Chapter V (25)

Political parties and leaders:
Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 political
parties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO
Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA),
LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian
Indian Congress (MIC), S. Samy VELLU; Spirit of '46 (Semangat '46),
Tengku Tan Sri RAZALEIGH, president
Sabah: National Front, SALLEH Said Keruak, Sabah Chief Minister,
Sakaran DANDAI, head of Sabah State; United Sabah National
Organizaton (USNO), leader NA; Sabah United Party (Parti Bersatu
Sabah, PBS), Datuk Seri Joseph PAIRIN Kitingan
Sarawak: coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party
Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB
Mahmud; Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG
Soon Kai; Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG;
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition
parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang and
Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR

International organization participation: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C,
CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol,
IOC, ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM III,
UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMIL, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR,
UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador DALI Mahmud Hashim
chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 328-2700
FAX: [1] (202) 483-7661
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador John R. MALOTT
embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur, APO AP
96535-8152
telephone: [60] (3) 2489011
FAX: [60] (3) 2422207

Flag: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with
white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side
corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star;
the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the
design was based on the flag of the US

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private
enterprise and public management, has posted a remarkable record of
9% average annual growth in 1988-95. The official growth target for
1996 is 8.3%. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in
poverty and a marked rise in real wages. Manufactured goods exports
expanded rapidly, and foreign investors continued to commit large
sums in the economy. The government is aware of the inflationary
potential of this rapid development and is closely monitoring fiscal
and monetary policies.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $193.6 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 9.5% (1995)

GDP per capita: $9,800 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 8%
industry: 25%
services: 67%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.3% (1995)

Labor force: 7.627 million (1993)

Unemployment rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $20.2 billion
expenditures: $19.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.8
billion (1995 est.)

Industries:
Peninsular Malaysia: rubber and oil palm processing and
manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining
and smelting, logging and processing timber
Sabah: logging, petroleum production
Sarawak: agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining,
logging

Industrial production growth rate: 12% (1994)

Electricity:
capacity: 6,700,000 kW
production: 31 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 1,528 kWh (1993)

Agriculture:
Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, rice
Sabah: subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconut, rice
Sarawak: rubber, pepper; timber

Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to
the US, Western Europe, and the Third World despite severe penalties
for drug trafficking

Exports: $72 billion (1995)
commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products,
palm oil, wood and wood products, rubber, textiles
partners: Singapore 21%, US 20%, Japan 12%, UK 4%, Thailand 4%,
Germany 3% (1994)

Imports: $72.2 billion (1995)
commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, food, petroleum
products
partners: Japan 26%, US 17%, Singapore 14%, Taiwan 5%, Germany 4%,
UK 3%, South Korea 3% (1993)

External debt: $27.4 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $45 million (1993)

Currency: 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen

Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.5567 (January 1996),
2.5044 (1995), 2.6243 (1994), 2.5741 (1993), 2.5474 (1992), 2.7501
(1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation --------------

Railways:
total: 1,806 km (Peninsular Malaysia 1,672 km; Sabah 134 km; Sarawak
0 km)
narrow gauge: 1,806 km 1.000-m gauge (Peninsular Malaysia 1,672 km;
Sabah 134 km)

Highways:
total: 92,545 km
paved: 69,409 km (including 574 km of expressways)
unpaved: 23,136 km (1992 est.)

Waterways:
Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 km
Sabah: 1,569 km
Sarawak: 2,518 km

Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km

Ports: Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Labuan,
Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Dickson, Port Kelang,
Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjong Berhala, Tanjong Kidurong, Tawau

Merchant marine:
total: 248 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,035,684
GRT/4,494,476 DWT
ships by type: bulk 43, cargo 83, chemical tanker 13, container 31,
liquefied gas tanker 12, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 55,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 5, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 4
(1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 105
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 5
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 11
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 6
with paved runways under 914 m: 74
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 2,550,957 (1992 est.)

