ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC,ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Flag description:
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag
National anthem:
name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)
lyrics/music: Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS
note: adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics
Economy ::Cook Islands
Economy - overview:
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$183.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 216
GDP (official exchange rate):
$183.2 million (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
0.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$9,100 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 116
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 15.1%
industry: 9.6%
services: 75.3% (2004)
Labor force:
6,820 (2001) country comparison to the world: 217
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 29%
industry: 15%
services: 56% (1995)
Unemployment rate:
13.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 138
Population below poverty line:
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 59
Agriculture - products:
copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry
Industries:
fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate:
1% (2002) country comparison to the world: 145
Electricity - production:
31 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201
Electricity - consumption:
28.83 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 201
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194
Oil - consumption:
1,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199
Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145
Oil - imports:
495 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190
Current account balance:
$26.67 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 57
Exports:
$5.222 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 216
Exports - commodities:
copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing
Imports:
$81.04 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 211
Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods
Debt - external:
$141 million (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 178
Exchange rates:
NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)
Communications ::Cook Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:
6,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208
Telephones - mobile cellular:
7,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 211
Telephone system:
general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex
domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable
international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Broadcast media:
1 privately-owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)
Internet country code:
.ck
Internet hosts:
2,521 (2010) country comparison to the world: 150
Internet users:
6,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 204
Transportation ::Cook Islands
Airports:
10 (2010) country comparison to the world: 157
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 2 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 203 paved: 33 km
unpaved: 287 km (2003)
Merchant marine:
total: 34 country comparison to the world: 82 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 27, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 5
foreign-owned: 23 (Egypt 1, Germany 1, Latvia 1, Lithuania 2, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 6, NZ 1, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Avatiu
Military ::Cook Islands
Military branches:
no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 2,272
females age 16-49: 2,222 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 136
female: 115 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request
Transnational Issues ::Cook Islands
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on January 19, 2011
======================================================================
@Coral Sea Islands (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Coral Sea Islands
Background:
Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.
Geography ::Coral Sea Islands
Location:
Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: less than 3 sq km country comparison to the world: 248 land: less than 3 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km with the Willis Islets the most important
Area - comparative:
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
3,095 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical
Terrain:
sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
Natural resources:
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2005)
Irrigated land:
0 sq km
Natural hazards:
occasional tropical cyclones
Environment - current issues:
no permanent fresh water resources
Geography - note:
important nesting area for birds and turtles
People ::Coral Sea Islands
Population:
no indigenous inhabitants
note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island (July 2007 est.)
Government ::Coral Sea Islands
Country name:
conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory
conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands
Dependency status:
territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department
Legal system:
the laws of Australia where applicable apply
Executive branch:
administered from Canberra by the Australian Attorney-General's Department
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of Australia)
Flag description:
the flag of Australia is used
Economy ::Coral Sea Islands
Economy - overview:
no economic activity
Communications ::Coral Sea Islands
Communications - note:
there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland
Transportation ::Coral Sea Islands
Ports and terminals:
none; offshore anchorage only
Military ::Coral Sea Islands
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of Australia
Transnational Issues ::Coral Sea Islands
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on November 17, 2010
======================================================================
@Costa Rica (Central America and Caribbean)
Introduction ::Costa Rica
Background:
Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including: disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by natives, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
Geography ::Costa Rica
Location:
Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the NorthPacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total: 51,100 sq km country comparison to the world: 129 land: 51,060 sq km
water: 40 sq km
note: includes Isla del Coco
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than West Virginia
Land boundaries:
total: 639 km
border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km
Coastline:
1,290 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
Terrain:
coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m
Natural resources:
hydropower
Land use:
arable land: 4.4%
permanent crops: 5.87%
other: 89.73% (2005)
Irrigated land:
1,080 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
112.4 cu km (2000)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 2.68 cu km/yr (29%/17%/53%)
per capita: 619 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes
volcanism: Arenal (elev. 1,670 m, 5,479 ft), which erupted in 2010, is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (elev. 3,432 m, 11,260 ft), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba
Environment - current issues:
deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-KyotoProtocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping,Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:
four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65
People ::Costa Rica
Population:
4,516,220 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122
Age structure:
0-14 years: 26.7% (male 581,916/female 555,216)
15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,443,606/female 1,411,168)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 120,969/female 141,002) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 28.4 years
male: 27.9 years
female: 28.9 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.347% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93
Birth rate:
16.65 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 123
Death rate:
4.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206
Net migration rate:
1.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53
Urbanization:
urban population: 63% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 9.72 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 154 male: 10.59 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 77.54 years country comparison to the world: 55 male: 74.93 years
female: 80.28 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.93 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
9,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 123
Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: intermediate
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever (2009)
Nationality:
noun: Costa Rican(s)
adjective: Costa Rican
Ethnic groups:
white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%
Languages:
Spanish (official), English
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.9%
male: 94.7%
female: 95.1% (2000 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2005)
Education expenditures:
5% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 66
Government ::Costa Rica
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica
conventional short form: Costa Rica
local long form: Republica de Costa Rica
local short form: Costa Rica
Government type:
democratic republic
Capital:
name: San Jose
geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W
time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
Independence:
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Constitution:
7 November 1949
Legal system:
based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (since 8 May 2010); First Vice President Alfio PIVA Mesen (since 8 May 2010); Second Vice President Luis LIBERMAN Ginsburg (since 8 May 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single four-year term; election last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)
election results: Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda elected president; percent of vote - Laura CHINCHILLA Miranda (PLN) 46.7%; Otton SOLIS (PAC) 25.1%, Otto GUEVARA Guth (ML) 20.8%
Legislative branch:
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 7 February 2010 (next to be held in February 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PLN 23, PAC 10, ML 9, PUSC 6, PASE 4, other 5
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected for renewable eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly)
Political parties and leaders:
Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE [Oscar Andres LOPEZ Arias];Citizen Action Party or PAC [Alberto CANAS Escalante]; Costa RicanRenovation Party or PRC [Gerardo Justo OROZCO Alvarez]; DemocraticForce Party or PFD [Marco GONZALEZ Nunez]; Frente Amplio [JoseMERINO del Rio]; Homeland First or PP (Patria Primero) [Juan JoseVARGAS Fallas]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARAGuth]; National Democratic Alliance or ADN [Jose Miguel VILLALOBOSUmana]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes];National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECOFernandez]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Fabio Enrique DELGADOHernandez]; National Union Party or PUN [Arturo ACOSTA Mora];Patriotic Alliance [Mariano FIGUERES Olsen]; Patriotic Union or UP[Jose Miguel CORRALES Bolanos]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTESAraya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Luis FISHMANZonzinski]; Union for Change Party or UPC [Antonio ALVAREZ Desanti]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party affiliate); Costa Rican Exporter's Chamber or CADEXCO; Costa Rican Solidarity Movement; Costa Rican Union of Private Sector Enterprises or UCCAEP [Rafael CARRILLO]; Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association of Educators or ANDE; National Association of Public and Private Employees or ANEP [Albino VARGAS]; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert BROWN]
International organization participation:
BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA,IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS,OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UnionLatina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Meta Shanon FIGUERES Boggs
chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 or 2946
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Anne Slaughter ANDREW
embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose
mailing address: APO AA 34020
telephone: [506] 2519-2000
Flag description:
five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk toward the hoist side of the red band; Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added; today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverence, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people
note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand but with the blue and red colors reversed
National anthem:
name: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica)
lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ
note: adopted 1949; the anthem's music was originally written for an 1853 welcome ceremony for diplomatic missions from the United States and United Kingdom; the lyrics were added in 1903
Economy ::Costa Rica
Economy - overview:
Prior to the global economic crisis, Costa Rica enjoyed stable economic growth. The economy contracted 0.7% in 2009, but resumed growth at more than 3% in 2010. While the traditional agricultural exports of bananas, coffee, sugar, and beef are still the backbone of commodity export trade, a variety of industrial and specialized agricultural products have broadened export trade in recent years. High value added goods and services, including microchips, have further bolstered exports. Tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange, as Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity makes it a key destination for ecotourism. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and relatively high education levels, as well as the fiscal incentives offered in the free-trade zones; and Costa Rica has attracted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America. However, many business impediments, such as high levels of bureaucracy, difficulty of enforcing contracts, and weak investor protection, remain. Poverty has remained around 15-20% for nearly 20 years, and the strong social safety net that had been put into place by the government has eroded due to increased financial constraints on government expenditures. Unlike the rest of Central America, Costa Rica is not highly dependent on remittances as they only represent about 2% of GDP. Immigration from Nicaragua has increasingly become a concern for the government. The estimated 300,000-500,000 Nicaraguans in Costa Rica legally and illegally are an important source of - mostly unskilled - labor, but also place heavy demands on the social welfare system. The US-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force on 1 January 2009, after significant delays within the Costa Rican legislature. CAFTA-DR will likely lead to increased foreign direct investment in key sectors of the economy, including the insurance and telecommunications sectors recently opened to private investors. President CHINCHILLA is likely to push for fiscal reform in the coming year, seeking to boost revenue, possibly through revised tax legislation, to fund an increase in security services and education.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$51.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $49.57 billion (2009 est.)
$49.91 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$35.02 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 -0.7% (2009 est.)
2.6% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$11,400 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 $11,100 (2009 est.)
$11,400 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 6.3%
industry: 22.9%
services: 70.8% (2010 est.)
Labor force:
2.17 million country comparison to the world: 117 note: this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica (2010 est.)
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 14%
industry: 22%
services: 64% (2006 est.)
Unemployment rate:
6.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 7.8% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line:
16% (2006 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 1.5%
highest 10%: 35.5% (2005)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
48 (2008) country comparison to the world: 30 45.9 (1997)
Investment (gross fixed):
20.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81
Public debt:
44.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 42% of GDP (2009 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 7.8% (2009 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
23% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 5 25% (31 December 2008)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
19.72% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 15.83% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$4.504 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 94 $3.992 billion (31 December 2009 est)
Stock of broad money:
$16.81 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 87 $15.84 billion (31 December 2008)
Stock of domestic credit:
$15.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $14.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$1.452 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 96 $1.887 billion (31 December 2008)
$2.035 billion (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef, poultry, dairy; timber
Industries:
microprocessors, food processing, medical equipment, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
Industrial production growth rate:
3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108
Electricity - production:
8.808 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96
Electricity - consumption:
8.064 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 94
Electricity - exports:
77.16 million kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
203.2 million kWh (2007 est.)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184
Oil - consumption:
44,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99
Oil - exports:
2,117 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 113
Oil - imports:
47,860 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189
Current account balance:
-$1.469 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 -$537 million (2009 est.)
Exports:
$10.01 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $8.847 billion (2009 est.)
Exports - commodities:
bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, medical equipment
Exports - partners:
US 32.61%, Netherlands 12.82%, China 11.81%, Mexico 4.2% (2009)
Imports:
$13.69 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $10.87 billion (2009 est.)
Imports - commodities:
raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, construction materials
Imports - partners:
US 44.72%, Mexico 7.65%, Venezuela 5.56%, China 5.15%, Japan 4.36% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$4.584 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $4.066 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Debt - external:
$9.126 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $7.972 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$13.92 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $12.17 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$547 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $539 million (31 December 2009 est.)
Exchange rates:
Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - 526.68 (2010), 573.29 (2009), 530.41 (2008), 519.53 (2007), 511.3 (2006)
Communications ::Costa Rica
Telephones - main lines in use:
1.493 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 64
Telephones - mobile cellular:
1.95 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 134
Telephone system:
general assessment: good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed by the nation's telecommunications regulator.
domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available
international: country code - 506; landing points for the AmericasRegion Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), MAYA-1, and the Pan AmericanCrossing submarine cables that provide links to South and CentralAmerica, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to CentralAmerican Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat(Atlantic Ocean) (2009)
Broadcast media:
multiple privately-owned television stations and 1 publicly-owned television station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately-owned radio stations and a public radio network (2007)
Internet country code:
.cr
Internet hosts:
34,024 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97
Internet users:
1.485 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 82
Transportation ::Costa Rica
Airports:
151 (2010) country comparison to the world: 36
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 39
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 23
under 914 m: 12 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 112
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 94 (2010)
Pipelines:
refined products 796 km (2009)
Railways:
total: 278 km country comparison to the world: 123 narrow gauge: 278 km 1.067-m gauge
note: none of the railway network is in use (2008)
Roadways:
total: 35,330 km country comparison to the world: 95 paved: 8,621 km
unpaved: 26,709 km (2004)
Waterways:
730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2010) country comparison to the world: 75
Merchant marine:
total: 1 country comparison to the world: 160 by type: passenger/cargo 1 (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Caldera, Puerto Limon
Military ::Costa Rica
Military branches:
no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security, Government, and Police (2010)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,241,183
females age 16-49: 1,217,037 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,044,923
females age 16-49: 1,026,432 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 42,486
female: 40,745 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
0.6% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 155
Transnational Issues ::Costa Rica
Disputes - international:
the ICJ has given Costa Rica until January 2008 to reply and Nicaragua until July 2008 to rejoin before rendering its decision on the navigation, security, and commercial rights of Costa Rican vessels on the Rio San Juan over which Nicaragua retains sovereignty
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
refugees (country of origin): 9,699-11,500 (Colombia) (2007)
Illicit drugs:
transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis in remote areas; domestic cocaine consumption, particularly crack cocaine, is rising; significant consumption of amphetamines; seizures of smuggled cash in Costa Rica and at the main border crossing to enter Costa Rica from Nicaragua have risen in recent years (2008)
page last updated on January 12, 2011
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@Cote d'Ivoire (Africa)
Introduction ::Cote d'Ivoire
Background:
Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country, and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for citizenship, remained unresolved. In March 2007 President GBAGBO and former New Force rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. As a result of the agreement, SORO joined GBAGBO's government as Prime Minister and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the zone of confidence separating North from South, integrate rebel forces into the national armed forces, and hold elections. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebel forces have been problematic as rebels seek to enter the armed forces. Citizen identification and voter registration pose election difficulties, and balloting planned for November 2009 was postponed with no future date set. Several thousand UN troops and several hundred French remain in Cote d'Ivoire to help the parties implement their commitments and to support the peace process.
Geography ::Cote d'Ivoire
Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total: 322,463 sq km country comparison to the world: 68 land: 318,003 sq km