Chapter V (29)

Exports: $13.41 billion (1995)
commodities: wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fish, cheese, chemicals,
forestry products, fruits and vegetables, manufactures
partners: Australia 20%, Japan 15%, US 12%, UK 6%

Imports: $13.62 billion (1995)
commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft,
petroleum, consumer goods
partners: Australia 21%, US 18%, Japan 16%, UK 6%

External debt: $38.5 billion (September 1994)

Economic aid:
donor: ODA, $98 million (1993)

Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138
(January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584
(1992), 1.7265 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways:
total: 3,973 km
narrow gauge: 3,973 km 1.067-m gauge (504 km electrified)

Highways:
total: 93,348 km
paved: 54,142 km (including 141 km of expressways)
unpaved: 39,206 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 1,609 km; of little importance to transportation

Pipelines: petroleum products 160 km; natural gas 1,000 km;
condensate (liquefied petroleum gas - LPG) 150 km

Ports: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, Wellington

Merchant marine:
total: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 162,220 GRT/213,749 DWT
ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 1, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker
3, railcar carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 113
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 8
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 31
with paved runways under 914 m: 50
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 21 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 1.7 million (1986 est.)

Telephone system: excellent international and domestic systems
domestic: NA
international: submarine cables to Australia and Fiji; satellite
earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 64, FM 2, shortwave 0

Radios: 3.215 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 14 (1986 est.)

Televisions: 1.53 million (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New
Zealand Air Force

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 927,212
males fit for military service: 780,976
males reach military age (20) annually: 27,433 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $556 million, 1%
of GDP (FY93/94)

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

@Nicaragua ---------

Map ---

Location: 13 00 N, 85 00 W -- Middle America, bordering both the
Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and
Honduras

Flag ----

Description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white,
and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band;
the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words
REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom;
similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem
encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA
CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of
Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern
centered in the white band

Geography ---------

Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the
North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 85 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area:
total area: 129,494 sq km
land area: 120,254 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than New York State

Land boundaries:
total: 1,231 km
border countries: Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Coastline: 910 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 25-nm security zone
continental shelf: natural prolongation
territorial sea: 200 nm

International disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over
the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank;
with respect to the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de
Fonseca, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referred the
disputants to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that
some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and
Nicaragua likely would be required; maritime boundary dispute with
Honduras

Climate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central
interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by
volcanoes
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Natural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc,
timber, fish

Land use:
arable land: 9%
permanent crops: 1%
meadows and pastures: 43%
forest and woodland: 35%
other: 12%

Irrigated land: 850 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
natural hazards: destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and
occasionally severe hurricanes
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,
Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental
Modification, Law of the Sea

People ------

Population: 4,272,352 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 44% (male 951,254; female 938,599)
15-64 years: 53% (male 1,105,069; female 1,164,144)
65 years and over: 3% (male 49,027; female 64,259) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.67% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 33.83 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.01 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -1.17 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: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 65.72 years
male: 63.41 years
female: 68.13 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.03 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Nicaraguan(s)
adjective: Nicaraguan

Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white
17%, black 9%, Indian 5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5%

Languages: Spanish (official)
note: English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 65.7%
male: 64.6%
female: 66.6%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua
conventional short form: Nicaragua
local long form: Republica de Nicaragua
local short form: Nicaragua

Data code: NU

Type of government: republic

Capital: Managua

Administrative divisions: 15 departments (departamentos, singular
- departamento), 2 autonomous regions* (regions autonomista,
singular - region autonomista); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega,
Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya,
Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Atlantica Norte*, Atlantica Sur*, Rio San
Juan, Rivas

Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution: 9 January 1987

Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review
administrative acts

Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Violeta Barrios de
CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990) was elected for a six-year term
(amended to a five-year term in July 1995) by universal suffrage;
Vice President Julia MENA Rivera (since 22 October 1995) replaced
Virgilio GODOY, who resigned to run for the presidency in 1996 as
required by law; election last held 25 February 1990 (next to be
held 20 October 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO)
54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5%
cabinet: Cabinet