Telephone system: international service good
domestic: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia
mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio
relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; domestic
satellite system with 2 earth stations
international: submarine cables to India, Hong Kong and Singapore;
satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific
Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 3, shortwave 0

Radios: 8.08 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 33

Televisions: 2 million (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian
Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak
Border Scouts

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 5,160,884
males fit for military service: 3,129,626
males reach military age (21) annually: 184,236 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion,
2.9% of GDP (1995)

======================================================================

@Maldives --------

Map ---

Location: 3 15 N, 73 00 E -- Southern Asia, group of atolls in the
Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India

Flag ----

Description: red with a large green rectangle in the center
bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent
is on the hoist side of the flag

Geography ---------

Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean,
south-southwest of India

Geographic coordinates: 3 15 N, 73 00 E

Map references: Asia

Area:
total area: 300 sq km
land area: 300 sq km
comparative area: nearly twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 644 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm as defined by geographic
coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with
India
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to
March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain: flat
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili 24 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use:
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 3%
forest and woodland: 3%
other: 84%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water
supplies
natural hazards: low level of islands makes them very sensitive to
sea level rise
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified -
Law of the Sea

Geographic note: 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls;
archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes
in Indian Ocean

People ------

Population: 270,758 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 47% (male 65,559; female 62,399)
15-64 years: 50% (male 69,071; female 65,659)
65 years and over: 3% (male 4,336; female 3,734) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.52% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 41.88 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.64 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.16 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.05 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 66.17 years
male: 64.6 years
female: 67.82 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.06 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Maldivian(s)
adjective: Maldivian

Ethnic divisions: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African

Religions: Sunni Muslim

Languages: Maldivian Divehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived
from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 93.2%
male: 93.3%
female: 93%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Maldives
conventional short form: Maldives

Data code: MV

Type of government: republic

Capital: Male

Administrative divisions: 19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa,
Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu,
Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani,
Thaa, Waavu

Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Constitution: 4 June 1968

Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English
common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Maumoon Abdul
GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978) was reelected for a five-year term
by secret ballot of the Majlis; election last held 1 October 1993
(next to be held NA 1998); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM
was reelected with 92.76% of the vote
cabinet: Ministry of Atolls was appointed by the president; note -
need not be members of Majilis

Legislative branch: unicameral; members elected for five-year
terms or appointed by the president
Citizens' Council (Majlis): elections last held 2 December 1994
(next to be held NA December 1999); results - percent of vote NA;
seats - (48 total, 40 elected, 8 appointed by the president)
independents 40

Judicial branch: High Court

Political parties and leaders: although political parties are not
banned, none exist

International organization participation: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO,
G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, Intelsat
(nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: Maldives does not have an embassy
in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York,
headed by Ahmed ZAKI

US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy in
Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives
and makes periodic visits there

Flag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a
vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the
hoist side of the flag

Economy -------

Economic overview: During the 1980s tourism became one of the most
important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1994,
tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounted for about 18% of GDP
and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts.
Fishing is a second leading growth sector. Over 90% of government
tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. The
Maldivian Government initiated an economic reform program in 1989
initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the
private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to
allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing
continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the
limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic
labor. Most staple foods must be imported. In 1994, industry which
consisted mainly of garment production, boat building, and
handicrafts accounted for about 15% of GDP.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $390 million (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 6.6% (1994 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,560 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 21.5%
industry: 15.3%
services: 63.2% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.5% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 66,000 (est.)
by occupation: fishing industry 25%

Unemployment rate: NEGL%

Budget:
revenues: $88 million (excluding foreign grants)
expenditures: $141 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995 est.)

Industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building,
coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral
and sand mining

Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (1994 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 5,000 kW
production: 30 million kWh
consumption per capita: 123 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fishing

Exports: $75.3 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
commodities: fish, clothing
partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore, UK

Imports: $195.1 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
commodities: consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods,
petroleum products
partners: Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand

External debt: $137.5 million (1994 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari

Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 11.770 (January 1996),
11.770 (1995), 11.586 (1994), 10.957 (1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253
(1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation --------------

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: NA km
paved: NA km
unpaved: NA km; note - Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the
city (1988 est.)

Ports: Gan, Male

Merchant marine:
total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 73,284 GRT/113,669 DWT
ships by type: cargo 17, container 2, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 2
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 8,523 (1992 est.)

