est.)
Uzbekistanmales: 324,722 (2005 est.)
Venezuelamales: 252,396 (2005 est.)
Vietnammales: 915,572 (2005 est.)
Yemenmales: 236,517 (2005 est.)
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
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@2028 Background
AfghanistanAfghanistan's recent history is a story of war and civilunrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces. The Communistregime in Kabul collapsed in 1992. Fighting that subsequentlyerupted among the various mujahidin factions eventually helped tospawn the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement thatfought to end the warlordism and civil war that gripped the country.The Taliban seized Kabul in 1996 and were able to capture most ofthe country outside of Northern Alliance strongholds primarily inthe northeast. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, aUS, Allied, and Northern Alliance military action toppled theTaliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. In late 2001, a conferencein Bonn, Germany, established a process for political reconstructionthat ultimately resulted in the adoption of a new constitution andpresidential election in 2004. On 9 October 2004, Hamid KARZAIbecame the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan.The new Afghan government's next task is to hold National Assemblyelections, tentatively scheduled for April 2005.
AkrotiriBy terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that createdthe independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereigntyand jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers intotal: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of theseis the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to asthe Western Sovereign Base Area.
AlbaniaBetween 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobicCommunist rule and established a multiparty democracy. Thetransition has proven difficult as successive governments have triedto deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidatedinfrastructure, powerful organized crime networks with links togovernment officials, and disruptive political opponents. Albaniahas made incremental progress in its democratic development sincefirst holding multiiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain- particularly in regard to the rule of law. Despite some lingeringproblems, international observers have judged elections to belargely free and fair since the restoration of political stabilityfollowing the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won adecisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption,promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government.Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is stillone of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy,large public debt, and an inadequate energy and tranportationinfrastructure. Albania has played a largely helpful role inmanaging inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe, and iscontinuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU.
AlgeriaAfter more than a century of rule by France, Algeriansfought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962.Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front(FLN), has dominated politics ever since. Many Algerians in thesubsequent generation were not satisfied, however, and moved tocounter the FLN's centrality in Algerian politics. The surprisingfirst round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in theDecember 1991 balloting spurred the Algerian army to intervene andpostpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secularelite feared would be an extremist-led government from assumingpower. The army began a crack down on the FIS that spurred FISsupporters to begin attacking government targets. The governmentlater allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderatereligious-based parties, but did not appease the activists whoprogressively widened their attacks. The fighting escalated into aninsurgency, which saw intense fighting between 1992-98 and whichresulted in over 100,000 deaths - many attributed to indiscriminatemassacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained theupper hand by the late-1990s and FIS's armed wing, the IslamicSalvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. However, small numbers ofarmed militants persist in confronting government forces andconducting ambushes and occasional attacks on villages. The armyplaced Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA in the presidency in 1999 in afraudulent election but claimed neutrality in his 2004 landslidereelection victory. Longstanding problems continue to faceBOUTEFLIKA in his second term, including the ethnic minorityBerbers' ongoing autonomy campaign, large-scale unemployment, ashortage of housing, unreliable electrical and water supplies,government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing -although significantly degraded - activities of extremist militants.Algeria must also diversify its petroleum-based economy, which hasyielded a large cash reserve but which has not been used to redressAlgeria's many social and infrastructure problems. Algeria assumed atwo-year seat on the UN Security Council in January 2004.
American SamoaSettled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered"by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalriesin the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago.The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of easternislands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.
AndorraFor 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under aunique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop ofUrgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titularheads of state retained, but the government transformed into aparliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainousAndorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II throughits tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) areattracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.
AngolaAngola has begun to enjoy the fruits of peace since the endof a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the PopularMovement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose EduardoDOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence ofAngola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence fromPortugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola heldnational elections, but UNITA renewed fighting after being beaten bythe MPLA at the polls. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost -and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting.SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthenedthe MPLA's hold on power. DOS SANTOS has pledged to hold nationalelections in 2006.
AnguillaColonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650,Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19thcentury, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants -was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with SaintKitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, twoyears after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; thisarrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becominga separate British dependency.
AntarcticaSpeculation over the existence of a "southern land" wasnot confirmed until the early 1820s when British and Americancommercial operators and British and Russian national expeditionsbegan exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas southof the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established thatAntarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands.Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20thcentury. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientificresearch on the continent. A number of countries have set upyear-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have madeterritorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. Inorder to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on thecontinent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither deniesnor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in1959, it entered into force in 1961.
Antigua and BarbudaThe Siboney were the first to inhabit theislands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and CaribIndians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his secondvoyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French weresucceeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery,established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolishedin 1834. The islands became an independent state within the BritishCommonwealth of Nations in 1981.
Arctic OceanThe Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's fiveoceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, andthe recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (USand Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are twoimportant seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river,and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.
ArgentinaFollowing independence from Spain in 1816, Argentinaexperienced periods of internal political conflict betweenconservatives and liberals and between civilian and militaryfactions. After World War II, a long period of Peronistauthoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments wasfollowed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracyreturned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscoredArgentina's progress in democratic consolidation.