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections last held 25
February 1990 (next to be held NA October 1996); results - UNO
coalition 53.9%, Sandinista bloc 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats -
(92 total) UNO coalition 53 (Center Group 9, UDC 6, PSD 5, APC 5,
PLC 5, PLI 4, PND 3, PAN 3, PNC 3, MDN 2, PCdeN 2, independents 6)
and Sandinista bloc 39 (MRS 16, BUS-Sandinista 9, FSLN 8, Sandinista
Group of Reflection 4, FSLN-independents 2)

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges elected for
a six-year term (amended to a seven-year term in July 1995) by the
National Assembly

Political parties and leaders:
right: Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Arnold ALEMAN;
Conservative Popular Alliance Party (APC), Myriam ARGUELLO;
Independent Liberal Party for National Unity (PLIUN), Carlos GUERRA
Gallardo; Conservative Action Movement (MAC); Conservative Party of
Nicaragua (PCN - formed in 1992 by the merger of the Conservative
Social Party or PSC with the Democratic Conservative Party or PCD
and the Conservative party of Labor or PCL), Fernando AGUERO;
National Conservative Party (PNC), Adolfo CALERO, Noel VIDUARRE
center right: Neoliberal Party (PALI), Ricardo VEGA Garcia;
Nicaraguan Resistance Party (PRN), Fabio GADEA, Enrique QUINONEZ;
Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO; National Project
(PRONAL), Antonio LACAYO Oyanguren; Nicaraguan Democratic Alliance
Party (PADENIC), Pedro MAYORGA Knilands; Nationalist Liberal Party
(PLN), Roberto CASTILLO Quant; Party for Liberal Unity (PUL),
Haroldo MONTEALEGRE; Fuerza '96, Francesco MAYORGA
center left: Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN;
Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), Alfredo GUZMAN; Social
Democratic Party (PSD), Adolfo JARQUIN; National Justice Party
(PJN), Jorge DIAZ Cruz; National Action Party (PAN), Delvis MONTIEL;
Renovating Action Movement (MAR), Pablo HERNANDEZ; Sandinista
Renovation Movement (MRS), Sergio RAMIREZ; Social Christian Party
(PCS), Erick RAMIREZ; Democratic Action Party (PAD), Eden PASTORA;
"Up with Nicaragua" (Arriba Nicaragua), Alvaro ROBELO; National
Democratic Party (PND), Alfredo CESAR Aquirre; Communist Party of
Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez
left: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA;
Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Popular
Action Movement-Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Nicaraguan
Socialist Party (PSN), Gustavo TABLADA; Unidad Nicaraguense de
Obreros, Campesinos, y Profesionales (UNOCP), Rosalio GONZALEZ
Urbina; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS
Echaverry
note: the UNO coalition that won the 1990 elections no longer
exists; the different blocs that formerly were united under the UNO
umbrella and their opposition to the Sandinistas now act and vote
independently

Other political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT)
is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista
Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC); Health
Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE);
National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of
Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of
Professional Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of
Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is
an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation
of Labor Unification (CUS); Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central
(CTN-A); Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and
Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central
(CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private
Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups

International organization participation: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO,
G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA
(observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto Genaro MAYORGA Cortes
chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570
consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New
York, San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador John F. MAISTO
embassy: Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua
mailing address: APO AA 34021
telephone: [505] (2) 666010 through 666013, 666015 through 18,
666026, 666027, 666032 through 33
FAX: [505] (2) 669074

Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue
with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat
of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE
NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to
the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by
the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in
the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five
blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Nicaraguan economy, devastated during the
1980s by economic mismanagement and civil war, is beginning to
rebound. Since March 1991, when President CHAMORRO launched an
ambitious economic stabilization program, Nicaragua has had
considerable success in reducing inflation and obtaining substantial
economic aid from abroad. Annual inflation fell from more than 750%
in 1991 to less than 5% in 1992. After rising again to an estimated
20% in 1993, the annual inflation rate was 11.7% in 1994 and 11.4%
in 1995. While economic growth was flat in 1992 and negative in
1993, the 1995 growth rate is about 4%, thanks to surges in most
export categories. Recent legislation (November 1995) authorizing
the privatization of the TELCOR telecommunications company and
resolving the issue of property confiscated by the previous
Sandinista government may reassure potential investors. The
government's efforts to liberalize trade include a December 1995
decision to stop requiring exporters to bring their foreign exchange
earnings into Nicaragua. On the debt front, the Nicaraguan
Government launched a successful debt buyback program in 1995,
purchasing 73% of its $1.373 billion commercial debt inherited from
previous governments. Progress also occurred on reducing bilateral
debt in November 1995 as Nicaragua reached an agreement with
Germany, reducing Nicaragua's $616 million debt to the former GDR by
80%. Debt reduction agreements with Paris Club creditors and
rescheduling with the US also took place. Unemployment remains a
pressing problem, however, with roughly half the country's
population unemployed or underemployed.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.1 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.2% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,700 (1995 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.4% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 1.086 million
by occupation: services 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986)

Unemployment rate: 20% substantial underemployment (1995 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $389 million
expenditures: $551 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1996 est.)

Industries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles,
clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear

Industrial production growth rate: 1.4% (1994 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 460,000 kW
production: 1.64 billion kWh (1994)
consumption per capita: 376 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn,
cassava (tapioca), citrus, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy
products

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US

Exports: $525.5 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
commodities: meat, coffee, cotton, sugar, seafood, gold, bananas
partners: US, Central America, Canada, Germany

Imports: $870 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.)
commodities: consumer goods, machinery and equipment, petroleum
products
partners: Central America, US, Venezuela, Japan

External debt: $11.7 billion (1994)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 gold cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates: gold cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 7.98 (December
1995), 6.72 (1994), 5.62 (1993), 5.00 (1992), 4.27 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 0 km
narrow gauge: 0 km 1.067-m gauge; note - part of the previous 376 km
system was closed and dismantled in 1993 and, in 1994, the remainder
was closed, the track and rolling stock being sold for scrap

Highways:
total: 26,000 km
paved: 4,000 km
unpaved: 22,000 km (1993 est.)
note: there is a 368.5 km portion of the Pan-American Highway which
is not included in the total

Waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes

Pipelines: crude oil 56 km

Ports: Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto
Sandino, Rama, San Juan del Sur

Merchant marine: none

Airports:
total: 148
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3
with paved runways under 914 m: 107
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 32 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 66,810 (1993 est.)

Telephone system: low-capacity microwave radio relay and wire
system being expanded; connected to Central American Microwave System
domestic: wire and microwave radio relay
international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic
Ocean Region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 45, FM 0, shortwave 3

Radios: 1.037 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 7 (1994 est.)

Televisions: 260,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 988,883
males fit for military service: 608,753
males reach military age (18) annually: 47,786 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $28.1 million,
NA% of GDP (1996)

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

@Niger -----

Map ---

Location: 16 00 N, 8 00 E -- Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Flag ----

Description: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white,
and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered
in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue
spoked wheel centered in the white band

Geography ---------

Location: Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Geographic coordinates: 16 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 1.267 million sq km
land area: 1,266,700 sq km
comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:
total: 5,697 km
border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km,
Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

International disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 sq km in
northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake
Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is
completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and
Nigeria; Burkina Faso and Mali are proceeding with boundary
demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger

Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to
rolling plains in south; hills in north
lowest point: Niger River 200 m
highest point: Mont Greboun 1,944 m

Natural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates

Land use:
arable land: 3%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 7%
forest and woodland: 2%
other: 88%

Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation;
desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant,
hippopotamus, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat
destruction
natural hazards: recurring droughts
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban,
Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -
Desertification, Law of the Sea

Geographic note: landlocked

People ------

Population: 9,113,001 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 48% (male 2,233,157; female 2,138,096)
15-64 years: 50% (male 2,202,413; female 2,317,188)
65 years and over: 2% (male 117,337; female 104,810) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.99% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 54.46 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 24.57 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

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

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female
all ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 117.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 40.66 years
male: 41.05 years
female: 40.25 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 7.44 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Nigerien(s)
adjective: Nigerien

Ethnic divisions: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%,
Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about
4,000 French expatriates

Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians

Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 13.6%
male: 20.9%
female: 6.6%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Niger
conventional short form: Niger
local long form: Republique du Niger
local short form: Niger

Data code: NG

Type of government: republic

Capital: Niamey

Administrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular -
departement), and 1 capital district* (capitale district); Agadez,
Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958)

Constitution: the constitution of January 1993 was revised by
national referendum on 12 May 1996

Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law;
has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Colonel Ibrahim BARE Mainassara (since 28
January 1996 when he ousted President Mahamane OUSMANE in a coup);
Mahamane OUSMANE had been elected for a five-year term by universal
suffrage; election last held 17 March 1993 (next to be held 7 July
1996)
head of government: Prime Minister Boukary ADJI (since NA January
1996) appointed by President BARE
cabinet: National Salvation Council was appointed by President BARE

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly: elected by proportional representation for a
five-year term; election last held 12 January 1995 (next to be held
NA September 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(83 total) MNSD-NASSARA 29, CDS 24, PNDS 12, ANDP-Z 9, UDFP 3, UDPS
2, PADN 2, PPN-RDA 1, UPDP 1; note - this National Assembly
dissolved by President BARE after the coup on 28 January 1996

Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat); Court of Appeal (Cour
d'Apel)

Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the
Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Mamadou TANDJA, chairman;
Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), Jacoub SANOUSSI; Nigerien
Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Mahamadou ISSOUFOU;
Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress-Zamanlahia (ANDP-Z),
Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Union of Popular Forces for Democracy
and Progress-Sawaba (UDFP), Djibo BAKARY, chairman; Union for
Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Akoli DAOUEL; Niger Social
Democrat Party (PADN), Malam Adji WAZIRI; Niger Progressive
Party-African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Dori ABDOULAI, chairman;
Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Professor
Andre SALIFOU, chairman

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

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU
chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador John S. DAVISON
embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey
mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey
telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64
FAX: [227] 73 31 67

Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and
green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in
the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue
spoked wheel centered in the white band

Economy -------

Economic overview: Niger is one of the world's poorest countries,
with recent GDP growth barely matching the rapid growth of
population. The economy is centered on subsistence agriculture,
animal husbandry, and reexport trade, and increasingly less on
uranium, its major export throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Uranium
revenues dropped by almost 50% between 1983 and 1990 with the end of
the uranium boom. Terms of trade with Nigeria, Niger's largest
regional trade partner, have improved dramatically since the 50%
devaluation of the African franc in January 1994; this devaluation
boosted exports of livestock, peas, onions, and the products of
Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral
and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment
and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs
designed by the IMF and the World Bank.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.5 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 6.7% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $600 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 38.5%
industry: 17.9%
services: 43.6% (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35.6% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 2.5 million wage earners (1982)
by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government
4%

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $188 million
expenditures: $400 million, including capital expenditures of $125
million (1993 est.)

Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals,
slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium
mining

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 60,000 kW
production: 200 million kWh
consumption per capita: 42 kWh (1992)

Agriculture: cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava
(tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats

Exports: $232 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
commodities: uranium ore 67%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions
partners: France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy

Imports: $234 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.)
commodities: consumer goods, primary materials, machinery, vehicles
and parts, petroleum, cereals
partners: France 23%, Cote d'Ivoire, Germany, Italy, Japan

External debt: $1.41 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: 1 October - 30 September

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 11,258 km
paved: 3,265 km
unpaved: 7,993 km (1990 est.)

Waterways: Niger river is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on
the Benin frontier from mid-December through March

Ports: none

Airports:
total: 23
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 6
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1
with paved runways under 914 m: 2
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 14,000 (1991 est.)

Telephone system: small system of wire, radiotelephone
communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in
southwestern area
domestic: wire, radiotelephone communications, and microwave radio
relay; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic
Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 5, shortwave 0

Radios: 500,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 18

Televisions: 38,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Republican Guard,
National Police

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,920,244
males fit for military service: 1,035,218
males reach military age (18) annually: 92,132 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $32 million, 1.3%
of GDP (FY92/93)

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

@Nigeria -------

Map ---

Location: 10 00 N, 8 00 E -- Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of
Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

Flag ----

Description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side),
white, and green

Geography ---------

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between
Benin and Cameroon

Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 8 00 E

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 923,770 sq km
land area: 910,770 sq km
comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:
total: 4,047 km
border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger
1,497 km

Coastline: 853 km

Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 30 nm

International disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in
vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in
the past, is completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad,
Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Cameroon over land and maritime
boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula has been referred
to the ICJ

Climate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in
north

Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus;
mountains in southeast, plains in north
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural resources: petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal,
limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas

Land use:
arable land: 31%
permanent crops: 3%
meadows and pastures: 23%
forest and woodland: 15%
other: 28%

Irrigated land: 8,650 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: soil degradation; rapid deforestation;
desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting
marginal agricultural activities
natural hazards: periodic droughts
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer
Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification

People ------

Population: 103,912,489 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 45% (male 23,455,266; female 23,245,099)
15-64 years: 52% (male 27,645,106; female 26,553,135)
65 years and over: 3% (male 1,522,862; female 1,491,021) (July 1996
est.)

Population growth rate: 3.05% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 42.89 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 12.71 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 0.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 72.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 54.34 years
male: 53.06 years
female: 55.65 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.24 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Nigerian(s)
adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic divisions: non-Africans 27,000
north: Hausa and Fulani
note: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of
population
southwest: Yoruba
southeast: Ibos

Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 57.1%
male: 67.3%
female: 47.3%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria
conventional short form: Nigeria

Data code: NI

Type of government: military government; Nigeria has been ruled by
one military regime after another since 31 December 1983; on 1
October 1995, the present military government announced it will turn
power over to democratically elected civilian authorities in October
1998

Capital: Abuja
note: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from
Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending
completion of facilities in Abuja

Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja
Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue,
Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano,
Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo,
Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe; note - some new
administrative units may have been created

Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960)

Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989
constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implemented

Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal
law

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Provisional
Ruling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and Defense
Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice Chairman of
the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993)
cabinet: Federal Executive Council

Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly
Senate: suspended after military takeover of 17 November 1993
House of Representatives: suspended after military takeover of 17
November 1993

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the Armed
Forces Ruling Council; Federal Court of Appeal, judges are appointed
by the federal government on the advice of the Advisory Judicial
Committee

Political parties and leaders:
note: political party system suspended after the military takeover
of 17 November 1993; the military regime has made successive
promises to allow political parties to register at various times in
1996

International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C
(suspended), CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OPEC,
PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU,
WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE
chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400
consulate(s) general: New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Walter C. CARRINGTON
embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos
mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos
telephone: [234] (1) 261-0097
FAX: [234] (1) 261-0257

Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and
green

Economy -------

Economic overview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be
hobbled by political instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic
management. Nigeria's unpopular military rulers failed to make
significant progress in diversifying the economy away from
overdependence on the capital intensive oil sector which provides
almost all foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary
revenues. Regime officials also appear divided on how to redress
fundamental economic imbalances that result in troublesome
inflation, the steady depreciation of the naira, and the
discouragement of investors. The government's domestic and
international arrears continue to limit economic growth and prevent
an agreement with the IMF and bilateral creditors on debt relief.
The largely subsistence agricultural sector has failed to keep up
with rapid population growth, and Nigeria, once a large net exporter
of food, now must import food.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $135.9 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.6% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,300 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 38%
industry: 22%
services: 40% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 57% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 42.844 million
by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services
19%, government 15%

Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $2.7 billion
expenditures: $6.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8
billion (1994 est.)

Industries: crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts,
cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other
construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals,
fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 4,570,000 kW
production: 11.3 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 109 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber, corn, rice,
sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams; cattle, sheep, goats,
pigs; fishing and forest resources extensively exploited

Illicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa;
facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest
Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit
route for cocaine from South America intended for West European,
East Asian, and North American markets

Exports: $9.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993)
commodities: oil 98%, cocoa, rubber
partners: US 52%, EC 34%

Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1993)
commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured
goods, chemicals, food and animals
partners: EC 50%, US 13%, Japan 7%

External debt: $32.5 billion (1993)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo

Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (January 1996), 21.895
(1995), 21.996 (1994), 22.065 (1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 3,557 km (1995)
narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge
standard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge

Highways:
total: 112,140 km
paved: 31,500 km
unpaved: 80,640 km (1991 est.)