Telephone system: minimal domestic and international facilities
domestic: NA
international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0

Radios: 28,284 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: 7,309 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force)

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 59,179
males fit for military service: 33,016 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP

======================================================================

@Mali ----

Map ---

Location: 17 00 N, 4 00 W -- Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Flag ----

Description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side),
yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Geography ---------

Location: Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic coordinates: 17 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 1.24 million sq km
land area: 1.22 million sq km
comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:
total: 7,243 km
border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea
858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km,
Senegal 419 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

International disputes: the disputed international boundary
between Burkina Faso 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
Faso and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including
the tripoint with Niger

Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy,
humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February

Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand;
savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast
lowest point: Senegal River 23 m
highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone,
uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are
known but not exploited

Land use:
arable land: 2%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 25%
forest and woodland: 7%
other: 66%

Irrigated land: 50 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification;
inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching
natural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry
seasons; recurring droughts
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer
Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban

Geographic note: landlocked

People ------

Population: 9,653,261 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 48% (male 2,310,294; female 2,308,941)
15-64 years: 49% (male 2,231,244; female 2,488,276)
65 years and over: 3% (male 149,370; female 165,136) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.95% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 51.38 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 19.49 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -2.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 102.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 46.84 years
male: 45.12 years
female: 48.6 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 7.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Malian(s)
adjective: Malian

Ethnic divisions: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul
17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%

Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African
languages

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 31%
male: 39.4%
female: 23.1%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Mali
conventional short form: Mali
local long form: Republique de Mali
local short form: Mali
former: French Sudan

Data code: ML

Type of government: republic

Capital: Bamako

Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region);
Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France)

National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic,
22 September (1960)

Constitution: adopted 12 January 1992

Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law;
judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which
was formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992) was
elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last
held NA April 1992 (next to be held NA April 1997); Alpha KONARE was
elected in runoff race against Montaga TALL
head of government: Prime Minister Ibrahima Boubacar KEITA (since NA
March 1994) was appointed by the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly: elections last held 8 March 1992 (next to be held
NA February 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(116 total) Adema 76, CNID 9, US/RAD 8, Popular Movement for the
Development of the Republic of West Africa 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3,
UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy (Adema),
Ibrahim Baubacar KEITA; National Congress for Democratic Initiative
(CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally
(US/RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; Popular Movement for the
Development of the Republic of West Africa; Rally for Democracy and
Progress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union for Democracy and Development
(UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally for Democracy and Labor (RDT);
Union of Democratic Forces for Progress (UFDP), Dembo DIALLO; Party
for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union for
Democracy and Development (UMDD); Movement for the Independence, the
Renaissance and Integration of Africa (MIRIA), Mohammed Lamine TRAORE

Other political or pressure groups: United Movement and Fronts of
Azawad (MFUA); Patriotic Movement of the Ghanda Kaye (MPGK)

International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,
ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU,
OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU,
WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Cheick Oumar DIARRAH
chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador David RAWSON
embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako
mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako
telephone: [223] 22 54 70
FAX: [223] 22 37 12

Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow,
and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy -------

Economic overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the
world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic
activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the
Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the
labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial
activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The economy
is beginning to turn around after contracting through 1992-93,
largely because of enhanced exports and import substitute production
in the wake of the 50% devaluation of 12 January 1994.
Post-devaluation inflation peaked at 35% in 1994, and the government
appears to be keeping on track with its IMF structural adjustment
program.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.4 billion (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.4% (1994 est.)

GDP per capita: $600 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 42.4%
industry: 15.4%
services: 42.2%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 2.666 million (1986 est.)
by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce
1% (1981)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $376 million
expenditures: $697 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1992 est.)

Industries: minor local consumer goods production and food
processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 90,000 kW
production: 310 million kWh
consumption per capita: 33 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: cotton, millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts;
cattle, sheep, goats

Exports: $415 million (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities: cotton, livestock, gold
partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe

Imports: $842 million (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, construction
materials, petroleum, textiles
partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe

External debt: $2.8 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100
centimes

Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January
1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992),
282.11 (1991)
note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF
100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since
1948

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation --------------

Railways:
total: 641 km; note - linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes
narrow gauge: 641 km 1.000-m gauge (1995)

Highways:
total: 15,610 km
paved: 1,661 km
unpaved: 13,949 km (1987 est.)

Waterways: 1,815 km navigable

Ports: Koulikoro

Airports:
total: 24
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2
with paved runways under 914 m: 7
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 11,000 (1982 est.)

Telephone system: domestic system poor but improving; provides
only minimal service
domestic: network consists of microwave radio relay, open wire, and
radiotelephone communications stations; expansion of microwave radio
relay in progress
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic
Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0

Radios: 430,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)

Televisions: 11,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National
Guard, National Police (Surete Nationale)

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,925,205
males fit for military service: 1,100,599 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 2.2%
of GDP (1994)

======================================================================

@Malta -----

Map ---

Location: 35 50 N, 14 35 E -- Southern Europe, islands in the
Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Flag ----

Description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and
red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the
George Cross, edged in red

Geography ---------

Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south
of Sicily (Italy)

Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E

Map references: Europe

Area:
total area: 320 sq km
land area: 320 sq km
comparative area: less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 140 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the
commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their
countries, particularly for oil exploration

Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry
summers

Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal
cliffs
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Dingli Cliffs 245 m

Natural resources: limestone, salt

Land use:
arable land: 38%
permanent crops: 3%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 59%

Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989)

Environment:
current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources;
increasing reliance on desalination
natural hazards: NA
international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone
Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not
ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification

Geographic note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only
the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited;
numerous bays provide good harbors

People ------

Population: 375,576 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 22% (male 42,067; female 39,958)
15-64 years: 67% (male 126,179; female 125,321)
65 years and over: 11% (male 17,766; female 24,285) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.01% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 14.79 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.83 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 78.11 years
male: 75.77 years
female: 80.6 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.17 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Maltese (singular and plural)
adjective: Maltese

Ethnic divisions: Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English

Religions: Roman Catholic 98%

Languages: Maltese (official), English (official)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.)
total population: 84%
male: 86%
female: 82%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Malta
conventional short form: Malta

Data code: MT

Type of government: parliamentary democracy

Capital: Valletta

Administrative divisions: none (administered directly from
Valletta)

Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)

Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13
December 1974

Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994)
was elected for a five-year term by the House of Representatives
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI
(since 12 May 1987) was appointed by the president; Deputy Prime
Minister (since 14 May 1987) and Foreign Minister (since 1990) Dr.
Guido DE MARCO
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president on advice of the
prime minister

Legislative branch: unicameral
House of Representatives: elections last held 22 February 1992 (next
to be held by February 1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats -
(usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note - additional seats are given
to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative
majority; current total: 69 (NP 36, MLP 33 after adjustment)

Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, judges are appointed by the
president on the advice of the prime minister; Court of Appeal,
judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime
minister

Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), Edward
FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT

International organization participation: C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE,
EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarset, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer),
ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, NAM, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Albert Borg Olivier DE PUGET
chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612
FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470
consulate(s): New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph R. PAOLINO, Jr.
embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana,
======================================================================

@Man, Isle of ------------

(British crown dependency)

Map ---

Location: 54 15 N, 4 30 W -- Western Europe, island in the Irish
Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland

Flag ----

Description: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in
the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the
knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of
the flag, a two-sided emblem is used

Geography ---------

Location: Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great
Britain and Ireland

Geographic coordinates: 54 15 N, 4 30 W

Map references: Europe

Area:
total area: 588 sq km
land area: 588 sq km
comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of
Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 113 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half
the time

Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley
lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m
highest point: Snaefell 620 m

Natural resources: lead, iron ore

Land use:
arable land: NA%
permanent crops: NA%
meadows and pastures: NA%
forest and woodland: NA%
other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: NA
international agreements: NA

Geographic note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the
southwest, and is a bird sanctuary

People ------

Population: 73,837 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 18% (male 6,606; female 6,348)
15-64 years: 65% (male 23,917; female 23,815)
65 years and over: 17% (male 5,239; female 7,912) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.94% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 12.43 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 12.09 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 9.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 2.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 77.15 years
male: 73.56 years
female: 80.91 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Manxman, Manxwoman
adjective: Manx

Ethnic divisions: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton

Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist,
Presbyterian, Society of Friends

Languages: English, Manx Gaelic

Literacy: NA

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Isle of Man

Data code: IM

Type of government: British crown dependency

Capital: Douglas

Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)

