From PLEASE COPY THIS DISK -- WORLD FACTBOOK A-L ****************************************************** The 1992 World Factbook, which PLEASE COPY THIS DISK offers on two disks, was obtained by file-transfer-protocol (ftp) from a repository located at mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu It can also be found in a number of other systems, such as wiretap.spies.com (ftp address 130.43.43.43). There is a separate document for each letter of the alphabet: WORLDA.TXT, WORLDB.TXT, etc., plus, on the second disk, a lengthy document with general/global information and reference information entitled GENERAL.TXT For instance, for information on Belarus, you can open the WORLDB.TXT file. Then you can use whatever search capability you have in your word processor (or in the READ.EXE program for IBM users), taking advantage of the typographical features of the format. Each country's entry begins with a colon, so to get to the first section on Belarus, search for :Belarus. The information on each country is divided into eight categories. If you wanted to go straight to the next major section on Belarus, you could search again for :Belarus. Or you could search for the specific section you want, such as: :Belarus Geography :Belarus People :Belarus Government :Belarus Economy :Belarus Communications :Belarus Defense Forces *********************************************** :The Bahamas Geography Total area: 13,940 km2 Land area: 10,070 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut Land boundaries: none Coastline: 3,542 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 32%; other 67% Environment: subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood damage Note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain :The Bahamas People Population: 255,811 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun--Bahamian(s); adjective--Bahamian Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15% Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% (1980) Languages: English; some Creole among Haitian immigrants Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 89%) age 15 and over but definition of literacy not available (1963 est.) Labor force: 127,400; government 30%, hotels and restaurants 25%, business services 10%, agriculture 5% (1989) Organized labor: 25% of labor force :The Bahamas Government Long-form name: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Type: commonwealth Capital: Nassau Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Abaco, Acklins Island, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Biminis, Cat Island, Cay Lobos, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Cay, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Spanish Wells Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK) Constitution: 10 July 1973 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: National Day, 10 July (1973) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Clifford DARLING (since 2 January 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar PINDLING (since 16 January 1967) Political parties and leaders: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 19 June 1987 (next to be held by NA June 1992); results--percent of vote by party NA; seats--(49 total) PLP 32, FNM 17 *** No entry for this item *** Other political or pressure groups: Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party (VNSP), a small leftist party headed by Lionel CAREY; Trade Union Congress (TUC), headed by Arlington MILLER Member of: ACP, C, CCC, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Margaret E. McDONALD; Chancery at 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 319-2660; there are Bahamian Consulates General in Miami and New York; :The Bahamas Government US: Ambassador Chic HECHT; Embassy at Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau (mailing address is P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau); telephone (809) 322-1181 or 328-2206; FAX (809) 328-7838 Diplomatic representation: *** No entry for this item *** Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side :The Bahamas Economy Overview: The Bahamas is a stable, middle-income developing nation whose economy is based primarily on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides about 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs about 50,000 people or 40% of the local work force. The economy has slackened in recent years, as the annual increase in the number of tourists slowed. Nonetheless, the per capita GDP of $9,900 is one of the highest in the region. GDP: purchasing power equivalent--$2.5 billion, per capita $9,900; real growth rate 1.0% (1990 est.) *** No entry for this item *** Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1991) Budget: revenues $627.5 million; expenditures $727.5 million, including capital expenditures of $100 million (1992, projected) *** No entry for this item *** Exports: $306 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.); commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish; partners: US 41%, Norway 30%, Denmark 4% Imports: $1.14 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.); commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, mineral fuels; partners: US 35%, Nigeria 21%, Japan 13%, Angola 11% External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1990); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 368,000 kw capacity; 857 million kWh produced 3,339 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral welded steel pipe *** No entry for this item *** Agriculture: accounts for less than 5% of GDP; dominated by small-scale producers; principal products--citrus fruit, vegetables, poultry; large net importer of food *** No entry for this item *** Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $1.0 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $345 million Currency: Bahamian dollar (plural--dollars); 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1--1.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year :The Bahamas Communications Highways: 2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravel Ports: Freeport, Nassau Merchant marine: 778 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,129,173 GRT/30,002,421 DWT; includes 48 passenger, 19 short-sea passenger, 152 cargo, 37 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 42 container, 6 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 172 petroleum tanker, 9 liquefied gas, 16 combination ore/oil, 47 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 143 bulk, 7 combination bulk, 78 refrigerated cargo; note--a flag of convenience registry *** No entry for this item *** Civil air: 11 major transport aircraft Airports: 59 total, 54 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3, 659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed; 99,000 telephones in totally automatic system; tropospheric scatter and submarine cable links to Florida; broadcast stations--3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station *** No entry for this item *** :The Bahamas Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Branches: Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 68,020; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion--$65 million, 2.7% of GDP (1990) :Bahrain Geography Total area: 620 km2 Land area: 620 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Qatar Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: subsurface water sources being rapidly depleted (requires development of desalination facilities); dust storms; desertification Note: close to primary Middle Eastern crude oil sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf through which much of Western world's crude oil must transit to reach open ocean :Bahrain People Population: 551,513 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bahraini(s); adjective - Bahraini Ethnic divisions: Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% Religions: Muslim (Shi`a 70%, Sunni 30%) Languages: Arabic (official); English also widely spoken; Farsi, Urdu Literacy: 77% (male 82%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 140,000; 42% of labor force is Bahraini; industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982) Organized labor: General Committee for Bahrain Workers exists in only eight major designated companies :Bahrain Government Long-form name: State of Bahrain Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 12 districts (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa`wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat `Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December Executive branch: amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court Leaders: Chief of State: Amir `ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent HAMAD bin `Isa Al Khalifa (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950) Head of Government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970) Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active Suffrage: none Elections: none Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador `Abd al-Rahman Faris Al KHALIFA; Chancery at 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 342-0741 or 342-0742; there is a Bahraini Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLER; Embassy at Road No. 3119 (next to Alahli Sports Club), Zinj; (mailing address is P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO AE 09834-6210); telephone [973] 273-300; FAX (973) 272-594 Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side :Bahrain Economy Overview: Petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 31% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. The liberation of Kuwait in early 1991 has improved short- to medium-term prospects and has raised investors' confidence. Bahrain with its highly developed communication and transport facilities is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports is petroleum products made from imported crude. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, per capita $7,500 (1990); real growth rate 6.7% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: 8-10% (1989) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7%, other 13% partners: UAE 18%, Japan 12%, India 11%, US 6% Imports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nonoil 59%, crude oil 41% partners: Saudi Arabia 41%, US 23%, Japan 8%, UK 8% External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDP Electricity: 3,600,000 kW capacity; 10,500 million kWh produced, 21,000 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing Agriculture: including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient in food production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, and fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987 Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $45 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billion Currency: Bahraini dinar (plural - dinars); 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1 - 0.3760 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year :Bahrain Communications Highways: 200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks Pipelines: crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 km Ports: Mina' Salman, Manama, Sitrah Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 186,367 GRT/249,441 DWT; includes 5 cargo, 2 container, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulk Civil air: 27 major transport aircraft Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international telecommunications; good domestic services; 98,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; tropospheric scatter to Qatar, UAE, and microwave to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia :Bahrain Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 190,937; 105,857 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $194 million, 6% of GDP (1990) :Baker Island Geography Total area: 1.4 km2 Land area: 1.4 km2 Comparative area: about 2.3 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4.8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: treeless, sparse and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife Note: remote location 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia :Baker Island People Population: uninhabited; American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators :Baker Island Government Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC :Baker Island Economy Overview: no economic activity :Baker Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m Telecommunications: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast :Baker Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard :Bangladesh Geography Total area: 144,000 km2 Land area: 133,910 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Land boundaries: 4,246 km total; Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm Continental shelf: up to outer limits of continental margin Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Ganges Climate: tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, uranium, arable land, timber Land use: arable land 67%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 16%; other 11%; includes irrigated 14% Environment: vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summer monsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation Note: almost completely surrounded by India :Bangladesh People Population: 119,411,711 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 36 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 112 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 54 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bangladeshi(s); adjective - Bangladesh Ethnic divisions: Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, and tribals less than 1 million Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, and other less than 1% Languages: Bangla (official), English widely used Literacy: 35% (male 47%, female 22%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 35,100,000; agriculture 74%, services 15%, industry and commerce 11% (FY86); extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991) Organized labor: 3% of labor force belongs to 2,614 registered unions (1986 est.) :Bangladesh Government Long-form name: People's Republic of Bangladesh Type: republic Capital: Dhaka Administrative divisions: 64 districts (zillagulo, singular - zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram, Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati, Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur, Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator, Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur, Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, Thakurgaon Independence: 16 December 1971 (from Pakistan; formerly East Pakistan) Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended NA March 1991 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman (since 20 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAUR Rahman; Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina WAZED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD; Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, leader NA; Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (National Socialist Party - SIRAJ), M. A. JALIL; Ganotantri Party, leader NA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party (NDP), leader NA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party, Kazi ZAFAR Ahmed Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, CBP 5, National Awami Party (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, SIRAJ 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami Oikya Jote 1, NDP 1, independents 3 President: last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results - Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote :Bangladesh Government Communists: 5,000 members (1987 est.) Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abul AHSAN; Chancery at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-8372 through 8376; there is a Bangladesh Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador William B. MILAM; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka (mailing address is G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1212); telephone [880] (2) 884700-22; FAX [880] (2) 883648 Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam :Bangladesh Economy Overview: Bangladesh is one of the poorest nations in the world. The economy is based on the output of a narrow range of agricultural products, such as jute, which is the main cash crop and major source of export earnings, and rice. Bangladesh is hampered by a relative lack of natural resources, population growth of more than 2% a year, large-scale unemployment, and a limited infrastructure; furthermore, it is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Despite these constraints, real GDP growth averaged about 3.5% annually during 1985-89. A strong agricultural performance in FY90 pushed the growth rate up to 6.2%, and FY91 saw further, though smaller, increases in output. Alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $23.1 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.2% (FY91) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.9% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: 30%, including underemployment (FY90 est.) Budget: revenues $2.24 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion (FY91) Exports: $1.7 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimp partners: US 32%, Italy 8.1%, UK 6.2% (FY90) Imports: $3.5 billion (FY91 est.) commodities: capital goods, petroleum, food, textiles partners: Japan 9.2%, India 6.2%, Singapore 5.9%, US 5.7% External debt: $11.1 billion (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1% (FY91 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 1,990,000 kW capacity; 5,700 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 70% of employment, and one-third of exports; imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute; commercial products - jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef, milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils and cotton; fish catch 778,000 metric tons in 1986 Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $11.65 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $6.52 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5 billion Currency: taka (plural - taka); 1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1 - 38.800 (January 1992), 36.596 (1991), 34.569 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988), 30.950 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Bangladesh Communications Railroads: 2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad gauge Highways: 7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved Inland waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) Pipelines: natural gas 1,220 km Ports: Chittagong, Chalna Merchant marine: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 328,382 GRT/479,985 DWT; includes 36 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 bulk Civil air: 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 16 total, 12 usable; 12 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate international radio communications and landline service; fair domestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 241,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth stations :Bangladesh Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary forces - Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Coastal Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 29,891,224; 17,745,343 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $339 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY92 budget) :Barbados Geography Total area: 430 km2 Land area: 430 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 97 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region Natural resources: crude oil, fishing, natural gas Land use: arable land 77%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 9%; forest and woodland 0%; other 14% Environment: subject to hurricanes (especially June to October) Note: easternmost Caribbean island :Barbados People Population: 254,934 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --6 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Barbadian(s); adjective - Barbadian Ethnic divisions: African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4% Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%; none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) Languages: English Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 120,900 (1991); services and government 37%; commerce 22%; manufacturing and construction 22%; transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 9%; agriculture 8%; utilities 2% (1985 est.) Organized labor: 32% of labor force :Barbados Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Bridgetown Administrative divisions: 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas; note - there may be a new city of Bridgetown Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK) Constitution: 30 November 1966 Legal system: English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Nita BARROW (since 6 June 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine SANDIFORD; Barbados Labor Party (BLP), Henry FORDE; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie HAYNES Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 22 January 1991 (next to be held by January 1996); results - DLP 49.8%; seats - (28 total) DLP 18, BLP 10 Other political or pressure groups: Industrial and General Workers Union, Sir Frank WALCOTT; People's Progressive Movement, Eric SEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Rudi WEBSTER; Chancery at 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-9200 through 9202; there is a Barbadian Consulate General in New York and a Consulate in Los Angeles US: Ambassador G. Philip HUGHES; Embassy at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown (mailing address is P. O. Box 302, Box B, FPO AA 34054); telephone (809) 436-4950 through 4957; FAX (809) 429-5246 :Barbados Government Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) :Barbados Economy Overview: A per capita income of $6,500 gives Barbados one of the highest standards of living of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean. Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane and related activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employer of the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. The economy slowed in 1990-91, however, and Bridgetown's declining hard currency reserves and inability to finance its deficits have caused it to adopt an austere economic reform program. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $1.7 billion, per capita $6,500; real growth rate--3.1% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 18% (1991) Budget: revenues $514 million; expenditures $615 million (FY91-92) Exports: $210.6 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum, machinery and transport equipment partners: CARICOM 30%, US 20%, UK 20% Imports: $704 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, machinery, crude oil, construction materials, chemicals partners: US 35%, CARICOM 13%, UK 12%, Japan 6%, Canada 8%, Venezuela 4% External debt: $539.9 million (1990) Industrial production: growth rate--2.7% (1990); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: 152,100 kW capacity; 539 million kWh produced, 2,117 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops - vegetables and cotton; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $171 million Currency: Barbadian dollars (plural - dollars); 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Barbados Communications Highways: 1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earth Ports: Bridgetown Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,200 GRT/7,338 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter link to Trinidad and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 2 (1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Barbados Defense Forces Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force, Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 69,678; 48,803 fit for military service, no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989) :Bassas da India Geography Total area: NA Land area: undetermined Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 m high Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other (rock) 100% Environment: surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones Note: navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide; located in southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar :Bassas da India People Population: uninhabited :Bassas da India Government Long-form name: none Type: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since July 1991), resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion :Bassas da India Economy Overview: no economic activity :Bassas da India Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only :Bassas da India Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France :Belarus Geography Total area: 207,600 km2 Land area: 207,600 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: 3,098 km total; Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: mild and moist; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat and contains much marshland Natural resources: forest land and peat deposits Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; includes irrigated NA% Environment: southern part of Belarus highly contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl' Note: landlocked :Belarus People Population: 10,373,881 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belarusian(s); adjective - Belarusian Ethnic divisions: Byelorussian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Poles 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, Jews 1.1%, other 0.8% Religions: Russian Orthodox NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Byelorussian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 5,418,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38% (1990) Organized labor: NA :Belarus Government Long-form name: Republic of Belarus Type: republic Capital: Mensk Administrative divisions: 6 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Brest, Gomel', Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev, Vitebsk; note - all oblasts have the same name as their administrative center Independence: 1 January 1919 Belorussian Republic; 30 December 1922 joined with the USSR; 25 August 1991 redeclared independence Constitution: adopted April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: 24 August (1991) Executive branch: NA Legislative branch: unicameral with 360 seats Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav S. SHUSHKEVICH (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Vyacheslav F. KEBICH (since NA April 1990), First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since early 1991) Political parties and leaders: Belarusian Popular Front, Zenon POZNYAK, chairman; United Democratic Party, Stanislav GUSAK, co-chairman; Social Democratic Gramada, Mikhail TKACHEV, chairman; Belarus Workers Union, Mikhail SOBOL, Chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: NA Supreme Soviet: last held 4 March 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) number of seats by party NA; note - 50 seats are for public bodies Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CE, CIS, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, ILO, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Martynov; Chancery at NA NW, Washington, DC 200__; telephone NA US: Ambassador (vacant); David SWARTZ, Charge d'Affaires; Embassy at Hotel Belarus (telephone 8-011-7-0172-69-08-02) plus 7 hours; (mailing address is APO New York is 09862); telephone NA Flag: white, red, and white :Belarus Economy Overview: In many ways Belarus resembles the three Baltic states, for example, in its industrial competence, its higher-than-average standard of living, and its critical dependence on the other former Soviet states for fuels and raw materials. Belarus ranks fourth in gross output among the former Soviet republics, producing 4% of the total GDP and employing 4% of the labor force. Once a mainly agricultural area, it now supplies important producer and consumer goods - sometimes as the sole producer - to the other states. The soil in Belarus is not as fertile as the black earth of Ukraine, but by emphasizing favorable crops and livestock (especially pigs and chickens), Belarus has become a net exporter to the other republics of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes. Belarus produces only small amounts of oil and gas and receives most of its fuel from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline and the Northern Lights gas pipeline. These pipelines transit Belarus enroute to Eastern Europe. Belarus produces petrochemicals, plastics, synthetic fibers (nearly 30% of former Soviet output), and fertilizer (20% of former Soviet output). Raw material resources are limited to potash and peat deposits. The peat (more than one-third of the total for the former Soviet Union) is used in domestic heating as boiler fuel for electric power stations and in the production of chemicals. The potash supports fertilizer production. GDP: NA - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate --2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 81% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million Exports: $4.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: NA Imports: $5.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery, chemicals, textiles partners: NA External debt: $2.6 billion (end of 1991) Industrial production: growth rate --1.5% (1991) Electricity: 7,500,000 kW capacity; 38,700 million kWh produced, 3,770 kWh per capita (1991) :Belarus Economy Industries: employ about 27% of labor force and produce a wide variety of products essential to the other states; products include (in percent share of total output of former Soviet Union): tractors(12%); metal-cutting machine tools (11%); off-highway dump trucksup to 110-metric- ton load capacity (100%); wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight- wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for use in tundra and roadless areas (100%); equipment for animal husbandry and livestock feeding (25%); motorcycles (21.3%); television sets (11%); chemical fibers (28%); fertilizer (18%); linen fabric (11%); wool fabric (7%); radios; refrigerators; and other consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 5.7% of total agricultural output of former Soviet Union; employs 29% of the labor force; in 1988 produced the following (in percent of total Soviet production): grain (3.6%), potatoes (12.2%), vegetables (3.0%), meat (6.0%), milk (7.0%); net exporter of meat, milk, eggs, flour, and potatoes Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: NA Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Belarus Communications Railroads: 5,570 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 98,200 km total (1990); 66,100 km hard surfaced, 32,100 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: none - landlocked Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: telephone network has 1.7 million lines, 15% of which are switched automatically; Minsk has 450,000 lines; telephone density is approximately 17 per 100 persons; as of 31 January 1990, 721,000 applications from households for telephones were still unsatisfied; international connections to other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway switch :Belarus Defense Forces Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); CIS Forces (Ground, Air, Air Defense, Strategic Rocket) Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; NA reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :Belgium Geography Total area: 30,510 km2 Land area: 30,230 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 1,385 km total; France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Exclusive fishing zone: equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Natural resources: coal, natural gas Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: air and water pollution Note: majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels; crossroads of Western Europe; Brussels is the seat of the EC :Belgium People Population: 10,016,623 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belgian(s); adjective - Belgian Ethnic divisions: Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, remainder Protestant or other Languages: Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%; legally bilingual 11%; divided along ethnic lines Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 4,126,000; services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988) Organized labor: 70% of labor force :Belgium Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Belgium Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French - provinces, singular - province; Flemish - provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the process of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing the Belgian state Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish - Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives (Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre des Representants) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de Cassation) Leaders: Chief of State: King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege (brother of the King; born 6 June 1934) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) Political parties and leaders: Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman van ROMPUY, president; Walloon Social Christian (PSC) , Gerard DEPREZ, president; Flemish Socialist (SP), Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), NA; Flemish Liberal (PVV), Guy VERHOF STADT, president; Walloon Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS, president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis van GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; National Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO), NA; other minor parties Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Representatives: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (212 total) number of seats by party NA Senate: last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (106 total) number of seats by party NA :Belgium Government Other political or pressure groups: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG, AsDB, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Juan CASSIERS; Chancery at 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6900; there are Belgian Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Bruce S. GELB; Embassy at 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels (mailing address is APO AE 09724); telephone [32] (2) 513-3830; FAX [32] (2) 511-2725; there is a US Consulate General in Antwerp Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France :Belgium Economy Overview: This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC countries. During the period 1988-90, Belgium's economic performance was marked by 4% average growth, moderate inflation, and a substantial external surplus. Growth fell to 1.4% in 1991. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $171.8 billion, per capita $17,300; real growth rate 1.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.4% est. (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $45.0 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989) Exports: $118 billion (f.o.b., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products partners: EC 74%, US 5%, former Communist countries 2% (1989) Imports: $120 billion (c.i.f., 1990) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: EC 73%, US 4%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communist countries 3% (1989) External debt: $28.8 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 17,400,000 kW capacity; 67,100 million kWh produced, 6,767 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: engineering and metal products, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Agriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal, pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, and tobacco; net importer of farm products Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billion Currency: Belgian franc (plural - francs); 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Belgium Communications Railroads: Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,667 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 1,978 km electrified; 191 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned and operated Highways: 103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000 km unpaved rural roads Inland waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Pipelines: petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 62,979 GRT/88,738 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 4 petroleum tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk, 2 refrigerated cargo Civil air: 47 major transport aircraft Airports: 42 total, 42 usable; 24 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 14 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive cable network; limited radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system :Belgium Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,550,088; 2,133,483 fit for military service; 66,249 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.2 billion, 2.7% of GDP (1991) :Belize Geography Total area: 22,960 km2 Land area: 22,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: 516 km total; Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm in the north and 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial sea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with the Republic of Guatemala'' Disputes: claimed by Guatemala, but boundary negotiations to resolve the dispute have begun Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 2%; forest and woodland 44%; other 52%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south); deforestation Note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean :Belize People Population: 229,143 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 31 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 67 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Belizean(s); adjective - Belizean Ethnic divisions: Creole 39.7%, Mestizo 33.1%, Maya 9.5%, Garifuna 7.6%, East Indian 2.1%, other 8.0% Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 3%, other 3% (1980) Languages: English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib) Literacy: 91% (male 91%, female 91%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 51,500; agriculture 30.0%, services 16.0%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3%; shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985) Organized labor: 12% of labor force; 7 unions currently active :Belize Government Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Belmopan Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK; formerly British Honduras) Constitution: 21 September 1981 Legal system: English law National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Elmira Minita GORDON (since 21 September 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989) Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; Belize Popular Party (BPP), Louis SYLVESTRE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - in January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count PUP 16, UDP 12 Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) headed by former PUP minister; United Workers Front Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador James V. HYDE; Chancery at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9636 US: Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA; Embassy at Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City (mailing address is P. O. Box 286, Belize City); telephone [501] (2) 77161; FAX [501] (2) 30802 Flag: on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland :Belize Government blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto RA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) :Belize Economy Overview: The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $373 million, per capita $1,635; real growth rate 10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 12% (1988) Budget: revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $134 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: sugar, clothing, seafood, molasses, citrus, wood and wood products partners: US 47%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada (1987) Imports: $194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 56%, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Mexico (1991) External debt: $142 million (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 9.7% (1989); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to about 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaine Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 million Currency: Belizean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Belize Communications Highways: 2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and 310 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol, Punta Gorda, Big Creek Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,127 GRT/5,885 DWT Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 44 total, 34 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 8,650 telephones; above-average system based on radio relay; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Belize Defense Forces Branches: British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 55,333; 33,040 fit for military service; 2,509 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.8 million, 1.8% of GDP (FY91) :Benin Geography Total area: 112,620 km2 Land area: 110,620 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 1,989 km total; Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km Coastline: 121 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 35%; other 45%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation; desertification Note: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no natural harbors :Benin People Population: 4,997,599 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 15 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 49 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Beninese (singular and plural); adjective - Beninese Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba); Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% Languages: French (official); Fon and Yoruba most common vernaculars in south; at least six major tribal languages in north Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,900,000 (1987); agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2%; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: about 75% of wage earners :Benin Government Long-form name: Republic of Benin Type: republic under multiparty democratic rule; dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 Capital: Porto-Novo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France; formerly Dahomey) Constitution: 2 December 1990 Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990) Executive branch: president, cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), Timothee ADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-Roger AHOYO; and the Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; National Rally for Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for Democracy and Development (MNDD), Bertin BORNA; Movement for Solidarity, Union, and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; and Union for Democracy and National Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU, and Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD), Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Akindes ADEKPEDJOU, and Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio Gado Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), Robert TAGNON; numerous other small parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7, MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1 President: last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu KEREKOU 32% Communists: Communist Party of Dahomey (PCD) remains active :Benin Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU; Chancery at 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-6656 US: Ambassador Harriet W. ISOM; Embassy at Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou (mailing address is B. P. 2012, Cotonou); telephone [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92; FAX [229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side :Benin Economy Overview: Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Low prices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin's major exports of agricultural products and crude oil. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $410; real growth rate 3% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.) Exports: $263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa partners: FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4% Imports: $428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4% External debt: $1.0 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate --0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDP Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production, petroleum Agriculture: small farms produce 90% of agricultural output; production is dominated by food crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, and rice; cash crops include cotton, palm oil, and peanuts; poultry and livestock output has not kept up with consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Benin Communications Railroads: 578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track Highways: 5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth Inland waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Benin Defense Forces Branches: Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 2,165,515; of the 1,031,738 males 15-49, 528,366 are fit for military service; of the 1,133,777 females 15-49, 572,603 are fit for military service; about 55,697 males and 53,786 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.) :Bermuda Geography Total area: 50 km2 Land area: 50 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 20%; other 80% Environment: ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360 small coral islands Note: 1,050 km east of North Carolina; some reclaimed land leased by US Government :Bermuda People Population: 60,213 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bermudian(s); adjective - Bermudian Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% Languages: English Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 32,000; clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984) Organized labor: 8,573 members (1985); largest union is Bermuda Industrial Union :Bermuda Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 8 June 1968 Legal system: English law National holiday: Bermuda Day, 22 May Executive branch: British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Lord David WADDINGTON Head of Government: Premier John William David SWAN (since January 1982) Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other 1 Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), headed by Ottiwell SIMMONS Member of: CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, IOC Diplomatic representation: as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are represented by the UK US: Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES; Consulate General at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton (mailing address is P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002); telephone (809) 295-1342; FAX (809) 295-1592 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag :Bermuda Economy Overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion, per capita $22,400; real growth rate 2.0% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (June 1989, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 2.0% (1988) Budget: revenues $361.6 million; expenditures $396.1 million, including capital expenditures of $74.1 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $30 million (f.o.b., FY88) commodities: semitropical produce, light manufactures partners: US 25%, Italy 25%, UK 14%, Canada 5%, other 31% Imports: $420 million (c.i.f., FY88) commodities: fuel, foodstuffs, machinery partners: US 58%, Netherlands Antilles 9%, UK 8%, Canada 6%, Japan 5%, other 14% External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,625 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Agriculture: accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported; produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million Currency: Bermudian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Bermuda Communications Highways: 210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads) Ports: Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George Merchant marine: 73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,511,972 GRT/6,093,321 DWT; includes 4 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 23 petroleum tanker, 12 liquefied gas, 18 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry Civil air: 16 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations :Bermuda Defense Forces Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :Bhutan Geography Total area: 47,000 km2 Land area: 47,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: 1,075 km; China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 70%; other 23% Environment: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes :Bhutan People Population: 1,660,167 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 40 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 126 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 50 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective - Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: Bhote 60%, ethnic Nepalese 25%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects - most widely spoken dialect is Dzongkha (official); Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%; massive lack of skilled labor Organized labor: not permitted :Bhutan Government Long-form name: Kingdom of Bhutan Type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) Political parties and leaders: no legal parties Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections Elections: no national elections Communists: no overt Communist presence Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy, Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation: no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India); the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York has consular jurisdiction in the US Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side :Bhutan Economy Overview: The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and monetary links. Low wages in industry lead most Bhutanese to stay in agriculture. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important natural resources. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $320 million, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (FY90) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capital expenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $74 million (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit partners: India 93% Imports: $106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics partners: India 67% External debt: $80 million (FY91 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA; accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: 353,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 1,280 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry; self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice, corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy, and eggs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million Currency: ngultrum (plural - ngultrum); 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 25.927 (January 1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988), 12.962 (1987); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June :Bhutan Communications Highways: 1,304 km total; 418 km surfaced, 515 km improved, 371 km unimproved earth Civil air: 1 jet, 2 prop Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: inadequate; 1,990 telephones (1988); 22,000 radios (1990 est.); 85 TVs (1985); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV (1990) :Bhutan Defense Forces Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 406,360; 217,348 fit for military service; 17,316 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP :Bolivia Geography Total area: 1,098,580 km2 Land area: 1,084,390 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: 6,743 km; Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon basin Natural resources: tin, natural gas, crude oil, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 52%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Peru :Bolivia People Population: 7,323,048 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 82 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bolivian(s); adjective - Bolivian Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%; active Protestant minority, especially Evangelical Methodist Languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara (all official) Literacy: 78% (male 85%, female 71%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,700,000; agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%, other 10% (1983) Organized labor: 150,000-200,000, concentrated in mining, industry, construction, and transportation; mostly organized under Bolivian Workers' Central (COB) labor federation :Bolivia Government Long-form name: Republic of Bolivia Type: republic Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) Constitution: 2 February 1967 Legal system: based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO Sanjines (since 6 August 1989) Political parties and leaders: Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Max FERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), led by Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P) led by Walter DELGADILLO, and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) led by Humberto RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 (married) or 21 (single) Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33, IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3 Chamber of Senators: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on presidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8, CONDEPA 2, PDC 1 :Bolivia Government President: last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was inaugurated on 6 August 1989 Member of: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jorge CRESPO; Chancery at 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4410 through 4412; there are Bolivian Consulates General in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS; Embassy at Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz (mailing address is P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO AA 34032); telephone [591] (2) 350251 or 350120; FAX [591] (2) 359875 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band :Bolivia Economy Overview: The Bolivian economy steadily deteriorated between 1980 and 1985 as La Paz financed growing budget deficits by expanding the money supply, and inflation spiraled - peaking at 11,700%. An austere orthodox economic program adopted by then President Paz Estenssoro in 1985, however, succeeded in reducing inflation to between 10% and 20% annually since 1987, eventually restarting economic growth. Since August 1989, President Paz Zamora has retained the economic policies of the previous government, keeping inflation down and continuing moderate growth. Nevertheless, Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with widespread poverty and unemployment, and it remains vulnerable to price fluctuations for its limited exports - agricultural products, minerals, and natural gas. Moreover, for many farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, per capita $630; real growth rate 4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1991) Unemployment rate: 7% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $900 million; expenditures $825 million, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1991 est.) Exports: $970 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: metals 45%, natural gas 25%, other 30% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton, timber) partners: US 15%, Argentina Imports: $760 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods partners: US 22% External debt: $3.3 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1991); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: 849,000 kW capacity; 1,798 million kWh produced, 251 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces significant revenues Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principal commodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber; self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated 47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication program unable to prevent production from rising to 78,400 metric tons in 1991 from 74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets :Bolivia Economy Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million Currency: boliviano (plural - bolivianos); 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.7534 (January 1992), 3.5806 (1991), 3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Bolivia Communications Railroads: 3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km 0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track Highways: 38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km Ports: none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Ilo in Peru Merchant marine: 2 cargo and 1 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,951 GRT/26,320 DWT Civil air: 56 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,105 total, 943 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 146 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: radio relay system being expanded; improved international services; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Bolivia Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,727,101; 1,122,224 fit for military service; 72,977 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est). :Bosnia and Herzegovina Geography Total area: 51,233 km2 Land area: 51,233 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,369 km; Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 20-meter depth Exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Serbia and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina; Muslim majority being forced from many areas Climate: hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Terrain: mountains and valleys Natural resources: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium, lead, zinc Land use: 20% arable land; 2% permanent crops; 25% meadows and pastures; 36% forest and woodland; 16% other; includes 1% irrigated Environment: air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes Note: Controls large percentage of important land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits :Bosnia and Herzegovina People Population: 4,364,000 (July 1991), growth rate 0.5% (1991) Birth rate: 14.5 births/1,000 population (1991) Death rate: 6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1991) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1991) Infant mortality rate: 15.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1991) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 73 years female (1980-82) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1991) Nationality: noun - Muslim, Serb, Croat (s); adjective - Muslim, Serbian, Croatian Ethnic divisions: Muslim 44%, Serb 33%, Croat 17% Religions: Slavic Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: 85.5% (male 94.5%, female 76.7%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981 est.) Labor force: 1,026,254; 2% agriculture, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.) Organized labor: NA :Bosnia and Herzegovina Government Long-form name: none Type: emerging democracy Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: NA Independence: December 1918; April 1992 from Yugoslavia Constitution: NA Legal system: based on civil law system National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister Legislative branch: NA Judicial branch: NA Leaders: Chief of State: President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since December 1990), Vice President NA Head of Government: Prime Minister Jore PELIVAN (since January 1991), Deputy Prime Minister Muhamed CENGIC and Rusmir MAHMUTCEHAJIC (since January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Party of Democratic Action, Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Croatian Democratic Union, Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party, Radovah KARADZIC; Muslim Bosnian Organization, Muhamed Zulfikar PASIC; Socialist Democratic Party, Nijaz DURAKOVIC Suffrage: at age 16 if employed; universal at age 18 Elections: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CSCE Diplomatic representation: NA Flag: NA :Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest component in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning and management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of April 1992, the newly independent republic was being torn apart by bitter interethnic warfare that has caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery to multiply. The survival of the republic as a political and economic unit is in doubt. Both Serbia and Croatia have imposed various economic blockades and may permanently take over large areas populated by fellow ethnic groups. These areas contain most of the industry. If a much smaller core Muslim state survives, it will share many Third World problems of poverty, technological backwardness, and dependence on historically soft foreign markets for its primary products. In these circumstances, other Muslim countries might offer assistance. GDP: $14 billion; real growth rate --37% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 80% per month (1991) Unemployment rate: 28% (February 1992 est.) Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (19__) Exports: $2,054 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods (31%), machinery and transport equipment (20.8%), raw materials (18%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (17.3%), chemicals (9.4%), fuel and lubricants (1.4%), food and live animals (1.2%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics Imports: $1,891 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants (32%), machinery and transport equipment (23.3%), other manufactures (21.3%), chemicals (10%), raw materials (6.7%), food and live animals (5.5%), beverages and tobacco (1.9%) partners: principally the other former Yugoslav republics External debt: NA Industrial production: sharply down because of interethnic and interrepublic warfare (1991-92) Electricity: 14,400 million kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, 3,303 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining :Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy Agriculture: accounted for 8.6% of national income in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of food needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards, livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitation leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farms are mostly privately held, small, and not very productive Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: none; note - Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, Yugoslav dinar used in all other areas Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year :Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications Railroads: NA km all 1.000-meter gauge (includes NA km electrified) Highways: 21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil 174 km, petroleum products NA km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - none; inland - Bosanski Brod Merchant marine: NA ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling NA GRT/NA DWT; includes NA cargo, NA container, NA liquefied gas, NA petroleum tanker Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 2 main, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: Bosnia's telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion, many urban areas being below average compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6 (0 repeaters) TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground stations - none :Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Forces Branches: Territorial Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service; 39,000 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP :Botswana Geography Total area: 600,370 km2 Land area: 585, 370 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 4,013 km; Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Terrain: predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda, ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver, natural gas Land use: urable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 75%; forest and woodland 2%; other 21%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: rains in early 1988 broke six years of drought that had severely affected the important cattle industry; overgazing; desertification Note: landlocked :Botswana People Population: 1,292,210 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 42 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 59 years male, 65 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun and ajective - Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%; Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi about 4%; white about 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: 23% (male 32%, female 16%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 400,000; 198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in various mines in South Africa (1990) Organized labor: 19 trade unions :Botswana Government Long-form name: Republic of Botswana Type: parliamentary republic Capital: Gaborone Administrative divisions: 10 districts: Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; note - in addition, there may now be 4 town councils named Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste Selebi-Pikwe Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK; formerly Bechuanaland) Constitution: March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 30 September (1966) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefs and a lower house or National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Quett K. J. MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Peter S. MMUSI (since 3 January 1983) Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Quett MASIRE; Botswana National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: National Assembly: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3 President: last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - President Quett K. J. MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly Communists: no known Communist organization; Kenneth KOMA of BNF has long history of Communist contacts Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE; Chancery at Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-4990 or 4991 US: Ambassador Davie PASSAGE; Embassy at Gaborone (mailing address is P. O. Box 90, Gaborone); telephone [267] 353-982; FAX [267] 356-947 Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center :Botswana Economy Overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population, but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to over 50% in 1989. No other sector has experienced such growth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. Although diamond production remained level in FY91, substantial gains in coal output and manufacturing helped boost the economy GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion, per capita $2,800; real growth rate 6.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.6% (1991) Unemployment rate: 25% (1989) Budget: revenues $1,935 million; expenditures $1,885 million, including capital expenditures of $658 million (FY93) Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b. 1990) commodities: diamonds 80%, copper and nickel 9%, meat 4%, cattle, animal products partners: Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union) Imports: $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products partners: Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US External debt: $780 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 16.8% (FY86); accounts for about 57% of GDP, including mining Electricity: 220,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced 858 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing Agriculture: accounts for only 3% of DGP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle raising supports 50% of the population; must import large share of food needs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,875 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million Currency: pula (plural - pula); 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe Exchange rates: pula (P) per US$1 - 2.1683 (March 1992), 2.0173 (1991), 1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988), 1.6779 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Botswana Communications Railroads: 712 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 100 total, 87 unable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Botswana Defense Forces Branches: Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing); Botswana National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 271,511; 142,947 fit for military service; 14,473 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $136.4 million, 4.4% of GDP (FY92) :Bouvet Island Geography Total area: 58 km2 Land area: 58 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inacessible Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% (ice) Environment: covered by glacial ice Note: located in the South Atlantic Ocean 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa :Bouvet Island People Population: uninhabited :Bouvet Island Government Long-form name: none Type: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway :Bouvet Island Economy Overview: no economic activity :Bouvet Island Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Telecommunications: automatic meteorological station :Bouvet Island Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway :Brazil Geography Total area: 8,511,965 km2 Land area: 8,456,510 km2; includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Comparative area: slightly smaller than the US Land boundaries: 14,691 km; Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km Coastline: 7,491 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute (Arroyo de la Invernada area of the Rio Quarai and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay) Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower, gold, platinum, crude oil, timber Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 67%; other 6%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation in Amazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo Note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador :Brazil People Population: 158,202,019 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 67 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Brazilian(s); adjective - Brazilian Ethnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, black, Amerindian; white 55%, mixed 38%, black 6%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 90% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: 81% (male 82%, female 80%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 57,000,000 (1989 est.); services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27% Organized labor: 13,000,000 dues paying members (1989 est.) :Brazil Government Long-form name: Federative Republic of Brazil Type: federal republic Capital: Brasilia Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins; note - the former territories of Amapa and Roraima became states in January 1991 Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) Constitution: 5 October 1988 Legal system: based on Latin codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Fernando Affonso COLLOR de Mello (since 15 March 1990); Vice President Itamar FRANCO (since 15 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Orestes QUERCIA, president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Hugo NAPOLEAO, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis Ignacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), Luiz GONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, president Suffrage: voluntary at age 16; compulsory between ages 18 and 70; voluntary at age 70 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109 Federal Senate: last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16 :Brazil Government President: last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held November 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA 47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960 Communists: less than 30,000 Other political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker's Party are critical of government's social and economic policies Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Rubens RICUPERO; Chancery at 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 745-2700; there are Brazilian Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York, and Consulates in Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco US: Ambassador Richard MELTON; Embassy at Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal (mailing address is APO AA 34030); telephone [55] (61) 321-7272; FAX [55] (61) 225-9136; there are US Consulates General in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and Consulates in PortoAlegre and Recife Flag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) :Brazil Economy Overview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The Collor government, which assumed office in March 1990, is embarked on an ambitious reform program that seeks to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government in December 1991 signed a letter of intent with the IMF for a 20-month standby loan. Having reached an agreement on the repayment of interest arrears accumulated during 1989 and 1990, Brazilian officials and commercial bankers are engaged in talks on the reduction of medium- and long-term debt and debt service payments and on the elimination of remaining interest arrears. A major long-run strength is Brazil's vast natural resources. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $358 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 1.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 478.5% (December 1991, annual rate) Unemployment rate: 4.3% (1991) Budget: revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $32.9 billion (1990) Exports: $31.6 billion (1991) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee partners: EC 31%, US 24%, Latin America 11%, Japan 8% (1990) Imports: $21.0 billion (1991) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: Middle East and Africa 22%, US 21%, EC 21%, Latin America 18%, Japan 6% (1990) External debt: $118 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate--0.5% (1991); accounts for 39% of GDP Electricity: 58,500,000 kW capacity; 229,824 million kWh produced, 1,479 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin Agriculture: world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice concentrate and second- largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat :Brazil Economy Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion Currency: cruzeiro (plural - cruzeiros); 1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 1,197.38 (January 1992), 406.61 (1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988), 0.03923 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Brazil Communications Railroads: 28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 km electrified Highways: 1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth Inland waterways: 50,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos Merchant marine: 245 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,693,500 GRT/9,623,918 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 49 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 13 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 57 petroleum tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 11 liquefied gas, 14 combination ore/oil, 71 bulk, 2 combination bulk; in addition, 2 naval tankers and 4 military transport are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 198 major transport aircraft Airports: 3,563 total, 2,911 usable; 420 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 22 with runways 2,240-3,659 m; 550 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system; extensive radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stations :Brazil Defense Forces Branches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Military Police (paramilitary) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 41,515,103; 27,987,257 fit for military service; 1,644,571 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 0.3% of GDP (1990) :British Indian Ocean Territory Geography Total area: 60 km2 Land area: 60 km2; includes the island of Diego Garcia Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: UK announced establishment of 200-nm fishery zone in August 1991 Disputes: the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation) Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: archipelago of 2,300 islands Note: Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility :British Indian Ocean Territory People Population: no permanent civilian population; formerly about 3,000 islanders Ethnic divisions: civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK and US defense facilities :British Indian Ocean Territory Government Long-form name: British Indian Ocean Territory (no short-form name); abbreviated BIOT Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: none Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS; Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS (since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag :British Indian Ocean Territory Economy Overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Electricity: provided by the US military :British Indian Ocean Territory Communications Highways: short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways over 3,659 m on Diego Garcia Telecommunications: minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :British Indian Ocean Territory Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :British Virgin Islands Geography Total area: 150 km2 Land area: 150 km2; includes the island of Anegada Comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 7%; meadows and pastures 33%; forest and woodland 7%; other 33% Environment: subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October Note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico :British Virgin Islands People Population: 12,555 (July 1992), growth rate 1.2% (1992) Birth rate: 20 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 20 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - British Virgin Islander(s); adjective - British Virgin Islander Ethnic divisions: over 90% black, remainder of white and Asian origin Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) Languages: English (official) Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 4,911 (1980) Organized labor: NA% of labor force :British Virgin Islands Government Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Road Town Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 June 1977 Legal system: English law National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July Executive branch: British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor P. A. PENFOLD (since NA 1991) Head of Government: Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986) Political parties and leaders: United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2 Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) :British Virgin Islands Economy Overview: The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $130 million, per capita $10,600; real growth rate 6.3% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital expenditures of $38 million (1991) Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US External debt: $4.5 million (1985) Industrial production: growth rate--4.0% (1985) Electricity: 10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Agriculture: livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables Economic aid: NA Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :British Virgin Islands Communications Highways: 106 km motorable roads (1983) Ports: Road Town Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV :British Virgin Islands Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK :Brunei Geography Total area: 5,770 km2 Land area: 5,270 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: 381 km; Malysia 381 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 79%; other 18%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare Note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia :Brunei People Population: 269,319 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bruneian(s); adjective - Bruneian Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% Religions: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) Languages: Malay (official), English, and Chinese Literacy: 77% (male 85%, female 69%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 89,000 (includes members of the Army); 33% of labor force is foreign (1988); government 47.5%; production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 41.9%; agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986) Organized labor: 2% of labor force :Brunei Government Long-form name: Negara Brunei Darussalam Type: constitutional sultanate Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) Constitution: 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: 23 February (1984) Executive branch: sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu`izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967) Political parties and leaders: Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned), leader NA Suffrage: none Elections: Legislative Council: last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan and no elections are planned Member of: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daud; Chancery at 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-0159 US: Ambassador (vacant); Embassy at Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440; telephone [673] (2) 229-670; FAX [673] (2) 225-293 Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands :Brunei Economy Overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per capita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, per capita $8,800; real growth rate 1% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: 3.7%, shortage of skilled labor (1989) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $255 million (1989 est.) Exports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products partners: Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals partners: Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990) External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP Electricity: 310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 2,400 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Agriculture: imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 million Currency: Bruneian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.7454 (January 1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988), 2.1060 (1987), 2.1774 (1986); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar Fiscal year: calendar year :Brunei Communications Railroads: 13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line Highways: 1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved Inland waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters Pipelines: crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km Ports: Kuala Belait, Muara Merchant marine: 7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT Civil air: 4 major transport aircraft (3 Boeing 757-200, 1 Boeing 737-200) Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 1 with runway 1,406 m Telecommunications: service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT :Brunei Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Royal Brunei Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 75,330; 43,969 fit for military service; 2,595 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $233.1 million, 7.1% of GDP (1988) :Bulgaria Geography Total area: 110,910 km2 Land area: 110,550 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: 1,881 km; Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: Macedonia question with Greece and Macedonia Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: arable land 34%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 35%; other 10%; includes irrigated 11% Environment: subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollution Note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia :Bulgaria People Population: 8,869,161 (July 1992), growth rate --0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Bulgarian(s); adjective - Bulgarian Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%; Muslim 13%; Jewish 0.8%; Roman Catholic 0.5%; Uniate Catholic 0.2%; Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: 93% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) Labor force: 4,300,000; industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987) Organized labor: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Edinstvo (Unity) People's Trade Union (splinter confederation from KNSB); Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation, legally registered in January 1990 :Bulgaria Government Long-form name: Republic of Bulgaria Type: emerging democracy, diminishing Communist Party influence Capital: Sofia Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, Varna Independence: 22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire) Constitution: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: 3 March (1878) Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (premier), two deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Zhelyu ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990) Head of Government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Premier) Filip DIMITROV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Deputy Prime Minister) Stoyan GANEV (since 8 November 1991); Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 8 November 1991) Political parties and leaders: government: Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, consisting of United Democratic Center, Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union, Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic Initiative Movement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (pro-Muslim party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman, supports UDF but not officially in coalition with it opposition: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman Suffrage: universalandcompulsoryatage 18 Elections: National Assembly: last held 13 October 1991; results - BSP 33%, UDF 34%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) BSP 106, UDF 110, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24 President: last held 12 January 1992; second round held 19 January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular vote Communists: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), formerly Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP), 501,793 members; several small Communist parties :Bulgaria Government Other political or pressure groups: Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee for Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ognyan PISHEV; Chancery at 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-7969 US: Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILL; Embassy at 1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia (mailing address is APO AE 09213-5740); telephone [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05; Embassy has no FAX machine Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) :Bulgaria Economy Overview: Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in the 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion - giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments. The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an aging industrial plant; coping with worsening energy, food, and consumer goods shortages; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technological developments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion of electric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); and motivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of their enterprises. Bulgaria's new government, led by Prime Minister Filip Dimitrov, is strongly committed to economic reform. The previous government, even though dominated by former Communists, had taken the first steps toward dismantling the central planning system, bringing the economy back into balance, and reducing inflationary pressures. The program produced some encouraging early results, including eased restrictions on foreign investment, increased support from international financial institutions, and liberalized currency trading. Small entrepreneurs have begun to emerge and some privatization of small enterprises has taken place. The government has passed bills to privatize large state-owned enterprises and reform the banking system. Negotiations on an association agreement with the EC began in late 1991. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $36.4 billion, per capita $4,100; real growth rate --22% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 420% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues NA; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of $NA billion (1991) Exports: $8.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: machinery and equipment 55.3%; agricultural products 15.0%; manufactured consumer goods 10.0%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 18.4%; other 1.3% (1990) partners: former CMEA countries 70.6% (USSR 56.2%, Czechoslovakia 3.9%, Poland 2.5%); developed countries 13.6% (Germany 2.1%, Greece 1.2%); less developed countries 13.1% (Libya 5.8%, Iran 0.5%) (1990) Imports: $9.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials 43.7%; machinery and equipment 45.2%; manufactured consumer goods 6.7%; agricultural products 3.8%; other 0.6% partners: former CMEA countries 70.9% (former USSR 52.7%, Poland 4.1%); developed countries 20.2% (Germany 5.0%, Austria 2.1%); less developed countries 7.2% (Libya 2.0%, Iran 0.7%) External debt: $11.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate --14.7% (1990); accounts for about 37% of GNP (1990) Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,040 kWh per capita (1990) :Bulgaria Economy Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Agriculture: accounts for 22% of GNP (1990); climate and soil conditions support livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food producer Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) Currency: lev (plural - leva); 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 17.18 (1 January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991 Fiscal year: calendar year :Bulgaria Communications Railroads: 4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,510 km electrified Highways: 36,908 km total; 33,535 km hard surface (including 242 km superhighways); 3,373 km earth roads (1987) Inland waterways: 470 km (1987) Pipelines: crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 1,400 km (1986) Ports: Burgas, Varna, Varna West; river ports are Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on the Danube Merchant marine: 110 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,234,657 GRT/1,847,759 DWT; includes 2 short-sea passenger, 30 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargo training, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 15 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 48 bulk; Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 DWT operating under Liberian registry Civil air: 86 major transport aircraft Airports: 380 total, 380 usable; about 120 with permanent-surface runways; 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: extensive radio relay; 2.5 million telephones; direct dialing to 36 countries; phone density is 25 phones per 100 persons; 67% of Sofia households now have a phone (November 1988); broadcast stations - 20 AM, 15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets (1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1 satellite ground station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a Greek earth station :Bulgaria Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal Troops Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,181,421; 1,823,678 fit for military service; 65,942 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 4.413 billion leva, 4.4% of GNP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results :Burkina Geography Total area: 274,200 km2 Land area: 273,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Colorado Land boundaries: 3,192 km; Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Ivory Coast 584 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast Natural resources: manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 37%; forest and woodland 26%; other 27%, includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural activities, population distribution, economy; overgrazing; deforestation Note: landlocked :Burkina People Population: 9,653,672 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 49 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: --2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 117 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 52 years male, 53 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burkinabe (singular and plural); adjective - Burkinabe Ethnic divisions: more than 50 tribes; principal tribe is Mossi (about 2.5 million); other important groups are Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani Religions: indigenous beliefs about 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% Languages: French (official); tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken by 90% of the population Literacy: 18% (male 28%, female 9%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 3,300,000 residents; 30,000 are wage earners; agriculture 82%, industry 13%, commerce, services, and government 5%; 20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (1984); 44% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: four principal trade union groups represent less than 1% of population :Burkina Government Long-form name: Burkina Faso Type: military; established by coup on 4 August 1983 Capital: Ouagadougou Administrative divisions: 30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France; formerly Upper Volta) Constitution: June 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) Executive branch: President, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved on 25 November 1980 Judicial branch: Appeals Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) Political parties and leaders: Organization for Popular Democracy (ODP/MT), ruling party; Coordination of Democratic Forces (CFD), composed of opposition parties Suffrage: none Elections: the National Assembly was dissolved 25 November 1980; presidential election held December 1991 and legislative election scheduled for 24 May 1992 Communists: small Communist party front group; some sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: committees for the defense of the revolution, watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Paul Desire KABORE; Chancery at 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-5577 or 6895 US: Ambassador Edward P. BYRNN; Embassy at Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou (mailing address is 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou); telephone [226] 30-67- 23 through 25 and [226] 33-34-22; FAX [226] 31-23-68 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia :Burkina Economy Overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, per capita $320 (1988); real growth rate 1.3% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): --0.5% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $275 million; expenditures $287 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $262 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: oilseeds, cotton, live animals, gold partners: EC 42% (France 30%, other 12%), Taiwan 17%, Ivory Coast 15% (1985) Imports: $619 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: grain, dairy products, petroleum, machinery partners: EC 37% (France 23%, other 14%), Africa 31%, US 15% (1985) External debt: $962 million (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.7% (1990 est.), accounts for about 15% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 120,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not self-sufficient in food grains Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Burkina Communications Railroads: 620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Ivory Coast border and 100 km Ouagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single track Highways: 16,500 km total; 1,300 km paved, 7,400 km improved, 7,800 km unimproved (1985) Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 48 total, 38 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: all services only fair; radio relay, wire, and radio communication stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burkina Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, Peoples' Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,904,647; 971,954 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 2.7% of GDP (1988 est.) :Burma Geography Total area: 678,500 km2 Land area: 657,740 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: 5,876 km; Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km Coastline: 1,930 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) Terrain: central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands Natural resources: crude oil, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas Land use: arable land 15%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 49%; other 34%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); deforestation Note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes :Burma People Population: 42,642,418 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 68 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 57 years male, 61 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burmese (singular and plural); adjective - Burmese Ethnic divisions: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% Languages: Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages Literacy: 81% (male 89%, female 72%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 16,036,000; agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1% (FY89 est.) Organized labor: Workers' Asiayone (association), 1,800,000 members; Peasants' Asiayone, 7,600,000 members :Burma Government Long-form name: Union of Burma; note - the local official name is Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw, which has been translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar Type: military regime Capital: Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon) Administrative divisions: 7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular - pyine); Chin State, Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State, Kayah State, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine State, Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tenasserim* Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK) Constitution: 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988) Legal system: martial law in effect throughout most of the country; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948) Executive branch: chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, State Law and Order Restoration Council Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) was dissolved after the coup of 18 September 1988 Judicial branch: Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18 September 1988 Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) Political parties and leaders: National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE; National Coalition of Union of Burma (NCGUB), SEIN WIN - consists of individuals legitimately elected but not recognized by military regime; fled to border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: People's Assembly: last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats - (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79 Communists: several hundred (est.) in Burma Communist Party (BCP) Other political or pressure groups: Kachin Independence Army (KIA), United Wa State Army (UWSA), Karen National Union (KNU) , several Shan factions, including the Shan United Army (SUA) (all ethnically based insurgent groups) Member of: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO :Burma Government Diplomatic representation: Ambassador U THAUNG; Chancery at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-9044 through 9046; there is a Burmese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador (vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.; Embassy at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (mailing address is GPO Box 521, AMEMB Box B, APO AP 96546); telephone [95] (1) 82055, 82181; FAX [95] (1) 80409 Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions :Burma Economy Overview: Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $500. The nation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in export earnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports. For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world prices has been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In 1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold this position. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, which generates about 40% of GDP and provides employment for 65% of the work force. Burma has been largely isolated from international economic forces and has been trying to encourage foreign investment, so far with little success. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $22.2 billion, per capita $530; real growth rate 5.6% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1991) Unemployment rate: 9.6% in urban areas (FY89 est.) Budget: revenues $7.2 billion; expenditures $9.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $6 billion (1991) Exports: $568 million commodities: teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gems partners: Southeast Asia, India, Japan, China, EC, Africa Imports: $1.16 billion commodities: machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products partners: Japan, EC, China, Southeast Asia External debt: $4.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 2.6% (FY90 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 950,000 kW capacity; 2,900 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products; petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient in food; principal crops - paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% of export revenues; fish catch of 740,000 metric tons (FY90) Illicit drugs: world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $424 million :Burma Economy Currency: kyat (plural - kyats); 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.0963 (January 1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989), 6.46 (1988), 6.6535 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March :Burma Communications Railroads: 3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 km narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track Highways: 27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel, 6,100 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels Pipelines: crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km Ports: Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein Merchant marine: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,036,018 GRT/1,514,121 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 19 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 3 vehicle carrier, 3 container, 2 petroleum tanker, 6 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 27 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-off Civil air: 17 major transport aircraft (including 3 helicopters) Airports: 85 total, 82 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 38 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service; international service is good; 53,000 telephones (1986); radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burma Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: eligible 15-49, 21,447,878; of the 10,745,530 males 15-49, 5,759,840 are fit for military service; of the 10,702,348 females 15-49, 5,721,868 are fit for military service; 424,474 males and 410,579 females reach military age (18) annually; both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.28 billion, FY(91-92) :Burundi Geography Total area: 27,830 km2 Land area: 25,650 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: 974 km; Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands Terrain: mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium Land use: arable land 43%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 35%; forest and woodland 2%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestation Note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed :Burundi People Population: 6,022,341 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 106 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Burundian(s); adjective - Burundi Ethnic divisions: Africans - Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%; other Africans include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians; non-Africans include about 3,000 Europeans and 2,000 South Asians Religions: Christian about 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% Languages: Kirundi and French (official); Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) Literacy: 50% (male 61%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,900,000 (1983 est.); agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services 1.5%; 52% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: sole group is the Union of Burundi Workers (UTB); by charter, membership is extended to all Burundi workers (informally); active membership figures NA :Burundi Government Long-form name: Republic of Burundi Type: republic Capital: Bujumbura Administrative divisions: 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) Constitution: 20 November 1981; suspended following the coup of 3 September 1987; a constitutional committee was charged with drafting a new constitution created in February 1991; a referendum on the new constitution scheduled for March 1992 Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Executive branch: president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved following the coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from 27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for National Salvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition to constitutional government Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Major Pierre BUYOYA, President (since 9 September 1987) Head of Government: Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988) Political parties and leaders: only party - National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), Nicolas MAYUGI, secretary general; note - although Burundi is still officially a one-party state, at least four political parties were formed in 1991 in anticipation of proposed constitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU), Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party of Burundi (PSB), Movement for Peace and Democracy (MPD) - the Party for the Liberation of the Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early 1980s, is an ethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule; the government has long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnic politics and fomenting violence against the state. PALIPEHUTU's exclusivist charter makes it an unlikely candidate for legalization under the new constitution that will require party membership open to all ethnic groups Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: National Assembly: dissolved after the coup of 3 September 1987; note - The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991 :Burundi Government Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Julien KAVAKURE; Chancery at Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 342-2574 US: Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRY; B. P. 1720, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura; telephone [257] (222) 454; FAX [257] (222) 926 Flag: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) :Burundi Economy Overview: A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basic industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability to pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its export agriculture capability and attract foreign investment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatized via public auction in September 1991. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.13 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 3.4% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $158 million; expenditures $204 million, including capital expenditures of $131 million (1989 est.) Exports: $74.7 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: coffee 88%, tea, hides, and skins partners: EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2% Imports: $234.6 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3% External debt: $1.0 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: real growth rate 5.1% (1986); accounts for about 10% of GDP Electricity: 55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports; public works construction; food processing Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming; marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton, tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock - meat, milk, hides, and skins Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175 million Currency: Burundi franc (plural - francs); 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 193.72 (January 1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988), 123. 56 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year :Burundi Communications Highways: 5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improved or unimproved earth Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika Ports: Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and Zaire Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m Telecommunications: sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity radio relay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station :Burundi Defense Forces Branches: Army (includes naval and air units); paramilitary Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,306,611; 681,050 fit for military service; 59,676 reach military age (16) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989) .