Waterways: 8,575 km consisting of the Niger and Benue rivers and
smaller rivers and creeks

Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km;
natural gas 500 km

Ports: Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri

Merchant marine:
total: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 387,552 GRT/636,578 DWT
ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 16, chemical tanker 3, oil tanker 12,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 66
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 10
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 10
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8
with paved runways under 914 m: 18
with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 12 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 492,204 (1990 est.)

Telephone system: average system limited by poor maintenance;
major expansion in progress
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and 20 domestic
satellite earth stations carry intercity traffic
international: satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic
Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 1 coaxial submarine cable

Radio broadcast stations: AM 35, FM 17, shortwave 0

Radios: 20 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 28

Televisions: 3.8 million (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 23,739,192
males fit for military service: 13,587,780
males reach military age (18) annually: 1,065,410 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million,
about 1% of GDP (1992)

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

@Niue ----

(free association with New Zealand)

Map ---

Location: 19 02 S, 169 52 W -- Oceania, island in the South
Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Flag ----

Description: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper
hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow
five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a
smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross

Geography ---------

Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Geographic coordinates: 19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total area: 260 sq km
land area: 260 sq km
comparative area: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 64 km

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

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources: fish, arable land

Land use:
arable land: 61%
permanent crops: 4%
meadows and pastures: 4%
forest and woodland: 19%
other: 12%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: traditional methods of burning brush and trees to
clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which are
not naturally very abundant
natural hazards: typhoons
international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea

Geographic note: one of world's largest coral islands

People ------

Population: 2,174 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate: -0.62% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population

Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female
all ages: NA male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: NA years
male: NA years
female: NA years

Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman

Nationality:
noun: Niuean(s)
adjective: Niuean

Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans,
and Tongans)

Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant
church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%,
other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day
Adventist)

Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Niue

Data code: NE

Type of government: self-governing territory in free association
with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New
Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs

Capital: Alofi

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory
in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974)

National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of
Waitangi established British sovereignty)

Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system: English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952)
is a hereditary monarch; the queen and New Zealand are represented
by New Zealand High Commissioner Warren SEARELL (since NA August
1993)
head of government: Premier Frank Fakaotimanava LUI (acting premier
since NA December 1992, premier since 12 March 1993) was reelected
by the Legislative Assembly; election last held 23 February 1996
(next to be held NA March 1999)
cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and three ministers

Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly: elections last held 23 February 1996 (next to
be held NA March 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20
total, 6 elected) NPP 9, independents 11

Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand; High Court

Political parties and leaders: Niue Peoples Party (NPP), Young
VIVIAN

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate),
Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in
free association with New Zealand)

US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in
free association with New Zealand)

Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side
quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars -
a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each
arm of the bold red cross

Economy -------

Economic overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from
New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with
the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are
used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector
consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops
are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories
to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The
sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source
of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss
of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.4 million (1993 est.)

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1992)

Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.)
by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists
only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development
Board

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $5.5 million
expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1985 est.)

Industries: tourism, handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 1,500 kW
production: 2.7 million kWh
consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1992)

Agriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams,
cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Exports: $117,500 (f.o.b., 1989)
commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit
products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts
partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia

Imports: $4.1 million (c.i.f., 1989)
commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery,
fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs
partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US

External debt: $NA

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138
(January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584
(1992), 1.7265 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 229 km
unpaved: 229 km

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine: none

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

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

Telephones: 276 (1992 est.)

Telephone system:
domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on
island
international: NA

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1987 est.)

Radios: 1,000

Television broadcast stations: 0

Televisions: 312 (1991 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Police Force

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

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

@Norfolk Island --------------

(territory of Australia)

Map ---

Location: 29 02 S, 167 57 E -- Oceania, island in the South
Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Flag ----

Description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white,
and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in
the slightly wider white band

Geography ---------

Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of
Australia

Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total area: 34.6 sq km
land area: 34.6 sq km
comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 32 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 25%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 75%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: NA
natural hazards: typhoons (especially May to July)
international agreements: NA

People ------

Population: 2,209 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate: -0.68% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population

Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female
all ages: NA male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: NA years
male: NA years
female: NA years

Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman

Nationality:
noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian,
New Zealander

Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in
Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown
16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)

Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century
English and ancient Tahitian

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Data code: NF

Type of government: territory of Australia

Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial
center)

Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)

Independence: none (territory of Australia)

National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June
(1856)

Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979

Legal system: based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and
acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either
Australian or Norfolk Island law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6
February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; the queen and Australia are
represented by Administrator Alan Gardner KERR (since NA April 1992)
who was appointed by the governor general of Australia
head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister John
Terrence BROWN (since NA) was elected for not more than three years
by the Legislative Assembly
cabinet: Executive Council is made up of executive members of the
Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly: elections last held 20 May 1992 (next to be
held NA May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9
total) independents 9

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: none

International organization participation: none

Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)

Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green
with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly
wider white band

Economy -------

Economic overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which
has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the
Pacific islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over
the years and reached 29,000 in FY88/89. Revenues from tourism have
given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the
agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of
beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $NA

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $NA

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%

Labor force: 1,395 (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $4.6 million
expenditures: $4.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(FY92/93)

Industries: tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 7,000 kW
production: 8 million kWh
consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990)

Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals,
vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b., FY91/92)
commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and
Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados
partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

Imports: $17.9 million (c.i.f., FY91/92)
commodities: NA
partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: none

Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3477 (January
1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992),
1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 80 km
paved: 53 km
unpaved: 27 km

Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Merchant marine: none

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

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

Telephones: 1,087 (1983 est.)

Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: radiotelephone service with Sydney (Australia)

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

Radios: 2,000 (1991 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 0

Televisions: 900 (1991 est.)

Defense -------

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

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

@Northern Mariana Islands ------------------------

(commonwealth in political union with the US)

Map ---

Location: 15 12 N, 145 45 E -- Oceania, islands in the North
Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the
Philippines

Flag ----

Description: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on
the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone
used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Geography ---------

Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about
three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total area: 477 sq km
land area: 477 sq km
comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 1,482 km

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

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds,
little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June,
rainy season July to October

Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and
fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources: arable land, fish

Land use:
arable land: 5% on Saipan
permanent crops: NA%
meadows and pastures: 19%
forest and woodland: NA%
other: NA%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage
contributes to disease
natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons
(especially August to November)
international agreements: NA

Geographic note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ------

Population: 52,284 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA

Population growth rate: 3.04% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 33.05 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

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

Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years: NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female
all ages: NA male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 67.43 years
male: 65.53 years
female: 69.48 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: NA
adjective: NA

Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians,
Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean

Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although
traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian
note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.)
total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 96%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

Data code: CQ

Type of government: commonwealth in political union with the US;
self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor,
and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by
the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and
International Affairs

Capital: Saipan

Administrative divisions: none

Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages,
immigration laws, and taxation

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are
US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:
chief of state: President (of the United States) William Jefferson
CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr.
(since 20 January 1993)
head of government: Governor Froilan C. TENORIO (since NA January
1994) and Lieutenant Governor Jesus C. BORJA (since NA January 1994)
were elected for four-year terms by universal suffrage; election
last held in NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997);
results - Froilan C. TENORIO (Democrat) was elected governor with
56% of the vote

Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature
Senate: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA
November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9
total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats
House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1993 (next
to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA;
seats - (18 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats
US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a
nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official
"resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1
total) Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican)

Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court;
Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Benigno R.
FITIAL, leader; Democratic Party, Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO, chairman

International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), SPC

Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray
silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in
building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Economy -------

Economic overview: The economy benefits substantially from
financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined
as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement
for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for
capital development, government operations, and special programs. A
rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry,
which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists
predominate. The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is
made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts,
breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly
handicrafts, light manufacturing, and garment production.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $524 million (1994 est.)
note: GDP numbers reflect US spending

GDP real growth rate: NA%

GDP per capita: $10,500 (1994 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed;
21,188 foreign workers (1990)
by occupation: NA

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $190.4 million
expenditures: $190.4 million, including capital expenditures of
$19.1 million (FY94/95)

Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 105,000 kW
production: NA kWh
consumption per capita: NA kWh

Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, vegetables; cattle

Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.)
commodities: garments
partners: NA

Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.)
commodities: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum
products
partners: US, Japan

External debt: $NA

Economic aid: none

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

Exchange rates: US currency is used