Micronesia, Federated States of constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force May 2004
Moldovarepublic
Monacoconstitutional monarchy
Mongoliamixed parliamentary/presidential
Montenegrorepublic
MontserratNA
Moroccoconstitutional monarchy
Mozambiquerepublic
Namibiarepublic
Naururepublic
Nepalparliamentary democracy
Netherlandsconstitutional monarchy
Netherlands Antillesparliamentary
New CaledoniaNA
New Zealandparliamentary democracy
Nicaraguarepublic
Nigerrepublic
Nigeriafederal republic
Niueself-governing parliamentary democracy
Norfolk IslandNA
Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature
Norwayconstitutional monarchy
Omanmonarchy
Pakistanfederal republic
Palauconstitutional government in free association with the US; theCompact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994
Panamaconstitutional democracy
Papua New Guineaconstitutional parliamentary democracy
Paraguayconstitutional republic
Peruconstitutional republic
Philippinesrepublic
Pitcairn IslandsNA
Polandrepublic
Portugalparliamentary democracy
Puerto Ricocommonwealth
Qatartraditional emirate
Romaniarepublic
Russiafederation
Rwandarepublic; presidential, multiparty system
Saint HelenaNA
Saint Kitts and Nevisparliamentary democracy
Saint Luciaparliamentary democracy
Saint Pierre and MiquelonNA
Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesparliamentary democracy
Samoamix of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
San Marinoindependent republic
Sao Tome and Principerepublic
Saudi Arabiamonarchy
Senegalrepublic
Serbiarepublic
Seychellesrepublic
Sierra Leoneconstitutional democracy
Singaporeparliamentary republic
Slovakiaparliamentary democracy
Sloveniaparliamentary republic
Solomon Islandsparliamentary democracy
Somaliano permanent national government; transitional,parliamentary federal government
South Africarepublic
Spainparliamentary monarchy
Sri Lankarepublic
SudanGovernment of National Unity (GNU) - the National CongressParty (NCP) and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) formed apower-sharing government under the 2005 Comprehensive PeaceAgreement (CPA); the NCP, which came to power by military coup in1989, is the majority partner; the agreement stipulates nationalelections for the 2008 - 2009 timeframe.
Surinameconstitutional democracy
SvalbardNA
Swazilandmonarchy
Swedenconstitutional monarchy
Switzerlandformally a confederation, but similar in structure to afederal republic
Syriarepublic under an authoritarian, military-dominated regime
Taiwanmultiparty democracy
Tajikistanrepublic
Tanzaniarepublic
Thailandconstitutional monarchy
Togorepublic under transition to multiparty democratic rule
TokelauNA
Tongaconstitutional monarchy
Trinidad and Tobagoparliamentary democracy
Tunisiarepublic
Turkeyrepublican parliamentary democracy
Turkmenistanrepublic; authoritarian presidential rule, with littlepower outside the executive branch
Turks and Caicos IslandsNA
Tuvaluconstitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
Ugandarepublic
Ukrainerepublic
United Arab Emiratesfederation with specified powers delegated tothe UAE federal government and other powers reserved to memberemirates
United Kingdomconstitutional monarchy
United StatesConstitution-based federal republic; strong democratictradition
Uruguayconstitutional republic
Uzbekistanrepublic; authoritarian presidential rule, with littlepower outside the executive branch
Vanuatuparliamentary republic
Venezuelafederal republic
VietnamCommunist state
Virgin IslandsNA
Wallis and FutunaNA
Western Saharalegal status of territory and issue of sovereigntyunresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front(Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio deOro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed agovernment-in-exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),led by President Mohamed ABDELAZIZ; territory partitioned betweenMorocco and Mauritania in April 1976, with Morocco acquiringnorthern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisarioguerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979;Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has sinceasserted administrative control; the Polisario's government-in-exilewas seated as an Organization of African Unity (OAU) member in 1984;guerrilla activities continued sporadically, until a UN-monitoredcease-fire was implemented 6 September 1991
Yemenrepublic
Zambiarepublic
Zimbabweparliamentary democracy
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@2129 Unemployment rate (%)
Afghanistan40% (2005 est.)
Albania14.3% official rate, but may exceed 30% due to preponderanceof near-subsistence farming (2005 est.)
Algeria15.7% (2006 est.)
American Samoa29.8% (2005)
Andorra0% (1996 est.)
Angolaextensive unemployment and underemployment affecting morethan half the population (2001 est.)
Anguilla8% (2002)
Antigua and Barbuda11% (2001 est.)
Argentina10.2% (3rd quarter)
Armenia7.6% (2004 est.)
Aruba6.9% (2005 est.)
Australia4.9% (2006 est.)
Austria4.9% (2006 est.)
Azerbaijan1.2% official rate (2006 est.)
Bahamas, The10.2% (2005 est.)
Bahrain15% (2005 est.)
Bangladesh2.5% (includes underemployment) (2006 est.)
Barbados10.7% (2003 est.)
Belarus1.6% officially registered unemployed; large number ofunderemployed workers (2005)
Belgium8.1% (2006 est.)
Belize12.9% (2003)
BeninNA%
Bermuda2.1% (2004 est.)
Bhutan
Bolivia 7.8% in urban areas; widespread underemployment (2006 est.)
Bosnia and Herzegovina 45.5% official rate; grey economy may reduce actual unemployment to 25-30% (31 December 2004 est.)
Botswana23.8% (2004)
Brazil9.6% (2006 est.)
British Virgin Islands3.6% (1997)
Brunei4.8% (2004)
Bulgaria9.6% (2006 est.)
Burkina FasoNA%
Burma10.2% (2006 est.)
BurundiNA%
Cambodia2.5% (2000 est.)
Cameroon30% (2001 est.)
Canada6.4% (2006 est.)
Cape Verde21% (2000 est.)
Cayman Islands4.4% (2004)
Central African Republic8% (23% for Bangui) (2001 est.)
ChadNA%
Chile8.3% (2006 est.)
China4.2% official registered unemployment in urban areas in 2005;substantial unemployment and underemployment in rural areas
Cocos (Keeling) Islands60% (2000 est.)
Colombia11.1% (2006 est.)
Comoros20% (1996 est.)
Congo, Democratic Republic of theNA%
Congo, Republic of theNA%
Cook Islands13.1% (2005)
Costa Rica6.6% (2006 est.)
Cote d'Ivoire13% in urban areas (1998)
Croatia17.2% official rate; labor force surveys indicateunemployment around 14% (2006 est.)
Cuba1.9% (2006 est.)
CyprusRepublic of Cyprus: 5.5% (2005 est.); north Cyprus: 5.6%(2004 est.)
Czech Republic8.4% (2006 est.)
Denmark4.5% (2006 est.)
Djibouti50% (2004 est.)
Dominica23% (2000 est.)
Dominican Republic16% (2006 est.)
East Timor50% estimated; note - unemployment in urban areas reached20%; data do not include underemployed (2001 est.)
Ecuador10.6% official rate; but underemployment of 47% (2006 est.)
Egypt10.3% (2006 est.)
El Salvador6% official rate; but the economy has muchunderemployment (2006 est.)
Equatorial Guinea30% (1998 est.)
EritreaNA%
Estonia5.8% (2006 est.)
EthiopiaNA%
European Union8.8% (2005 est.)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) full employment; labor shortage (2001)
Faroe Islands1% (October 2000)
Fiji7.6% (1999)
Finland7% (2006 est.)
France9.1% (2006 est.)
French Polynesia11.8%
Gabon21% (1997 est.)
Gambia, TheNA%
Gaza Strip31% (includes West Bank) (January-September 2005 avg.)
Georgia12.6% (2004 est.)
Germany7.1%note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated ratefor international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Officeestimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 9.8% (2006 est.)
Ghana20% (1997 est.)
Gibraltar2% (2001 est.)
Greece9.2% (2006 est.)
Greenland10% (2000 est.)
Grenada12.5% (2000)
Guam11.4% (2002 est.)
Guatemala7.5% (2003 est.)
Guernsey0.9% (March 2006 est.)
GuineaNA%
Guinea-BissauNA%
Guyana9.1% (understated) (2000)
Haitiwidespread unemployment and underemployment; more thantwo-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs (2002 est.)
Honduras27.9% (2006 est.)
Hong Kong4.9% (2006 est.)
Hungary7.4% (2006 est.)
Iceland1.3% (2006 est.)
India7.8% (2006 est.)
Indonesia12.5% (2006 est.)
Iran11.2% (2004 est.)
Iraq25% to 30% (2005 est.)
Ireland4.3% (2006 est.)
Isle of Man0.6% (2004 est.)
Israel8.5% (2006 est.)
Italy7% (2006 est.)
Jamaica11% (2006 est.)
Japan4.1% (2006 est.)
Jersey0.9% (2004 est.)
Jordan15% official rate; unofficial rate is approximately 30% (2006est.)
Kazakhstan7.4% (2006 est.)
Kenya40% (2001 est.)
Kiribati2% official rate; underemployment 70% (1992 est.)
Korea, NorthNA%
Korea, South3.6% (2006 est.)
Kuwait2.2% (2004 est.)
Kyrgyzstan18% (2004 est.)
Laos2.4% (2005 est.)
Latvia6.7% (2006 est.)
Lebanon20% (2006 est.)
Lesotho45% (2002)
Liberia85% (2003 est.)
Libya30% (2004 est.)
Liechtenstein1.3% (September 2002)
Lithuania4.5% (2006 est.)
Luxembourg4.1% (2006 est.)
Macau4.1% (2005)
Macedonia35% (2006 est.)
MalawiNA%
Malaysia3.5% (2006 est.)
MaldivesNEGL% (2003 est.)
Mali14.6% (2001 est.)
Malta7.8% (2005 est.)
Marshall Islands30.9% (2000 est.)
Mauritania20% (2004 est.)
Mauritius9.4% (2006 est.)
Mayotte32.8% (2003)
Mexico3.2% plus underemployment of perhaps 25% (2006 est.)
Micronesia, Federated States of22% (2000 est.)
Moldova8%; note - roughly 25% of working age Moldovans are employedabroad (2002 est.)
Monaco22% (1999)
Mongolia6.7% (2003)
Montenegro27.7% (2005)
Montserrat6% (1998 est.)
Morocco7.7% (2006 est.)
Mozambique21% (1997 est.)
Namibia5.3% (2006 est.)
Nauru90% (2004 est.)
Nepal42% (2004 est.)
Netherlands5.5% (2006 est.)
Netherlands Antilles17% (2002 est.)
New Caledonia17.1% (2004)
New Zealand8.3% (2006 est.)
Nicaragua3.8% plus underemployment of 46.5% (2006 est.)
NigerNA%
Nigeria5.8% (2006 est.)
Niue12% (2001)
Norfolk Island0%
Northern Mariana Islands3.9% (2001)
Norway3.5% (2006 est.)
Oman15% (2004 est.)
Pakistan6.5% plus substantial underemployment (2006 est.)
Palau4.2% (2005 est.)
Panama8.8% (2006 est.)
Papua New Guinea2% up to 80% in urban areas (2004)
Paraguay9.4% (2005 est.)
Peru7.2% in metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment (2006est.)
Philippines8.4% (2006 est.)
Poland14.9% (November 2006 est.)
Portugal7.5% (2006 est.)
Puerto Rico12% (2002)
Qatar3.2% (2006 est.)
Romania6.1% (2006 est.)
Russia6.6% plus considerable underemployment (2006 est.)
RwandaNA%
Saint Helena14% (1998 est.)
Saint Kitts and Nevis4.5% (1997)
Saint Lucia20% (2003 est.)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon10.3% (1999)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines15% (2001 est.)
SamoaNA%
San Marino2.6% (2001)
Sao Tome and PrincipeNA%
Saudi Arabia13% among Saudi males only (local bank estimate; someestimates range as high as 25%) (2004 est.)
Senegal48%; note - urban youth 40% (2001 est.)
Serbia31.6%note: unemployment is approximately 50% in Kosovo (2005 est.)
SeychellesNA%
Sierra LeoneNA%
Singapore3.1% (2006 est.)
Slovakia10.2% (2006 est.)
Slovenia9.6% (2006 est.)
Solomon IslandsNA%
SomaliaNA%
South Africa25.5% (2006 est.)
Spain8.7% (2006 est.)
Sri Lanka7.6% (2006 est.)
Sudan18.7% (2002 est.)
Suriname9.5% (2004)
Swaziland40% (2005 est.)
Sweden5.6% (2006 est.)
Switzerland3.3% (2006 est.)
Syria8% (2005 est.)
Taiwan3.9% (2006 est.)
Tajikistan12% (2004 est.)
TanzaniaNA%
Thailand2.1% (2006 est.)
TogoNA%
TokelauNA%
Tonga13% (FY03/04 est.)
Trinidad and Tobago7% (2006 est.)
Tunisia13.9% (2006 est.)
Turkey10.2% plus underemployment of 4% (2006 est.)
Turkmenistan60% (2004 est.)
Turks and Caicos Islands10% (1997 est.)
TuvaluNA%
UgandaNA%
Ukraine2.9% officially registered; large number of unregistered orunderemployed workers; the International Labor Organizationcalculates that Ukraine's real unemployment level is around 9-10%(2006 est.)
United Arab Emirates2.4% (2001)
United Kingdom5.4% (2006 est.)
United States4.6% (2006)
Uruguay10.5% (2006 est.)
Uzbekistan0.8% officially, plus another 20% underemployed (2006est.)
Vanuatu1.7% (1999)
Venezuela8.9% (October 2006 est.)
Vietnam2% (2006 est.)
Virgin Islands6.2% (2004)
Wallis and Futuna15.2% (2003)
West Bank20.3% (includes Gaza Strip) (2005)
Western SaharaNA%
World30% combined unemployment and underemployment in manynon-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 4%-12%unemployment
Yemen35% (2003 est.)
Zambia50% (2000 est.)
Zimbabwe80% (2005 est.)
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@2137 Military - note
AkrotiriAkrotiri has a full RAF base, Headquarters for BritishForces on Cyprus, and Episkopi Support Unit
American Samoadefense is the responsibility of the US
Andorradefense is the responsibility of France and Spain
Anguilladefense is the responsibility of the UK
Antarcticathe Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a militarynature, such as the establishment of military bases andfortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or thetesting of any type of weapon; it permits the use of militarypersonnel or equipment for scientific research or for any otherpeaceful purposes
Argentinathe Argentine military is a well-organized forceconstrained by the country's prolonged economic hardship; thecountry has recently experienced a strong recovery, and the militaryis now implementing "Plan 2000," aimed at making the ground forceslighter and more responsive (2005)
Arubadefense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ashmore and Cartier Islandsdefense is the responsibility ofAustralia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and RoyalAustralian Air Force
Baker Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US; visitedannually by the US Coast Guard
Barbadosthe Royal Barbados Defense Force includes a land-basedTroop Command and a small Coast Guard; the primary role of the landelement is to defend the island against external aggression; theCommand consists of a single, part-time battalion with a smallregular cadre that is deployed throughout the island; itincreasingly supports the police in patrolling the coastline toprevent smuggling and other illicit activities (2005)
Bassas da Indiadefense is the responsibility of France
Bermudadefense is the responsibility of the UK
Bouvet Islanddefense is the responsibility of Norway
British Indian Ocean Territorydefense is the responsibility of theUK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016
British Virgin Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK
Cayman Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK
Christmas Islanddefense is the responsibility of Australia
Clipperton Islanddefense is the responsibility of France
Cocos (Keeling) Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia;the territory has a five-person police force
Cook Islandsdefense is the responsibility of New Zealand, inconsultation with the Cook Islands and at its request
Coral Sea Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia;visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia hascontrol over the activities of visitors
CubaMoscow, for decades the key military supporter and supplier ofCuba, cut off almost all military aid by 1993
Dhekeliaincludes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Stationconnected by a roadway
Europa Islanddefense is the responsibility of France
European UnionIn November 2004, the European Union heads ofgovernment signed a "Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe"that offers possibilities - with some limits - for increased defenseand security cooperation. If ratified, in a process that may takesome two years, this treaty will in effect make operational theEuropean Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) approved in the 2000Nice Treaty. Despite limits of cooperation for some EU members,development of a European military planning unit is likely tocontinue. So is creation of a rapid-reaction military force and ahumanitarian aid system, which the planning unit will support.France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Italycontinue to press for wider coordination. The five-nation Eurocorps- created in 1992 by France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg- has already deployed troops and police on peacekeeping missions toBosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and the Democratic Republic ofCongo and assumed command of the International Security AssistanceForce (ISAF) in Afghanistan in August 2004. Eurocorps directlycommands the 5,000-man Franco-German Brigade, the MultinationalCommand Support Brigade, and EUFOR, which took over from SFOR inBosnia in December 2004. Other troop contributions are undernational command - commitments to provide 67,100 troops were made atthe Helsinki EU session in 2000. Some 56,000 EU troops were actuallydeployed in 2003. In August 2004, the new European Defense Agency,tasked with promoting cooperative European defense capabilities,began operations. In November 2004, the EU Council of Ministersformally committed to creating thirteen 1,500-man "battle groups" bythe end of 2007, to respond to international crises on a rotatingbasis. Twenty-two of the EU's 25 nations have agreed to supplytroops. France, Italy, and the UK are to form the first three battlegroups in 2005, with Spain to follow. In May 2005, Norway, Sweden,and Finland agreed to establish one of the battle groups, possiblyto include Estonian forces. The remaining groups are to be formed by2007. (2005)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) defense is the responsibility of the UK
Faroe Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Denmark
French Polynesiadefense is the responsibility of France
French Southern and Antarctic Landsdefense is the responsibility ofFrance
Georgiaa CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed inthe Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observergroup; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia
Gibraltardefense is the responsibility of the UK; the last Britishregular infantry forces left Gibraltar in 1992, replaced by theRoyal Gibraltar Regiment
Glorioso Islandsdefense is the responsibility of France
Greenlanddefense is the responsibility of Denmark
Guamdefense is the responsibility of the US
Guernseydefense is the responsibility of the UK
Heard Island and McDonald Islandsdefense is the responsibility ofAustralia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols
Holy See (Vatican City) defense is the responsibility of Italy; ceremonial and limited security duties performed by Pontifical Swiss Guard
Hong Kongdefense is the responsibility of China
Howland Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US; visitedannually by the US Coast Guard
Icelandunder a 1951 bilateral agreement, Iceland's defense wasprovided by a US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquarteredin Keflavik; in October 2006, all US military forces in Iceland werewithdrawn; nonetheless, the US and Iceland signed a JointUnderstanding to strengthen their bilateral defense relationship,including regular security consultations, military communications inthe event of national emergencies, annual bilateral exercises onIcelandic territory, and future bilateral and NATO support to fourIceland Air Defense System (IADS) radar sites
Iles Eparsesdefense is the responsibility of France
Isle of Mandefense is the responsibility of the UK
Jan Mayendefense is the responsibility of Norway
Jarvis Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US; visitedannually by the US Coast Guard
Jerseydefense is the responsibility of the UK
Johnston Atolldefense is the responsibility of the US
Juan de Nova Islanddefense is the responsibility of France
Kingman Reefdefense is the responsibility of the US
KiribatiKiribati does not have military forces; defense assistanceis provided by Australia and NZ
LaosLaos is one of the world's least developed countries; the LaoPeople's Armed Forces are small, poorly funded, and ineffectivelyresourced; there is little political will to allocate sparse fundingto the military, and the armed forces' gradual degradation is likelyto continue; the massive drug production and trafficking industrycentered in the Golden Triangle makes Laos an important narcoticstransit country, and armed Wa and Chinese smugglers are active onthe Lao-Burma border (2005)
Lesothothe Lesotho Government in 1999 began an open debate on thefuture structure, size, and role of the armed forces, especiallyconsidering the Lesotho Defense Force's (LDF) history of interveningin political affairs
Liechtensteindefense is the responsibility of Switzerland
Macaudefense is the responsiblity of China
Marshall Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US
Mayottedefense is the responsibility of France; small contingent ofFrench forces stationed on the island
Micronesia, Federated States ofdefense is the responsibility of theUS
Midway Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US
Monacodefense is the responsibility of France; the Palace Guardperforms ceremonial duties (2003)
MontenegroMontenegrin plans call for the establishment of a fullyprofessional armed forces
Montserratdefense is the responsibility of the UK
NauruNauru maintains no defense forces; under an informalagreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia
Navassa Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US
Netherlands Antilles defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
New Caledoniadefense is the responsibility of France
Niuedefense is the responsibility of New Zealand
Norfolk Islanddefense is the responsibility of Australia
Northern Mariana Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US
Palaudefense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact ofFree Association between Palau and the US, the US military isgranted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationedany military forces there (2005)
Palmyra Atolldefense is the responsibility of the US
Panamaon 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARAabolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus bycreating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama'sLegislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibitingthe creation of a standing military force, but allowing thetemporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of"external aggression"
Paracel Islandsoccupied by China
Pitcairn Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK
Puerto Ricodefense is the responsibility of the US
Saint Helenadefense is the responsibility of the UK
Saint Pierre and Miquelondefense is the responsibility of France
SamoaSamoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces;informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to considerany Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship
San Marinodefense is the responsibility of Italy
Sao Tome and PrincipeSao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny forcewith almost no resources at its disposal and would be whollyineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is consideredsimple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment orreplacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay andconditions have been a problem in the past, as has alleged nepotismin the promotion of officers, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003coups; these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance asinitial steps towards the improvement of the army and its focus onrealistic security concerns; command is exercised from thepresident, through the Minister of Defense, to the Chief of theArmed Forces staff (2005)
South Africawith the end of apartheid and the establishment ofmajority rule, former military, black homelands forces, andex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African NationalDefense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process wasconsidered complete
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islandsdefense is theresponsibility of the UK
Spratly IslandsSpratly Islands consist of more than 100 smallislands or reefs, of which about 45 are claimed and occupied byChina, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam
Svalbarddemilitarized by treaty on 9 February 1920
Tokelaudefense is the responsibility of New Zealand
Tromelin Islanddefense is the responsibility of France
Turkeyin the early 1990s, the Turkish Land Force was a large butbadly equipped infantry force; there were 14 infantry divisions, butonly one was mechanized, and out of 16 infantry brigades, only sixwere mechanized; the overhaul that has taken place since hasproduced highly mobile forces with greatly enhanced firepower inaccordance with NATO's new strategic concept (2005)
Turks and Caicos Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK
United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges defense is the responsibility of the US
Virgin Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US
Wake Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US; the US AirForce is responsible for overall administration and operation of theisland; the launch support facility is administered by the USMissile Defense Agency (MDA)
Wallis and Futunadefense is the responsibility of France
Yemena Coast Guard was established in 2002
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@2138 Communications - note
Afghanistanin March 2003, 'af' was established as Afghanistan'sdomain name; Internet access is growing through Internet cafes aswell as public "telekiosks" in Kabul (2002)
Bouvet Islandautomatic meteorological station
Coral Sea Islands there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland
Europa Island1 meteorological station
Glorioso Islands1 meteorological station
Iles EparsesEuropa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island,Tromelin Island: 1 meteorological station on each possession; note -meteorological station on Tromelin Island is important forforecasting cyclones
Juan de Nova Island1 meteorological station
Saint HelenaSouth Africa maintains a meteorological station onGough Island
Tromelin Islandimportant meteorological station
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@2140 Government - note
French Polynesiaunder certain acts of France, French Polynesia hasacquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police andjustice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, anddefense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president arefashioned after those of the French prime minister
Malawithe executive exerts considerable influence over thelegislature
New Zealandwhile not an official symbol, the Kiwi, a small nativeflightless bird, represents New Zealand
Solomon IslandsJune 2003 Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA soughtthe intervention of Australia to aid in restoring order; parliamentapproved the request for intervention in July 2003; troops fromAustralia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga arrived 24 July2003; by 2006, the Regional Assistance Mission to the SolomonIslands (RAMSI) had been scaled back to 259 police officers and 20military, in addition to civilian technical advisers; in response torioting that broke out in mid-April 2006, Australia dispatched anaddtional 220 troops and 70 police officers to help restore order
Somaliaalthough an interim government was created in 2004, otherregional and local governing bodies continue to exist and controlvarious cities and regions of the country, including theself-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia, thesemi-autonomous State of Puntland in northeastern Somalia, andtraditional clan and faction strongholds
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@2142 Country name
Afghanistanconventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistanconventional short form: Afghanistanlocal long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Afghanestanlocal short form: Afghanestanformer: Republic of Afghanistan
Akrotiriconventional long form: Akrotiri Sovereign Base Areaconventional short form: Akrotiri
Albaniaconventional long form: Republic of Albaniaconventional short form: Albanialocal long form: Republika e Shqiperiselocal short form: Shqiperiaformer: People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Algeriaconventional long form: People's Democratic Republic ofAlgeriaconventional short form: Algerialocal long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ashSha'biyahlocal short form: Al Jaza'ir
American Samoaconventional long form: Territory of American Samoaconventional short form: American Samoaabbreviation: AS
Andorraconventional long form: Principality of Andorraconventional short form: Andorralocal long form: Principat d'Andorralocal short form: Andorra
Angolaconventional long form: Republic of Angolaconventional short form: Angolalocal long form: Republica de Angolalocal short form: Angolaformer: People's Republic of Angola
Anguillaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Anguilla
Antarcticaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Antarctica
Antigua and Barbudaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda
Argentinaconventional long form: Argentine Republicconventional short form: Argentinalocal long form: Republica Argentinalocal short form: Argentina
Armeniaconventional long form: Republic of Armeniaconventional short form: Armenialocal long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yunlocal short form: Hayastanformer: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic
Arubaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Aruba
Ashmore and Cartier Islandsconventional long form: Territory ofAshmore and Cartier Islandsconventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Australiaconventional long form: Commonwealth of Australiaconventional short form: Australia
Austriaconventional long form: Republic of Austriaconventional short form: Austrialocal long form: Republik Oesterreichlocal short form: Oesterreich
Azerbaijanconventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijanconventional short form: Azerbaijanlocal long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasilocal short form: Azarbaycanformer: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
Bahamas, Theconventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamasconventional short form: The Bahamas
Bahrainconventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrainconventional short form: Bahrainlocal long form: Mamlakat al Bahraynlocal short form: Al Bahraynformer: Dilmun
Baker Islandconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Baker Island
Bangladeshconventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladeshconventional short form: Bangladeshlocal long form: Gana Prajatantri Banladeshlocal short form: Banladeshformer: East Bengal, East Pakistan
Barbadosconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Barbados
Bassas da Indiaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Bassas da India
Belarusconventional long form: Republic of Belarusconventional short form: Belaruslocal long form: Respublika Byelarus'local short form: Byelarus'former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic
Belgiumconventional long form: Kingdom of Belgiumconventional short form: Belgiumlocal long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgielocal short form: Belgique/Belgie
Belizeconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Belizeformer: British Honduras
Beninconventional long form: Republic of Beninconventional short form: Beninlocal long form: Republique du Beninlocal short form: Beninformer: Dahomey
Bermudaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Bermudaformer: Somers Islands
Bhutanconventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutanconventional short form: Bhutanlocal long form: Druk Gyalkhaplocal short form: Druk Yul
Boliviaconventional long form: Republic of Boliviaconventional short form: Bolivialocal long form: Republica de Bolivialocal short form: Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: none local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswanaconventional long form: Republic of Botswanaconventional short form: Botswanalocal long form: Republic of Botswanalocal short form: Botswanaformer: Bechuanaland
Bouvet Islandconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Bouvet Island
Brazilconventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazilconventional short form: Brazillocal long form: Republica Federativa do Brasillocal short form: Brasil
British Indian Ocean Territoryconventional long form: BritishIndian Ocean Territoryconventional short form: noneabbreviation: BIOT
British Virgin Islandsconventional long form: noneconventional short form: British Virgin Islandsabbreviation: BVI
Bruneiconventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalamconventional short form: Bruneilocal long form: Negara Brunei Darussalamlocal short form: Brunei
Bulgariaconventional long form: Republic of Bulgariaconventional short form: Bulgarialocal long form: Republika Balgariyalocal short form: Balgariya
Burkina Fasoconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Burkina Fasolocal long form: nonelocal short form: Burkina Fasoformer: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta
Burmaconventional long form: Union of Burmaconventional short form: Burmalocal long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by theUS Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union ofMyanmar)local short form: Myanma Naingngandawformer: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burmanote: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted thename Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; this decisionwas not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and the USGovernment did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of theBurmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw
Burundiconventional long form: Republic of Burundiconventional short form: Burundilocal long form: Republique du Burundi/Republika y'u Burundilocal short form: Burundiformer: Urundi
Cambodiaconventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodiaconventional short form: Cambodialocal long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phoneticpronunciation)local short form: Kampucheaformer: Kingdom of Cambodia, Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea,People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia
Cameroonconventional long form: Republic of Cameroonconventional short form: Cameroonlocal long form: Republique du Cameroun/Republic of Cameroonlocal short form: Cameroun/Cameroonformer: French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic ofCameroon, United Republic of Cameroon
Canadaconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Canada
Cape Verdeconventional long form: Republic of Cape Verdeconventional short form: Cape Verdelocal long form: Republica de Cabo Verdelocal short form: Cabo Verde
Cayman Islandsconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Cayman Islands
Central African Republicconventional long form: Central AfricanRepublicconventional short form: nonelocal long form: Republique Centrafricainelocal short form: noneformer: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empireabbreviation: CAR
Chadconventional long form: Republic of Chadconventional short form: Chadlocal long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshadlocal short form: Tchad/Tshad
Chileconventional long form: Republic of Chileconventional short form: Chilelocal long form: Republica de Chilelocal short form: Chile
Chinaconventional long form: People's Republic of Chinaconventional short form: Chinalocal long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguolocal short form: Zhongguoabbreviation: PRC
Christmas Islandconventional long form: Territory of ChristmasIslandconventional short form: Christmas Island
Clipperton Island conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Clipperton former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion
Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombiaconventional long form: Republic of Colombiaconventional short form: Colombialocal long form: Republica de Colombialocal short form: Colombia
Comorosconventional long form: Union of the Comorosconventional short form: Comoroslocal long form: Union des Comoreslocal short form: Comores
Congo, Democratic Republic of the conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo conventional short form: none local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo local short form: none former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire abbreviation: DRC
Congo, Republic of the conventional long form: Republic of the Congo conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) local long form: Republique du Congo local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo
Cook Islandsconventional long form: noneconventional short form: Cook Islandsformer: Harvey Islands
Coral Sea Islandsconventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territoryconventional short form: Coral Sea Islands
Costa Ricaconventional long form: Republic of Costa Ricaconventional short form: Costa Ricalocal long form: Republica de Costa Ricalocal short form: Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoireconventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoireconventional short form: Cote d'Ivoirelocal long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoirelocal short form: Cote d'Ivoireformer: Ivory Coast
Croatiaconventional long form: Republic of Croatiaconventional short form: Croatialocal long form: Republika Hrvatskalocal short form: Hrvatskaformer: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia
Cubaconventional long form: Republic of Cubaconventional short form: Cubalocal long form: Republica de Cubalocal short form: Cuba
Cyprusconventional long form: Republic of Cyprusconventional short form: Cypruslocal long form: Kypriaki Dimokratia/Kibris Cumhuriyetilocal short form: Kypros/Kibrisnote: the Turkish Cypriot community, which administers the northernpart of the island, refers to itself as the "Turkish Republic ofNorthern Cyprus" (TRNC)
Czech Republicconventional long form: Czech Republicconventional short form: Czech Republiclocal long form: Ceska Republikalocal short form: Cesko
Denmarkconventional long form: Kingdom of Denmarkconventional short form: Denmarklocal long form: Kongeriget Danmarklocal short form: Danmark
Dhekeliaconventional long form: Dhekelia Sovereign Base Areaconventional short form: Dhekelia
Djibouticonventional long form: Republic of Djibouticonventional short form: Djiboutilocal long form: Republique de Djibouti/Jumhuriyat Jibutilocal short form: Djibouti/Jibutiformer: French Territory of the Afars and Issas, French Somaliland
Dominicaconventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominicaconventional short form: Dominica