Legislative branch:
unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament elected in 2008 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections has a majority in Parliament)
elections: last held on 8 March 2008 (next to be held by March 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - PN 49.3%, PL 48.8%, other 1.9%; seats by party - PN 35, PL 34
Judicial branch:
Constitutional Court; Court of First Instance; Court of Appeal
note: magistrates and judges for the courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Political parties and leaders:
Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [MichaelBRIGUGLIO]; Azzjoni Nazzjonaili or AN [Josi MUSCAT]; Malta LaborParty or PL [Joseph MUSCAT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence GONZI]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Alleanza Liberal-Demokratika Maltra or ALDM (for divorce, abortion, gay marriage, the rights existent in other EU member states); Alleanza Nazzionali Repubblikana or ANR (for traditional values, anti-immigration); Alternattiva Demokratika (pro-environment); Azzjoni Nazzjonali or AN (freedom to participate in democratic government); Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar (pro-environment); Ghazda tal-Konsumaturi (consumer rights)
other: environmentalists
International organization participation:
Australia Group, C, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA,PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina(observer), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mark MICELI-FARRUGIA
chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611 through 3612
consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas W. KMIEC
embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, FRN 9010
mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, VLT1000
telephone: [356] 2561 4000
Flag description:
two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field
National anthem:
name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Hymn of Malta)
lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT
note: adopted 1945; the anthem is written in the form of a prayer
Economy ::Malta
Economy - overview:
Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's geographic position between the EU and Africa makes it a target for illegal immigration, which has strained Malta's political and economic resources. Malta adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta's financial services industry has grown in recent years and in 2008-09 it escaped significant damage from the international financial crisis, largely because the sector is centered on the indigenous real estate market and is not highly leveraged. Locally, the restricted damage from the financial crisis has been attributed to the stability of the Maltese banking system and to its prudent risk-management practices. The global economic downturn and high electricity and water prices hurt Malta's real economy, which is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing - especially electronics and pharmaceuticals - and tourism, but growth bounced back as the global economy recovered in 2010. Following a 1.2% contraction in 2009, GDP grew 2% in 2010.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$10.21 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 $10.01 billion (2009 est.)
$10.13 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$7.801 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 -1.2% (2009 est.)
1.5% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$25,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $24,700 (2009 est.)
$25,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 1.7%
industry: 17.4%
services: 80.9% (2007 est.)
Labor force:
174,000 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 1.6%
industry: 22.8%
services: 75.6% (2009 est.)
Unemployment rate:
7% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 6% (2008 est.)
Population below poverty line:
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
26 (2007) country comparison to the world: 128
Investment (gross fixed):
14.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137
Public debt:
72.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 69% of GDP (2009 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 2.1% (2009 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 127 3% (31 December 2008)
note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
4.47% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140 5.89% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$5.195 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 86 $4.956 billion (31 December 2009 est)
note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Maltese liri in circulation prior to Malta joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the EMU; individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders
Stock of broad money:
$14.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $13.74 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of domestic credit:
$13.69 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $12.91 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$1.982 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 85 $3.572 billion (31 December 2008)
$5.633 billion (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Industries:
tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services
Industrial production growth rate:
Electricity - production:
2.146 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 131
Electricity - consumption:
1.832 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2009 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2009 est.)
Oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162
Oil - consumption:
19,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127
Oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193
Oil - imports:
17,910 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 115
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147
Current account balance:
-$403 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 -$491 million (2009 est.)
Exports:
$2.954 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 124 $2.383 billion (2009 est.)
Exports - commodities:
electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, fish and crustaceans, pharmaceutical products, printed material
Exports - partners:
Germany 13.3%, Singapore 12.5%, France 11.4%, US 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.5%, UK 5.9%, Italy 4.8% (2009)
Imports:
$4.074 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $3.595 billion (2009 est.)
Imports - commodities:
mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery, non-electrical machinery, aircraft and other transport equipment, plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, tobacco
Imports - partners:
Italy 24.4%, UK 11.7%, Germany 9.3%, France 7.6%, China 4.2%,Singapore 4.11%, Switzerland 4.05% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$522 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $538.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)
Debt - external:
$41.02 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 57 $3.75 billion (2008)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$8.24 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 81
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Exchange rates:
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7732 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3106 (2007), 0.37 (2006)
Communications ::Malta
Telephones - main lines in use:
252,700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 122
Telephones - mobile cellular:
422,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164
Telephone system:
general assessment: automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 165 per 100 persons
international: country code - 356; submarine cable connects to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)
Broadcast media:
1 publicly-owned television station, Television Malta (TVM); several national television stations, two of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are obtainable; publicly-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 stations; roughly 50 commercial radio stations functioning (2008)
Internet country code:
.mt
Internet hosts:
24,941 (2010) country comparison to the world: 102
Internet users:
240,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 137
Transportation ::Malta
Airports:
1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 217
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 2,227 km country comparison to the world: 171 paved: 2,014 km
unpaved: 213 km (2005)
Merchant marine:
total: 1,571 country comparison to the world: 4 by type: bulk carrier 522, cargo 377, carrier 1, chemical tanker 280, container 91, liquefied gas 31, passenger 45, passenger/cargo 22, petroleum tanker 141, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 15
foreign-owned: 1,401 (Angola 7, Austria 1, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Belgium 14, Bermuda 8, Bulgaria 7, Canada 1, China 11, Croatia 7, Cyprus 29, Denmark 41, Egypt 1, Estonia 16, Finland 2, France 13, Germany 127, Greece 458, Hong Kong 2, India 4, Iran 56, Ireland 1, Israel 5, Italy 52, Japan 5, Kuwait 2, Latvia 11, Lebanon 7, Libya 4, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 1, Norway 84, Poland 22, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 47, Singapore 3, Slovenia 4, South Korea 3, Spain 10, Sweden 3, Switzerland 14, Syria 5, Turkey 211, UAE 1, UK 16, Ukraine 30, US 35)
registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta
Military ::Malta
Military branches:
Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes air and maritime elements) (2010)
Military service age and obligation:
17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 95,899
females age 16-49: 91,412 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 79,961
females age 16-49: 76,067 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 2,570
female: 2,410 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
0.7% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 153
Transnational Issues ::Malta
Disputes - international:
none
Illicit drugs:
minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
page last updated on January 12, 2011
======================================================================
@Marshall Islands (Australia-Oceania)
Introduction ::Marshall Islands
Background:
After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.
Geography ::Marshall Islands
Location:
Oceania, two archipelagic island chains of 29 atolls, each made up of many small islets, and five single islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Oceania
Area:
total: 181 sq km country comparison to the world: 216 land: 181 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik
Area - comparative:
about the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
370.4 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt
Terrain:
low coral limestone and sand islands
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m
Natural resources:
coconut products, marine products, deep seabed minerals
Land use:
arable land: 11.11%
permanent crops: 44.44%
other: 44.45% (2005)
Irrigated land:
0 sq km
Natural hazards:
infrequent typhoons
Environment - current issues:
inadequate supplies of potable water; pollution of Majuro lagoon from household waste and discharges from fishing vessels
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
the islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific
People ::Marshall Islands
Population:
65,859 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203
Age structure:
0-14 years: 38.6% (male 12,683/female 12,217)
15-64 years: 58.5% (male 19,302/female 18,459)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 902/female 959) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 21.5 years
male: 21.5 years
female: 21.5 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.023% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54
Birth rate:
29.94 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44
Death rate:
4.42 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200
Net migration rate:
-5.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200
Urbanization:
urban population: 71% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 24.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 86 male: 27.61 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 71.48 years country comparison to the world: 130 male: 69.41 years
female: 73.65 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
3.51 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Nationality:
noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)
adjective: Marshallese
Ethnic groups:
Marshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2% (2006)
Religions:
Protestant 54.8%, Assembly of God 25.8%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Bukot nan Jesus 2.8%, Mormon 2.1%, other Christian 3.6%, other 1%, none 1.5% (1999 census)
Languages:
Marshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 census)
note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 93.7%
male: 93.6%
female: 93.7% (1999)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 13 years
male: 13 years
female: 13 years (2003)
Education expenditures:
12.3% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 4
Government ::Marshall Islands
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
local long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
local short form: Marshall Islands
abbreviation: RMI
former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands District
Government type:
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force on 21 October 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force in May 2004
Capital:
name: Majuro
geographic coordinates: 7 06 N, 171 23 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
33 municipalities; Ailinginae, Ailinglaplap, Ailuk, Arno, Aur,Bikar, Bikini, Bokak, Ebon, Enewetak, Erikub, Jabat, Jaluit, Jemo,Kili, Kwajalein, Lae, Lib, Likiep, Majuro, Maloelap, Mejit, Mili,Namorik, Namu, Rongelap, Rongrik, Toke, Ujae, Ujelang, Utirik,Wotho, Wotje
Independence:
21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday:
Constitution Day, 1 May (1979)
Constitution:
1 May 1979
Legal system:
based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Jurelang ZEDKAIA (since 2 November 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president from among the members of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by Nitijela (legislature) from among its members for a four-year term; election last held on 7 January 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: Litokwa TOMEING removed as president by no confidence vote on 21 October 2009; legislature elects ZEDKAIA president on 26 October 2009
Legislative branch:
unicameral legislature or Nitijela (33 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 4
note: the Council of Chiefs or Ironij is a 12-member body comprised of tribal chiefs that advises on matters affecting customary law and practice
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court; High Court; Traditional Rights Court
Political parties and leaders:
traditionally there have been no formally organized political parties; what has existed more closely resembles factions or interest groups because they do not have party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures; the following two "groupings" have competed in legislative balloting in recent years - Aelon Kein Ad Party [Michael KABUA] and United Democratic Party or UDP [Litokwa TOMEING]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
International organization participation:
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC,ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Banny DEBRUM
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
consulate(s) general: Honolulu
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Martha L. CAMPBELL
embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro
mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379
telephone: [692] 247-4011
Flag description:
blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays appears on the hoist side above the two stripes; blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the orange stripe signifies the Ralik Chain or sunset and courage, while the white stripe signifies the Ratak Chain or sunrise and peace; the star symbolizes the cross of Christianity, each of the 24 rays designates one of the electoral districts in the country and the four larger rays highlight the principal cultural centers of Majuro, Jaluit, Wotje, and Ebeye; the rising diagonal band can also be interpreted as representing the equator, with the star showing the archipelago's position just to the north
National anthem:
name: "Forever Marshall Islands"
lyrics/music: Amata KABUA
note: adopted 1981
Economy ::Marshall Islands
Economy - overview:
US Government assistance is the mainstay of this tiny island economy. The Marshall Islands received more than $1 billion in aid from the US from 1986-2002. Agricultural production, primarily subsistence, is concentrated on small farms; the most important commercial crops are coconuts and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, tuna processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a Trust Fund made up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses have held GDP growth to an average of 1% over the past decade.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$133.5 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 $115 million (2001 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$161.7 million (2008 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
-0.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 3.5% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 $2,900 (2005 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 31.7%
industry: 14.9%
services: 53.4% (2004 est.)
Labor force:
14,680 (2000) country comparison to the world: 212
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 21.4%
industry: 20.9%
services: 57.7% (2000)
Unemployment rate:
36% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 30.9% (2000 est.)
Population below poverty line:
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
12.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 3% (2005 est.)
Agriculture - products:
coconuts, tomatoes, melons, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs, chickens
Industries:
copra, tuna processing, tourism, craft items (from seashells, wood, and pearls)
Industrial production growth rate:
Exports:
$19.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 $9.1 million (2000 est.)
Exports - commodities:
copra cake, coconut oil, handicrafts, fish
Imports:
$79.4 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 $54.7 million (2000 est.)
Imports - commodities:
foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels, beverages and tobacco
Debt - external:
$87 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 $86.5 million (FY99/00 est.)
Exchange rates:
the US dollar is used
Communications ::Marshall Islands
Telephones - main lines in use:
4,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 214
Telephones - mobile cellular:
1,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218
Telephone system:
general assessment: digital switching equipment; modern services include telex, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits
domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular, seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) and mini-satellite telephones
international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein (2005)
Broadcast media:
no television broadcast station; a cable network is available on Majuro with programming via videotape replay and satellite relays; 4 radio broadcast stations; American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio and television service to Kwajalein Atoll (2009)
Internet country code:
.mh
Internet hosts:
3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 230
Internet users:
2,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 209
Transportation ::Marshall Islands
Airports:
15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 147
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 11
914 to 1,523 m: 10
under 914 m: 1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 2,028 km (includes 75 km of expressways) (2007) country comparison to the world: 174
Merchant marine:
total: 1,381 country comparison to the world: 7 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 415, cargo 63, chemical tanker 314, combination ore/oil 2, container 206, liquefied gas 83, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 259, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 7
foreign-owned: 1,284 (Australia 1, Bermuda 34, Brazil 1, Canada 4, China 16, Croatia 12, Cyprus 38, Denmark 7, Egypt 1, Germany 247, Greece 358, Hong Kong 3, India 8, Iraq 2, Isle of Man 2, Israel 1, Italy 1, Japan 41, Jersey 9, Latvia 18, Malaysia 11, Mexico 4, Monaco 21, Netherlands 16, Norway 57, Pakistan 1, Qatar 24, Romania 2, Russia 6, Singapore 28, Slovenia 6, South Korea 25, Switzerland 12, Taiwan 2, Turkey 72, UAE 17, UK 7, Ukraine 1, US 168) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Enitwetak Island, Kwajalein, Majuro
Military ::Marshall Islands
Military branches:
no regular military forces; under the 1983 Compact of Free Association, the US has full authority and responsibility for security and defense of the Marshall Islands; Marshall Islands Police (2009)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 16,138 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 13,277
females age 16-49: 13,374 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 602
female: 580 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues ::Marshall Islands
Disputes - international:
claims US territory of Wake Island
page last updated on January 11, 2011
======================================================================
@Mauritania (Africa)
Introduction ::Mauritania
Background:
Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Geography ::Mauritania
Location:
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total: 1,030,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 29 land: 1,030,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico
Land boundaries:
total: 5,074 km
border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km
Coastline:
754 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Terrain:
mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m
Natural resources:
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
Land use:
arable land: 0.2%
permanent crops: 0.01%
other: 99.79% (2005)
Irrigated land:
490 sq km (2002)
Total renewable water resources:
11.4 cu km (1997)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 1.7 cu km/yr (9%/3%/88%)
per capita: 554 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
Environment - current issues:
overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country
People ::Mauritania
Population:
3,205,060 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133
Age structure:
0-14 years: 41% (male 643,436/female 638,793)
15-64 years: 55.7% (male 818,778/female 923,046)
65 years and over: 3.4% (male 44,836/female 60,597) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 19.3 years
male: 18.5 years
female: 20.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
2.373% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35
Birth rate:
33.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37
Death rate:
9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74
Net migration rate:
-0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155
Urbanization:
urban population: 41% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 34 male: 67.13 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 56.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 60.75 years country comparison to the world: 184 male: 58.57 years
female: 62.99 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
4.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 38
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 58
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
14,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78
Major infectious diseases:
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria and Rift Valley fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)
Nationality:
noun: Mauritanian(s)
adjective: Mauritanian
Ethnic groups:
mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%
Religions:
Muslim 100%
Languages:
Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French, Hassaniya
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 51.2%
male: 59.5%
female: 43.4% (2000 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 8 years
male: 8 years
female: 8 years (2007)
Education expenditures:
4.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 95
Government ::Mauritania
Country name:
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah
Government type:
military junta
Capital:
name: Nouakchott
geographic coordinates: 18 07 N, 16 02 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)