ArmeniaArmenia prides itself on being the first nation to formallyadopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy,over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empiresincluding the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It wasincorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenianleaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with MuslimAzerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populatedregion, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow.Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; thestruggle escalated after both countries attained independence fromthe Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold,Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also asignificant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of bothsides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progresstoward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade onArmenia and closed the common border because of the Armenianoccupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.
ArubaDiscovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquiredby the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated bythree main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed byprosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. Thelast decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry.Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became aseparate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in1990.
Ashmore and Cartier IslandsThese uninhabited islands came underAustralian authority in 1931; formal administration began two yearslater. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marinehabitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. CartierIsland, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.
Atlantic OceanThe Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of theworld's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than theIndian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal(Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait ofGibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US)are important strategic access waterways. The decision by theInternational Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 todelimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portionof the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south.
AustraliaAboriginal settlers arrived on the continent fromSoutheast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans beganexploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims weremade until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the nameof Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth ofAustralia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its naturalresources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturingindustries and to make a major contribution to the British effort inWorld Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformeditself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy.It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the1990's, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adoptedin the 1980's. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularlydepletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation ofcoastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.
AustriaOnce the center of power for the large Austro-HungarianEmpire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat inWorld War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 andsubsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria'sstatus remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbadeunification with Germany. A constitutional law that same yeardeclared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition forSoviet military withdrawal. Following the Soviet Union's collapse in1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995, someAustrians have called into question this neutrality. A prosperous,democratic country, Austria entered the Economic and Monetary Unionin 1999.
AzerbaijanAzerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslimpopulation - regained its independence after the collapse of theSoviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yetto resolve its conflict with Armenia over the AzerbaijaniNagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijanhas lost 16% of its territory and must support some 571,000internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruptionis ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan'sundeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.
Bahamas, TheArawak Indians inhabited the islands when ChristopherColumbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492.British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands becamea colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973,The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international bankingand investment management. Because of its geography, the country isa major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularlyshipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegalmigrants into the US.
BahrainBahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulfcountries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreignaffairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves,Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and hastransformed itself into an international banking center. The newamir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reformsand has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. InFebruary 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the NationalAction Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's politicalliberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa AlKhalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis electedmembers of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicamerallegislature, the National Assembly.
Baker IslandThe US took possession of the island in 1857, and itsguano deposits were mined by US and British companies during thesecond half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt atcolonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby HowlandIsland - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned.Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the USDepartment of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middleof the west coast.
BangladeshBangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali EastPakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third ofthis extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainyseason, hampering economic development.
BarbadosThe island was uninhabited when first settled by theBritish in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established onthe island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economyremained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses productionthrough most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of socialand political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to completeindependence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism andmanufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.
Bassas da IndiaThis atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefsand is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it wasplaced under the administration of a commissioner residing inReunion in 1968.
BelarusAfter seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR,Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closerpolitical and economic ties to Russia than any of the other formerSoviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-stateunion on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economicintegration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out theaccord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since hiselection in July 1995 as the country's first president, AlexanderLUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarianmeans. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press,peaceful assembly, and religion continue.
BelgiumBelgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 andwas occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prosperedin the past half century as a modern, technologically advancedEuropean state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between theDutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speakingWalloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutionalamendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
BelizeTerritorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed theindependence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981.Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourismhas become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plaguedby high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drugtrade, and increasing urban crime.
BeninPresent day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent WestAfrican kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory becamea French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960,as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments endedin 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and theestablishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles.A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later,free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO aspresident, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africafrom a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power byelections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities werealleged.
BermudaBermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked Englishcolonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape NorthAmerican winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourismcontinues to be important to the island's economy, althoughinternational business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda hasdeveloped into a highly successful offshore financial center. Areferendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.
BhutanIn 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange forceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was setup in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby theBritish agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs andBhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role wasassumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formalIndo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by theBritish, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, anddefined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Arefugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved;90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of theHigh Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps.
BoliviaBolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent historyhas consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, butleaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, socialunrest, and illegal drug production. Current goals includeattracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system,resolving disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrugefforts, and waging an anticorruption campaign.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina's declaration ofsovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a declaration ofindependence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after areferendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supportedby neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armedresistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines andjoining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994,Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions fromthree to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/CroatFederation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, inDayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement thatbrought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the finalagreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The DaytonAgreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundariesand created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. Thisnational government was charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic,and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of governmentcomprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/CroatFederation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-ledRepublika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments werecharged with overseeing most government functions. The Office of theHigh Representative (OHR) was established to oversee theimplementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. In 1995-96,a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troopsserved in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects ofthe agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-ledStabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewedhostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replacedSFOR in December 2004; their mission was to maintain peace andstability throughout the country.
BotswanaFormerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswanaadopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades ofuninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, andsignificant capital investment have created one of the most dynamiceconomies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining,dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector dueto the country's conservation practices and extensive naturepreserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates ofHIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive andcomprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.
Bouvet IslandThis uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirelycovered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discoveredin 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named.No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupiedthe island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and theadjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on theisland.
BrazilFollowing three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazilbecame an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and mostpopulous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half acentury of military intervention in the governance of the countrywhen in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilianrulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agriculturalgrowth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast naturalresources and a large labor pool, it is today South America'sleading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal incomedistribution remains a pressing problem.
British Indian Ocean TerritoryEstablished as a territory of the UKin 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attainedindependence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of thesix main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. Thelargest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains ajoint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands areuninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier residents in theislands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to theSeychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Courtruling invalidated the local immigration order that had excludedthem from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status ofDiego Garcia.
British Virgin IslandsFirst settled by the Dutch in 1648, theislands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The economy is closelytied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west;the US dollar is the legal currency.
BruneiThe Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15thand 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas ofnorthwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequentlyentered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royalsuccession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence wasachieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over sixcenturies. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gasfields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in thedeveloping world.
BulgariaThe Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with thelocal Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the firstBulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled withthe Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by theend of the 14th century the country was overrun by the OttomanTurks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all ofBulgaria became independent in 1908. Having fought on the losingside in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere ofinfluence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communistdomination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multipartyelection since World War II and began the contentious process ofmoving toward political democracy and a market economy whilecombating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Today,reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward eventualintegration into the EU. The country joined NATO in 2004.
Burkina FasoBurkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achievedindependence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early1990s. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited naturalresources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of itscitizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana hashindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabefarm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.
BurmaBritain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886)and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administeredas a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate,self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth wasattained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, andlater as political kingpin. Despite multiparty legislative electionsin 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party - the NationalLeague for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory, the rulingjunta refused to hand over power. NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prizerecipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under house arrest from 1989 to1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in May 2003 and is currentlyunder house arrest. In December 2004, the junta announced it wasextending her detention for at least an additional year. Hersupporters, as well as all those who promote democracy and improvedhuman rights, are routinely harassed or jailed.
BurundiBurundi's first democratically elected president wasassassinated in October 1993 after only one hundred days in office.Since then, some 200,000 Burundians have perished in widespread,often intense ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions.Hundreds of thousands have been internally displaced or have becomerefugees in neighboring countries. Burundi troops, seeking to securetheir borders, briefly intervened in the conflict in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo in 1998. A new transitional government,inaugurated on 1 November 2001, signed a power-sharing agreementwith the largest rebel faction in December 2003 and set in place aprovisional constitution in October 2004. Implementation of theagreement has been problematic, however, as one remaining rebelgroup refuses to sign on and elections have been repeatedly delayed,clouding prospects for a sustainable peace.
CambodiaMost Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, whoseAngkor Empire extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached itszenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Subsequently, attacks bythe Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empireushering in a long period of decline. In 1863, the king of Cambodiaplaced the country under French protection; it became part of FrenchIndochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II,Cambodia became independent within the French Union in 1949 andfully independent in 1953. After a five-year struggle, CommunistKhmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in April 1975 and ordered theevacuation of all cities and towns; at least 1.5 million Cambodiansdied from execution, enforced hardships, or starvation during theKhmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnameseinvasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, led to a10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years ofcivil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democraticelections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by theKhmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore somesemblance of normalcy and the final elements of the Khmer Rougesurrendered in early 1999. Factional fighting in 1997 ended thefirst coalition government, but a second round of national electionsin 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government andrenewed political stability. The July 2003 elections were relativelypeaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contendingpolitical parties before a coalition government was formed.Nation-wide local elections are scheduled for 2007 and nationalelections for 2008.
CameroonThe former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroonmerged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generallyenjoyed stability, which has permitted the development ofagriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remainsfirmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.
CanadaA land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canadabecame a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to theBritish crown. Economically and technologically the nation hasdeveloped in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south acrossan unfortified border. Canada's paramount political problem ismeeting public demands for quality improvements in health care andeducation services after a decade of budget cuts. The issue ofreconciling Quebec's francophone heritage with the majorityanglophone Canadian population has moved to the back burner inrecent years; support for separatism abated after the Quebecgovernment's referendum on independence failed to pass in October of1995.
Cape VerdeThe uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized bythe Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became atrading center for African slaves and later an important coaling andresupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Followingindependence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification withGuinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintaineduntil multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continuesto exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments.Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century causedsignificant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result,Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one.Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
Cayman IslandsThe Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by theBritish during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaicasince 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when theformer became independent.
Central African RepublicThe former French colony of Ubangi-Sharibecame the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. Afterthree tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments- civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade.President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued byunrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led byGeneral Francois BOZIZE, who has since established a transitionalgovernment. Though the government has the tacit support of civilsociety groups and the main parties, a wide field of affiliated andindependent candidates will contest the municipal, legislative, andpresidential elections scheduled for February 2005. The governmentstill does not fully control the countryside, where pockets oflawlessness persist.