Independence: none (British crown dependency)

National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July

Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act

Legal system: English law and local statute

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United
Kingdom since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor
His Excellency Sir Timothy DAUNT (since NA 1995) who was appointed
for a five-year term by the queen
head of government: President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles
KERRUISH (since NA 1990); was elected by the Tynwald
cabinet: Council of Ministers

Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald
Legislative Council: consists of a 10-member body composed of the
Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8
others named by the House of Keys
House of Keys: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held
NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (24 total)
independents 24

Judicial branch: High Court of Justice, justices are appointed by
the Lord Chancellor of England on the nomination of the lieutenant
governor

Political parties and leaders: there is no party system; members
sit as independents

International organization participation: none

Diplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)

US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)

Flag: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the
center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee;
in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the
flag, a two-sided emblem is used

Economy -------

Economic overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism
are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering
incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions
to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment
opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture
and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in
their shares of GDP. Banking now contributes about 45% to GDP. Trade
is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to EU
markets.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $780 million (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $10,800 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1992 est.)

Labor force: 31,829 (1991)
by occupation: manufacturing 11%, construction 11%, transport and
communication 6%, retail distribution 9%, professional and
scientific services 17%, public administration 7%, banking and
finance 8%

Unemployment rate: 1% (1992 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $130.4 million
expenditures: $114.4 million, including capital expenditures of
$18.1 million (1985 est.)

Industries: financial services, light manufacturing, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 61,000 kW
production: 190 million kWh
consumption per capita: 2,965 kWh (1992)

Agriculture: cereals, vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Exports: $NA
commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb
partners: UK

Imports: $NA
commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish
partners: UK

External debt: $NA

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Manx pound (LM) = 100 pence

Exchange rates: Manx pounds (LM) per US$1 - 0.6537 (January 1996),
0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652
(1991); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

Transportation --------------

Railways:
total: 52 km (27 km electrified)

Highways:
total: 640 km
paved: 320 km
unpaved: 320 km

Ports: Castletown, Douglas, Peel, Ramsey

Merchant marine:
total: 83 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,099,888 GRT/3,569,632
DWT
ships by type: bulk 13, cargo 10, chemical tanker 4, container 12,
liquefied gas tanker 8, oil tanker 18, passenger 2, roll-on/roll-off
cargo 13, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 2
note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 10 ships, Switzerland
2, South Africa 2, Denmark 1, and Netherlands 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 41,000 (1995)

Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: NA

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 4

Televisions: NA

Defense -------

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

======================================================================

@Marshall Islands ----------------

Map ---

Location: 9 00 N, 168 00 E -- Oceania, group of atolls and reefs
in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to
Papua New Guinea

Flag ----

Description: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower
hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star
with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the
two stripes

Geography ---------

Location: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific
Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Papua New Guinea

Geographic coordinates: 9 00 N, 168 00 E

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total area: 181.3 sq km
land area: 181.3 sq km
comparative area: about the size of Washington, DC
note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, and Kwajalein

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 370.4 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: claims US territory of Wake Island

Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border
typhoon belt

Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep
seabed minerals

Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 60%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 40%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water
natural hazards: occasional typhoons
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

Geographic note: two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and
1,152 islands; Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites;
Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US
missile test range

People ------

Population: 58,363 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 51% (male 15,043; female 14,435)
15-64 years: 47% (male 14,084; female 13,399)
65 years and over: 2% (male 657; female 745) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.85% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 45.75 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 7.28 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.04 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 46.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 63.81 years
male: 62.25 years
female: 65.45 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.83 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Marshallese (singular and plural)
adjective: Marshallese

Ethnic divisions: Micronesian

Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant)

Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official
language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian
family, Japanese

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)
total population: 93%
male: 100%
female: 88%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands
conventional short form: Marshall Islands
former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands)

Data code: RM

Type of government: constitutional government in free association
with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21
October 1986

Capital: Majuro

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN
trusteeship)

National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, 1 May (1979)

Constitution: 1 May 1979

Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the
legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Amata KABUA (since
NA 1979) was elected for a four-year term by the Nitijela from among
its own members; election last held 20 November 1995 (next to be
held NA 1999); results - President Amata KABUA was reelected
cabinet: Cabinet; president selects from among the members of
Parliament

Legislative branch: unicameral
Parliament (Nitijela): elections last held 20 November 1995 (next to
be held NA November 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33
total) seats by party NA

Judicial branch: Supreme Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:
government: Our Islands Party, President Amata KABUA
opposition: Ralik/Ratak Democratic Party (RRDP), Ramsey REIMERS

International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol,
Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)
chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414
FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236
consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Los Angeles

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Joan PLAISTED
embassy: Oceanside, Long Island, Majuro
mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall
Islands 96960-1379; Majuro, 20521-4380 (pouch)
telephone: [692] 247-4011
FAX: [692] 247-4012

Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side
corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four
large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes

Economy -------

Economic overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of
the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms,
and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes,
melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic
meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish
processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of
foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The
islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.
The government is drafting economic reforms designed to increase
revenue and compensate for reductions in US Government grants - in
1994, the US Government provided grants of $50 million, equal to 55%
of the Marshall Islands' GDP. About 25% of the government's 1995/96
budget is devoted to debt repayment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $94 million (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 1.5% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,680 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 4,800 (1986)
by occupation: NA

Unemployment rate: 16% (1991 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $67.2 million
expenditures: $79.6 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(FY94/95 est.)

Industries: copra, fish, tourism, craft items from shell, wood,
and pearls, offshore banking (embryonic)

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 42,000 kW
production: 80 million kWh
consumption per capita: 1,840 kWh (1990)

Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits; pigs,
chickens

Exports: $21.3 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
commodities: coconut oil, fish, live animals, trochus shells
partners: US, Japan, Australia

Imports: $69.9 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.)
commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, beverages and
tobacco, fuels
partners: US, Japan, Australia

External debt: $170 million (1994)

Economic aid:
recipient: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the
US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually

Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: US currency is used

Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September

Transportation --------------

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: NA km
paved: NA km
unpaved: NA km
note: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise
stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks

Ports: Majuro

Merchant marine:
total: 78 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,068,782 GRT/5,073,125
DWT
ships by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 4, combination ore/oil 1,
container 17, oil tanker 11, refrigerated cargo 1, vehicle carrier 1
(1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 16
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1
with paved runways under 914 m: 5
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 7 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 800 (1988 est.)

Telephone system: telex services
domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone (used
mostly for government purposes)
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific
Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 1

Televisions: NA

Defense -------

Branches: no regular military forces (a coast guard may be
established); Police Force

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US

======================================================================

@Martinique ----------

(overseas department of France)

Map ---

Location: 14 40 N, 61 00 W -- Caribbean, island in the Caribbean
Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Flag ----

Description: a light blue background is divided into four
quadrants by a white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a
white snake; the flag of France is used for official occasions

Geography ---------

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of
Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area:
total area: 1,100 sq km
land area: 1,060 sq km
comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of
Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 350 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to
October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every
eight years on average; average temperature 17.3 degrees C; humid

Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land

Land use:
arable land: 10%
permanent crops: 8%
meadows and pastures: 30%
forest and woodland: 26%
other: 26%

Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an
average of one major natural disaster every five years)
international agreements: NA

People ------

Population: 399,151 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 23% (male 46,851; female 45,300)
15-64 years: 67% (male 132,161; female 135,707)
65 years and over: 10% (male 16,542; female 22,590) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.1% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 16.92 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 5.85 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 78.81 years
male: 76.07 years
female: 81.68 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural)
adjective: Martiniquais

Ethnic divisions: African and African-white-Indian mixture 90%,
white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%

Languages: French, Creole patois

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982 est.)
total population: 93%
male: 92%
female: 93%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Department of Martinique
conventional short form: Martinique
local long form: Departement de la Martinique
local short form: Martinique

Data code: MB

Type of government: overseas department of France

Capital: Fort-de-France

Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)

Independence: none (overseas department of France)

National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July
(1789)

Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system: French legal system

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President (of France) Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May
1995); Prefect Jean-Francois CORDET (since NA) was appointed by the
French Ministry of the Interior
head of government: President of the General Council Claude LISE
(since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Emile
CAPGRAS (since 22 March 1992);

Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and a unicameral
Regional Assembly
General Council: elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be held
NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total)
number of seats by party NA; note - the PPM won a plurality
Regional Assembly: elections last held on 22 March 1992 (next to be
held by March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(41 total) RPR-UDF 16, MIM 9, PPM 9, PCM 5, independents 2
French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1989 (next to be
held September 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1
French National Assembly: elections last held 21 March 1993 (next to
be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats
- (4 total) RPR 2, UDF 1, PPM 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Alex
URSULET; Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP); Martinique
Progressive Party (PPM), Aime CESAIRE; Socialist Federation of
Martinique (FSM), Jean CRUSOL; Martinique Communist Party (PCM),
George ERICHOT; Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for French Democracy
(UDF), Miguel LAVENTURE; Martinique Independence Movement (MIM),
Alfred MARIE-JEANNE; Republican Party (PR), Jean BAILLY

Other political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group
(GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS);
Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique
Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers
and Peasants; Parti Martiniquais Socialiste (PMS); Association for
the Protection of Martinique's Heritage (ecologist)

International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department of
France)

US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France)

Flag: a light blue background is divided into four quadrants by a
white cross; in the center of each rectangle is a white snake; the
flag of France is used for official occasions

Economy -------

Economic overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas,
tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 6% of
GDP and the small industrial sector for 11%. Sugar production has
declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of
rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk
of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported,
contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual
transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than
agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority
of the work force is employed in the service sector and in
administration. Banana workers launched protests late in 1992
because of falling banana prices and fears of greater competition in
the European market from other producers.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.95 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $10,000 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 6%
industry: 11%
services: 83% (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1990)

Labor force: 121,600
by occupation: agriculture 10%, industry 17%, services 73% (1992)

Unemployment rate: 32.1% (1990)

Budget:
revenues: $657 million
expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1992 est.)

Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 113,100 kW
production: 761 million kWh
consumption per capita: 1,677 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables,
sugarcane for rum

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound
for the US and Europe

Exports: $218 million (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples
partners: France 57%, Guadeloupe 31%, French Guiana (1991)

Imports: $1.76 billion (c.i.f., 1993)
commodities: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction
materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods
partners: France 62%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1991)

External debt: $180 million (1994)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA
note: French aid $600 million (1989-93); EU aid $137 million

Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.0056 (January
1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992),
5.6421 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Transportation --------------

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 1,690 km
paved: 1,300 km
unpaved: 390 km

Ports: Fort-de-France, La Trinite

Merchant marine: none

Airports:
total: 2
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Telephones: 159,000 (1990 est.)

Telephone system: domestic facilities are adequate
domestic: NA
international: microwave radio relay to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and
Saint Lucia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0

Radios: 74,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 10

Televisions: 65,000 (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France

======================================================================

@Mauritania ----------

Map ---

Location: 20 00 N, 12 00 W -- Northern Africa, bordering the North
Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara

Flag ----

Description: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow,
horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the
crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Geography ---------

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Senegal and Western Sahara

Geographic coordinates: 20 00 N, 12 00 W

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 1,030,700 sq km
land area: 1,030,400 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of New
Mexico

Land boundaries:
total: 5,074 km
border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km,
Western Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline: 754 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: boundary with Senegal in dispute

Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central
hills
lowest point: Sebkha de Ndrhamcha -3 m
highest point: Kediet Ijill 910 m

Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate

Land use:
arable land: 1%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 38%
forest and woodland: 5%
other: 56%

Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion
aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very
limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is
the only perennial river
natural hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows
primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Nuclear Test
Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea

Geographic note: most of the population concentrated along the
Senegal River in the southern part of the country

People ------

Population: 2,336,048 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 48% (male 568,828; female 562,342)
15-64 years: 49% (male 560,540; female 592,914)
65 years and over: 3% (male 21,753; female 29,671) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.17% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 46.92 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 15.24 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 81.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 49.01 years
male: 46.09 years
female: 52.06 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.84 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Mauritanian(s)
adjective: Mauritanian

Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Religions: Muslim 100%

Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof
(official)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 37.7%
male: 49.6%
female: 26.3%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah

Data code: MR

Type of government: republic

Capital: Nouakchott

Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region);
Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh
ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
note: there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott