Death rate:
5.97 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166
Net migration rate:
-0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137
Urbanization:
urban population: 28% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.115 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 21.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 95 male: 21.95 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.15 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 71.94 years country comparison to the world: 127 male: 69.48 years
female: 74.69 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
290,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 24
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20
Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and plague
water contact disease: leptospirosis
note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)
Nationality:
noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)
adjective: Vietnamese
Ethnic groups:
Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.7%, Muong 1.5%, Khome 1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nun 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census)
Religions:
Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)
Languages:
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90.3%
male: 93.9%
female: 86.9% (2002 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2001)
Education expenditures:
5.3% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 55
Government ::Vietnam
Country name:
conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
conventional short form: Vietnam
local long form: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam
local short form: Viet Nam
abbreviation: SRV
Government type:
Communist state
Capital:
name: Hanoi (Ha Noi)
geographic coordinates: 21 02 N, 105 51 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
58 provinces (tinh, singular and plural) and 5 municipalities (thanh pho, singular and plural)
provinces: An Giang, Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, BaRia-Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, BinhThuan, Ca Mau, Cao Bang, Dac Lak, Dac Nong, Dien Bien, Dong Nai,Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hau Giang,Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, LamDong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, NinhThuan, Phu Tho, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, QuangNinh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, ThaiNguyen, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, TuyenQuang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai
municipalities: Can Tho, Da Nang, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City
Independence:
2 September 1945 (from France)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 2 September (1945)
Constitution:
15 April 1992
Legal system:
based on communist legal theory and French civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Nguyen Minh TRIET (since 27 June 2006); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007)
head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006); Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh HUNG (since 28 June 2006), Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung HAI (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien NHAN (since 2 August 2007), Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia KHIEM (since 28 June 2006), and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh TRONG (since 28 June 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president based on proposal of prime minister and confirmed by National Assembly (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by the National Assembly from among its members for five-year term; last election held 27 June 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); prime minister appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by the prime minister; appointment of prime minister and deputy prime ministers confirmed by National Assembly
election results: Nguyen Minh TRIET elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 94%; Nguyen Tan DUNG elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 92%
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly or Quoc Hoi (493 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 20 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPV 450, non-party CPV-approved 42, self-nominated 1; note - 493 candidates were elected; CPV and non-party CPV-approved delegates were members of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front
Judicial branch:
Supreme People's Court (chief justice is elected by the NationalAssembly on the recommendation of the president for a five-year term)
Political parties and leaders:
Communist Party of Vietnam or CPV [Nong Duc MANH]; other parties proscribed
Political pressure groups and leaders:
8406 Bloc; Democratic Party of Vietnam or DPV; People's Democratic Party Vietnam or PDP-VN; Alliance for Democracy
note: these groups advocate democracy but are not recognized by the government
International organization participation:
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC,IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Le Cong PHUNG
chancery: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 861-0737
consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MICHALAK
embassy: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002
telephone: [84] (4) 3850-5000
consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City
Flag description:
red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center; red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism
National anthem:
name: "Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)
lyrics/music: Nguyen Van CAO
note: adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945; it became the national anthem of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976; although it consists of two verses, only the first is used as the official anthem
Economy ::Vietnam
Economy - overview:
Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that in the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process. WTO membership has provided Vietnam an anchor to the global market and reinforced the domestic economic reform process. Agriculture's share of economic output has continued to shrink from about 25% in 2000 to about 21% in 2009. Deep poverty has declined significantly and Vietnam is working to create jobs to meet the challenge of a labor force that is growing by more than one million people every year. The global recession has hurt Vietnam's export-oriented economy with GDP growing less than the 7% per annum average achieved during the last decade. In 2009 exports fell nearly 10% year-on-year, prompting the government to consider adjustments to tariffs to limit the trade deficit. The government has used stimulus spending, including a subsidized lending program, to help the economy through the global financial crisis. Vietnam's managed currency, the dong, faced downward pressure during the recession and the government devalued it by nearly 7% in December 2009. Foreign donors pledged $8 billion in new development assistance for 2010. Export growth resumed in 2010, driving GDP upward. However, Hanoi has struggled to control one of the region's highest inflation rates, which stands at 11.1% with interest hikes and multiple devaluations of the dong. Vietnam's economy faces higher lending rates, additional IMF scrutiny, domestic inflationary pressures, and an underperforming stock market.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$278.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $260.3 billion (2009 est.)
$247.2 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$102 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 5.3% (2009 est.)
6.3% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$3,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 $2,900 (2009 est.)
$2,800 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 20.5%
industry: 40.2%
services: 39.2% (2010 est.)
Labor force:
47.49 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 51.8%
industry: 15.4%
services: 32.7% (April 2009)
Unemployment rate:
6.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line:
12.3% (2009 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 3.1%
highest 10%: 29.8% (2006)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
37 (2004) country comparison to the world: 78 36.1 (1998)
Investment (gross fixed):
35.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8
Public debt:
53.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 52.4% of GDP (2009 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
11.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 7% (2009 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
6% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 43 10.25% (31 December 2008)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
15.78% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 81 11.18% (31 December 2007)
Stock of narrow money:
$33.76 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 53 $31.75 billion (31 December 2009 est)
Stock of broad money:
$118.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $107.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of domestic credit:
$132.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $114.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$21.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $9.589 billion (31 December 2008)
$19.54 billion (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas; poultry; fish, seafood
Industries:
food processing, garments, shoes, machine-building; mining, coal, steel; cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil, paper
Industrial production growth rate:
7.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36
Electricity - production:
86.9 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34
Electricity - consumption:
74.5 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36
Electricity - exports:
535 million kWh (2009 est.)
Electricity - imports:
3.85 billion kWh (2009 est.)
Oil - production:
338,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36
Oil - consumption:
302,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42
Oil - exports:
29,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88
Oil - imports:
134,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57
Oil - proved reserves:
4.7 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26
Natural gas - production:
7.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45
Natural gas - consumption:
8.1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101
Natural gas - imports:
380,000 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69
Natural gas - proved reserves:
610 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31
Current account balance:
-$9.622 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176 -$7.44 billion (2009 est.)
Exports:
$70.76 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $57.1 billion (2009 est.)
Exports - commodities:
crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes
Exports - partners:
US 21.43%, Japan 11.44%, China 7.27%, Australia 4.43%, Germany 4.27% (2009)
Imports:
$81.73 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $65.4 billion (2009 est.)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles
Imports - partners:
China 16.42%, Singapore 9.61%, Japan 8.96%, Taiwan 8.23%, SouthKorea 7.72%, Thailand 6.41%, Hong Kong 4.45%, US 4.27% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$16.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $16.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Debt - external:
$33.45 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $27.84 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$59.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $49.92 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$7.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $NA (31 December 2008)
Exchange rates:
dong (VND) per US dollar - 19,148.9 (2010), 17,799.6 (2009), 16,548.3 (2008), 16,119 (2007), 15,983 (2006)
Communications ::Vietnam
Telephones - main lines in use:
17.427 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17
Telephones - mobile cellular:
98.224 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 10
Telephone system:
general assessment: Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system
domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly
international: country code - 84; a landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3, the C2C, and Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong submarine cable systems; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable system, scheduled for completion by the end of 2008, will provide new access links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
Broadcast media:
government controls all broadcast media exercising oversight through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC); government-controlled national television provider, Vietnam Television (VTV), operates a network of 9 channels with several regional broadcasting centers; programming is relayed nationwide via a network of provincial and municipal TV stations; law limits access to satellite TV but many households are able to access foreign programming via home satellite equipment; government-controlled Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, broadcasts on 6 channels and is repeated on AM, FM, and shortwave stations throughout Vietnam (2008)
Internet country code:
.vn
Internet hosts:
129,318 (2010) country comparison to the world: 73
Internet users:
23.382 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 17
Transportation ::Vietnam
Airports:
44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 98
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 37
over 3,047 m: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 7
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m: 3 (2010)
Heliports:
1 (2010)
Pipelines:
condensate/gas 42 km; gas 66 km; refined products 206 km (2009)
Railways:
total: 2,347 km country comparison to the world: 67 standard gauge: 178 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 2,169 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)
Roadways:
total: 171,392 km country comparison to the world: 29 paved: 125,789 km
unpaved: 45,603 km (2008)
Waterways:
17,702 km (5,000 km navigable by vessels up to 1.8 m draft) (2011) country comparison to the world: 7
Merchant marine:
total: 537 country comparison to the world: 21 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 103, cargo 330, chemical tanker 24, container 20, liquefied gas 7, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1
registered in other countries: 84 (Cambodia 1, Honduras 1, Liberia 3, Mongolia 34, Panama 37, Taiwan 1, Tuvalu 6, unknown 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Cam Pha Port, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My, Quy Nhon
Transportation - note:
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift
Military ::Vietnam
Military branches:
People's Armed Forces: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) (includesPeople's Navy Command (with Naval Infantry, Coast Guard), Air andAir Defense Force (Khong Quan Nhan Dan), Border Defense Command),People's Public Security Forces, Militia Force, Self-Defense Forces(2010)
Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age (male) for compulsory military service; females may volunteer for active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (3 to 4 years in the navy); 18-45 years of age (male) or 18-40 years of age (female) for Militia Force or Self Defense Forces (2006)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 25,402,395
females age 16-49: 24,834,928 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 20,153,269
females age 16-49: 20,980,830 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 877,075
female: 816,076 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
2.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 61
Transnational Issues ::Vietnam
Disputes - international:
southeast Asian states have enhanced border surveillance to check the spread of avian flu; Cambodia and Laos protest Vietnamese squatters and armed encroachments along border; an estimated 300,000 Vietnamese refugees reside in China; establishment of a maritime boundary with Cambodia is hampered by unresolved dispute over the sovereignty of offshore islands; the decade-long demarcation of the China-Vietnam land boundary was completed in 2009; China occupies the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; involved in complex dispute with Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; Vietnam continues to expand construction of facilities in the Spratly Islands; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands
Illicit drugs:
minor producer of opium poppy; probable minor transit point for Southeast Asian heroin; government continues to face domestic opium/heroin/methamphetamine addiction problems despite longstanding crackdowns
page last updated on January 19, 2011
======================================================================
@Virgin Islands (Central America and Caribbean)
Introduction ::Virgin Islands
Background:
During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Geography ::Virgin Islands
Location:
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North AtlanticOcean, east of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total: 1,910 sq km country comparison to the world: 181 land: 346 sq km
water: 1,564 sq km
Area - comparative:
twice the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
188 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Terrain:
mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m
Natural resources:
sun, sand, sea, surf
Land use:
arable land: 5.71%
permanent crops: 2.86%
other: 91.43% (2005)
Irrigated land:
Natural hazards:
several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes
Environment - current issues:
lack of natural freshwater resources
Geography - note:
important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
People ::Virgin Islands
Population:
109,750 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.4% (male 11,394/female 11,048)
15-64 years: 65.9% (male 33,843/female 38,574)
65 years and over: 13.6% (male 6,747/female 8,219) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 39.8 years
male: 39.2 years
female: 40.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.072% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 207
Birth rate:
11.51 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170
Death rate:
6.96 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132
Net migration rate:
-5.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 199
Urbanization:
urban population: 95% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 166 male: 8.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 79.19 years country comparison to the world: 38 male: 76.14 years
female: 82.41 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.81 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Nationality:
noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Virgin Islander
Ethnic groups:
black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)
Religions:
Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%
Languages:
English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or FrenchCreole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 90-95% est.
male: NA
female: NA (2005 est.)
Education expenditures:
Government ::Virgin Islands
Country name:
conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands
conventional short form: Virgin Islands
former: Danish West Indies
abbreviation: USVI
Dependency status:
organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Government type:
Capital:
name: Charlotte Amalie
geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas
Independence:
none (territory of the US)
National holiday:
Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917)
Constitution:
Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Legal system:
based on US laws
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)
cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)
election results: John DeJONGH reelected governor; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 56.3%, Kenneth MAPP 43.6%
Legislative branch:
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 10, ICM 2, independent 3
note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 2 November 2010 (next to be held on November 2012)
Judicial branch:
US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)
Political parties and leaders:
Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
International organization participation:
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of the US)
Flag description:
white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in the left with a superimposed shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel; white is a symbol of purity, the letters stand for the Virgin Islands
National anthem:
name: "Virgin Islands March"
lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr.
note: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)
Economy ::Virgin Islands
Economy - overview:
Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.4 million visitors in 2008. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, rum distilling, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$1.577 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 193
GDP (official exchange rate):
GDP - real growth rate:
2% (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 149
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$14,500 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 80
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)
Labor force:
49,820 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 19%
services: 80% (2003 est.)
Unemployment rate:
6.2% (2004) country comparison to the world: 59
Population below poverty line:
28.9% (2002)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.2% (2003) country comparison to the world: 62
Agriculture - products:
fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Industries:
tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Industrial production growth rate:
Electricity - production:
776.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151
Electricity - consumption:
722 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
16,870 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 76
Oil - consumption:
88,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82
Oil - exports:
388,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33
Oil - imports:
480,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 107
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121
Exports:
$4.234 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 116
Exports - commodities:
refined petroleum products
Imports:
$4.609 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 120
Imports - commodities:
crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials
Debt - external:
Exchange rates:
the US dollar is used
Communications ::Virgin Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:
75,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150
Telephones - mobile cellular:
80,300 (2005) country comparison to the world: 190
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay
domestic: full range of services available
international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA
Broadcast media:
about a dozen television broadcast stations including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; 24 radio stations broadcasting (2009)
Internet country code:
.vi
Internet hosts:
8,933 (2010) country comparison to the world: 129
Internet users:
30,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180
Transportation ::Virgin Islands
Airports:
2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 201
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 1,260 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 179
Ports and terminals:
Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay
Military ::Virgin Islands
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 17,675
females age 16-49: 21,070 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 805
female: 849 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues ::Virgin Islands
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on January 11, 2011
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@Wake Island (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Wake Island
Background:
The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December 1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been used by the US military, as well as for emergency landings. Although operations on the island were suspended and all personnel evacuated in August 2006 with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5), damage was comparatively minor. A US Air Force repair team restored full capability to the airfield and facilities, which remains a vital strategic link in the Pacific region.
Geography ::Wake Island
Location:
Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 243 land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
19.3 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical
Terrain:
atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 6 m
Natural resources:
none
Land use: