under 914 m: 3 (2010)
Pipelines:
gas 1,906 km (2009)
Railways:
total: 1,138 km country comparison to the world: 88 broad gauge: 1,124 km 1.520-m gauge
standard gauge: 14 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)
Roadways:
total: 9,343 km country comparison to the world: 137 paved: 8,810 km
unpaved: 533 km (2008)
Waterways:
558 km (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 83
Merchant marine:
total: 107 country comparison to the world: 48 by type: bulk carrier 7, cargo 89, chemical tanker 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 6
foreign-owned: 63 (Belgium 2, Egypt 5, Greece 4, Israel 4, Lebanon 1, Romania 2, Russia 5, Syria 3, Turkey 18, UK 6, Ukraine 12, Yemen 1) (2010)
Military ::Moldova
Military branches:
National Army: Land Forces Command (includes special forces), AirForces Command (includes air defense unit), Logistics Command (2010)
Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary service; male registration required at age 16; 12-month service obligation (2009)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 1,150,585
females age 16-49: 1,168,169 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 877,031
females age 16-49: 979,128 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 30,012
female: 28,450 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
0.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 168
Transnational Issues ::Moldova
Disputes - international:
Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under OSCE supervision
Trafficking in persons:
current situation: Moldova is a major source and, to a lesser extent, a transit country for women and girls trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; Moldovan women are trafficked to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe; girls and young women are trafficked within the country from rural areas to Chisinau; children are also trafficked to neighboring countries for forced labor and begging; labor trafficking of men to work in the construction, agriculture, and service sectors of Russia is increasingly a problem; according to an ILO report, Moldova's national Bureau of Statistics estimated that there were likely over 25,000 Moldovan victims of trafficking for forced labor in 2008
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - The Government of Moldova does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; despite initial efforts to combat trafficking-related complicity since the government's reassessment on the Tier 2 Watch List in September 2008, and increased victim assistance, the government did not demonstrate sufficiently meaningful efforts to curb trafficking-related corruption, which is a government-acknowledged problem in Moldova; the government improved victim protection efforts, deployed more law-enforcement officers in the effort and contributed direct financial assistance toward victim protection and assistance for the first time (2010)
Illicit drugs:
limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity
page last updated on January 19, 2011
======================================================================
@Monaco (Europe)
Introduction ::Monaco
Background:
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Geography ::Monaco
Location:
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total: 2 sq km country comparison to the world: 249 land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
total: 4.4 km
border countries: France 4.4 km
Coastline:
4.1 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
Climate:
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain:
hilly, rugged, rocky
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Mont Agel 140 m
Natural resources:
none
Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (urban area) (2005)
Irrigated land:
Natural hazards:
Environment - current issues:
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, AirPollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change,Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species,Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
second-smallest independent state in the world (after Holy See); almost entirely urban
People ::Monaco
Population:
30,586 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213
Age structure:
0-14 years: 14.6% (male 2,466/female 2,349)
15-64 years: 62.4% (male 10,184/female 10,395)
65 years and over: 23% (male 3,068/female 4,503) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 48.9 years
male: 48 years
female: 49.9 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.183% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 214
Birth rate:
7.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223
Death rate:
8.01 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 105
Net migration rate:
-0.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152
Urbanization:
urban population: 100% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.048 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 1.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 223 male: 2.03 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 89.78 years country comparison to the world: 1 male: 85.81 years
female: 93.9 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.5 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Nationality:
noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
adjective: Monegasque or Monacan
Ethnic groups:
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%
Religions:
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
Languages:
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99%
male: 99%
female: 99% (2003 est.)
Education expenditures:
4.4% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 97
Government ::Monaco
Country name:
conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form: Monaco
local long form: Principaute de Monaco
local short form: Monaco
Government type:
constitutional monarchy
Capital:
name: Monaco
geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Administrative divisions:
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo
Independence:
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi)
National holiday:
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)
Constitution:
17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002
Legal system:
based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March 2010)
cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)
election results: percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%, Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)
Political parties and leaders:
Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union forMonaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco orUNAM)
Political pressure groups and leaders:
International organization participation:
CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol,IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, SchengenConvention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UnionLatina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Gilles NOGHES
chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: (202) 234-1530
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco
Flag description:
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red
National anthem:
name: "A Marcia de Muneghu" (The March of Monaco)
lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT
note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is much more commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions
Economy ::Monaco
Economy - overview:
Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$976.3 million (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
GDP - real growth rate:
NA% (2000 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$30,000 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 46
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 0%
industry: 4.9%
services: 95.1% (2005)
Labor force:
44,000 country comparison to the world: 191 note: includes workers from all foreign countries (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate:
0% (2005) country comparison to the world: 1
Population below poverty line:
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.9% (2000) country comparison to the world: 54
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Agriculture - products:
none
Industries:
tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products
Industrial production growth rate:
Electricity - consumption:
NA kWh
Electricity - imports:
NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by France
Exports:
$716.3 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 161 note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
Imports:
$916.1 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 172
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
Debt - external:
$18 billion (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 74
Exchange rates:
euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)
Communications ::Monaco
Telephones - main lines in use:
35,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 173
Telephones - mobile cellular:
23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 208
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100%
international: country code - 377; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system
Broadcast media:
TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) operates a TV network; Radio Monte-Carlo has both an Italian-language and a French-language network; a few private radio stations operating (2008)
Internet country code:
.mc
Internet hosts:
23,621 (2010) country comparison to the world: 104
Internet users:
23,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189
Transportation ::Monaco
Heliports:
1 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 217 paved: 50 km (2007)
Merchant marine:
registered in other countries: 68 (Bahamas 14, Bermuda 2, Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Liberia 10, Marshall Islands 21, Norway 1, Panama 14, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Vanuatu 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 62
Ports and terminals:
Monaco
Military ::Monaco
Military branches:
no regular military forces; the Palace Guard performs ceremonial duties
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 5,814 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 4,680
females age 16-49: 4,691 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 147
female: 133 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of France
Transnational Issues ::Monaco
Disputes - international:
none
page last updated on January 19, 2011
======================================================================
@Mongolia (East & Southeast Asia)
Introduction ::Mongolia
Background:
The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAAN they established a huge Eurasian empire through conquest. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and in the late 17th century came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing and a Communist regime was installed in 1924. The modern country of Mongolia, however, represents only part of the Mongols' historical homeland; more ethnic Mongolians live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the People's Republic of China than in Mongolia. Following a peaceful democratic revolution, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996 parliamentary election. The MPRP won an overwhelming majority in the 2000 parliamentary election, but the party lost seats in the 2004 election and shared power with democratic coalition parties from 2004-08. The MPRP regained a solid majority in the 2008 parliamentary elections but nevertheless formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party. In 2010 the MPRP voted to retake the name of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), a name it used in the early 1920s. The prime minister and most cabinet members are MPP members.
Geography ::Mongolia
Location:
Northern Asia, between China and Russia
Geographic coordinates:
Map references:
Asia
Area:
total: 1,564,116 sq km country comparison to the world: 19 land: 1,553,556 sq km
water: 10,560 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Alaska
Land boundaries:
total: 8,220 km
border countries: China 4,677 km, Russia 3,543 km
Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
none (landlocked)
Climate:
desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)
Terrain:
vast semidesert and desert plains, grassy steppe, mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in south-central
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m
highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m
Natural resources:
oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, fluorspar, gold, silver, iron
Land use:
arable land: 0.76%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.24% (2005)
Irrigated land:
840 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
34.8 cu km (1999)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 0.44 cu km/yr (20%/27%/52%)
per capita: 166 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
dust storms; grassland and forest fires; drought; "zud," which is harsh winter conditions
Environment - current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources in some areas; the policies of former Communist regimes promoted rapid urbanization and industrial growth that had negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal in power plants and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws severely polluted the air in Ulaanbaatar; deforestation, overgrazing, and the converting of virgin land to agricultural production increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification and mining activities had a deleterious effect on the environment
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-KyotoProtocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, EnvironmentalModification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone LayerProtection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia
People ::Mongolia
Population:
3,086,918 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134
Age structure:
0-14 years: 28.1% (male 436,391/female 418,923)
15-64 years: 67.9% (male 1,031,819/female 1,033,806)
65 years and over: 4% (male 52,430/female 67,773) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 25.8 years
male: 25.3 years
female: 26.2 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
1.495% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82
Birth rate:
21.03 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 88
Death rate:
6.08 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164
Net migration rate:
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 116
Urbanization:
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.2% 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 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 38.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 69 male: 41.63 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 67.98 years country comparison to the world: 153 male: 65.54 years
female: 70.54 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.22 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 107
Nationality:
noun: Mongolian(s)
adjective: Mongolian
Ethnic groups:
Mongol (mostly Khalkha) 94.9%, Turkic (mostly Kazakh) 5%, other (including Chinese and Russian) 0.1% (2000)
Religions:
Buddhist Lamaist 50%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim 4%, none 40% (2004)
Languages:
Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 98%
female: 97.5% (2000 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 14 years
male: 13 years
female: 14 years (2008)
Education expenditures:
5.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 65
Government ::Mongolia
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Mongolia
local long form: none
local short form: Mongol Uls
former: Outer Mongolia
Government type:
parliamentary
Capital:
name: Ulaanbaatar
geographic coordinates: 47 55 N, 106 55 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
21 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 1 municipality* (singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan-Uul, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan (Zavkhan), Govi-Altay, Govisumber, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Orhon, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs
Independence:
11 July 1921 (from China)
National holiday:
Independence Day/Revolution Day, 11 July (1921)
Constitution:
13 January 1992
Legal system:
blend of Soviet and German systems that employ "continental" or "civil" code; case-precedent may be used to inform judges, but all decisions must refer to the law as written; constitution ambiguous on judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ (since 18 June 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sukhbaatar BATBOLD (since 29 October 2009); First Deputy Prime Minister (Norov ALTANKHUYAG (since 20 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Miegombyn ENKHBOLD (since 6 December 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural (parliament) (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: presidential candidates nominated by political parties represented in State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 May 2009 (next to be held in May 2013); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by State Great Hural
election results: in elections in May 2009, Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ elected president; percent of vote - Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ 51.2%, Nambar ENKHBAYAR 47.4%, others 1.3%
Legislative branch:
unicameral State Great Hural 76 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms
elections: last held on 29 June 2008 (next to be held in June 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPP 46, DP 27, others 3
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts but rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts; judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts and approved by the president)
Political parties and leaders:
Democratic Party or DP [Norov ALTANHUYAG]; Mongolian People's Party or MPP [Sukhbaatar BATBOLD]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
other: human rights groups; women's groups
International organization participation:
ADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt,ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU,ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, OSCE(partner), SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS,UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Khasbazar BEKHBAT
chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan ADDLETON
embassy: Big Ring Road, 11th Micro Region, Ulaanbaatar, 14171 Mongolia
mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002; P.O. Box 1021, Ulaanbaatar-13
telephone: [976] (11) 329-095
Flag description:
three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red; centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol); blue represents the sky, red symbolizes progress and prosperity
National anthem:
name: "Mongol ulsyn toriin duulal" (National Anthem of Mongolia)
lyrics/music: Tsendiin DAMDINSUREN/Bilegiin DAMDINSUREN and Luvsanjamts MURJORJ
note: music adopted 1950, lyrics adopted 2006; the anthem's lyrics have been altered on numerous occasions
Economy ::Mongolia
Economy - overview:
Economic activity in Mongolia has traditionally been based on herding and agriculture - Mongolia's extensive mineral deposits, however, have attracted foreign investors. The country holds copper, gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten deposits, which account for a large part of foreign direct investment and government revenues. Soviet assistance, at its height one-third of GDP, disappeared almost overnight in 1990 and 1991 at the time of the dismantlement of the USSR. The following decade saw Mongolia endure both deep recession, because of political inaction and natural disasters, as well as economic growth, because of reform-embracing, free-market economics and extensive privatization of the formerly state-run economy. Severe winters and summer droughts in 2000-02 resulted in massive livestock die-off and zero or negative GDP growth. This was compounded by falling prices for Mongolia's primary sector exports and widespread opposition to privatization. Growth averaged nearly 9% per year in 2004-08 largely because of high copper prices and new gold production. In 2008 Mongolia experienced a soaring inflation rate with year-to-year inflation reaching nearly 30% - the highest inflation rate in over a decade. By late 2008, as the country began to feel the effects of the global financial crisis, falling commodity prices helped lower inflation, but also reduced government revenues and forced cuts in spending. In early 2009, the International Monetary Fund reached a $236 million Stand-by Arrangement with Mongolia, and the country has started to move out of the crisis. Although the banking sector remains unstable, the government is now enforcing stricter supervision regulations. In October 2009, the government passed long-awaited legislation on an investment agreement to develop Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi mine, considered to be one of the world's largest untapped copper deposits. The economy grew an estimated 7% in 2010, largely on the strength of exports to nearby countries, and international reserves reached $1.6 billion in September, an all time high for Mongolia. Mongolia's economy continues to be heavily influenced by its neighbors. Mongolia purchases 95% of its petroleum products and a substantial amount of electric power from Russia, leaving it vulnerable to price increases. Trade with China represents more than half of Mongolia's total external trade - China receives about two-thirds of Mongolia's exports. Remittances from Mongolians working abroad are sizable, but have fallen due to the economic crisis; money laundering is a growing concern. Mongolia joined the World Trade Organization in 1997 and seeks to expand its participation in regional economic and trade regimes.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$10.16 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $9.5 billion (2009 est.)
$9.654 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$5.807 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -1.6% (2009 est.)
8.9% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$3,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 $3,100 (2009 est.)
$3,200 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 29.5%
services: 49.3% (2009 est.)
Labor force:
1.068 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 141
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 34%
industry: 5%
services: 61% (2008)
Unemployment rate:
2.8% (2008) country comparison to the world: 22 3% (2007)
Population below poverty line:
36.1% (2004)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 2.9%
highest 10%: 24.9% (2005)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
32.8 (2002) country comparison to the world: 97 44 (1998)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4.2% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 28% (2008 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
10.82% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 22 14.78% (31 December 2008)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
21.67% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 20.58% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$451.4 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 160 $510.7 million (31 December 2008)
Stock of broad money:
$1.996 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 143 $1.791 billion (31 December 2008)
Stock of domestic credit:
$1.664 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $1.183 billion (31 December 2007 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$430.2 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 105 $407 million (31 December 2008)
$612.2 million (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
wheat, barley, vegetables, forage crops; sheep, goats, cattle, camels, horses
Industries:
construction and construction materials; mining (coal, copper, molybdenum, fluorspar, tin, tungsten, and gold); oil; food and beverages; processing of animal products, cashmere and natural fiber manufacturing
Industrial production growth rate:
3% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 110
Electricity - production:
4.03 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 117
Electricity - consumption:
3.439 billion kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 120
Electricity - exports:
21.2 million kWh (2009)
Electricity - imports:
186.1 million kWh (2009)
Oil - production:
5,100 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 93
Oil - consumption:
16,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134
Oil - exports:
5,300 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103
Oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2009) country comparison to the world: 205
Oil - proved reserves:
NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144
Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144
Current account balance:
-$228.7 million (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 -$710 million (2008 est.)
Exports:
$1.902 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.539 billion (2008)
Exports - commodities:
copper, apparel, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals, coal
Exports - partners:
China 78.52%, Canada 9.46%, Russia 3.02% (2009)
Imports:
$2.131 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 150 $3.224 billion (2008)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, fuel, cars, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea
Imports - partners:
China 35.99%, Russia 31.56%, South Korea 7.08%, Japan 4.8% (2009)
Debt - external:
$1.86 billion (2009) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.6 billion (2008)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
Exchange rates:
togrog/tugriks (MNT) per US dollar - 1,442.8 (2009), 1,267.51 (2008), 1,170 (2007), 1,165 (2006)
Communications ::Mongolia
Telephones - main lines in use:
188,900 (2009) country comparison to the world: 125
Telephones - mobile cellular:
2.249 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 127
Telephone system:
general assessment: network is improving with international direct dialing available in many areas; a fiber-optic network has been installed that is improving broadband and communication services between major urban centers with multiple companies providing inter-city fiber-optic cable services
domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity; there are multiple mobile- cellular providers and subscribership is increasing rapidly;
international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7
Broadcast media:
following a law passed in 2005, Mongolia's state-run radio and TV provider converted to a public service provider; also available are private radio and TV broadcasters, as well as multi-channel satellite and cable TV providers; more than 100 radio stations, including some 20 via repeaters for the public broadcaster; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2008)
Internet country code:
.mn
Internet hosts:
7,942 (2010) country comparison to the world: 134
Internet users:
330,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 125
Transportation ::Mongolia
Airports:
46 (2010) country comparison to the world: 94
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 14
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 32
over 3,047 m: 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 25
914 to 1,523 m: 1