Chapter V (31)

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Ernesto PEREZ
BALLADARES Gonzalez Revilla (since 1 September 1994), First Vice
President Tomas Gabriel ALTAMIRANO DUQUE (since 1 September 1994),
Second Vice President Felipe Alejandro VIRZI Lopez (since 1
September 1994) were elected for five-year terms by popular vote;
election last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results
- Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES (PRD) 33%, Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER (PA)
29%, Ruben BLADES (MPE) 17%, Ruben Dario CARLES (MOLIRENA) 16%
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president

Legislative branch: unicameral
Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): legislators from
outlying rural districts are chosen on a plurality basis while
districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple
legislators by means of a proportion-based formula; elections last
held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - percent of
vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) PRD 32, PS 4, PALA 1, PA 14,
MPE 6, MOLIRENA 4, PLA 3, PRC 3, PL 2, PDC 1, UDI 1, MORENA 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de
Justicia), nine judges appointed for 10-year terms; five superior
courts; three courts of appeal

Political parties and leaders:
governing coalition: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo
GONZALEZ; Liberal Republican Party (PLR), Rodolfo CHIARI; Labor
Party (PALA), Carlos Lopez GUEVARA
other parties: Solidarity Party (PS), Samuel LEWIS GALINDO;
Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Delia CARDENAS;
Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party
(PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; Christian Democratic Party (PDC),
Ruben AROSEMENA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Papa
Egoro Movement (MPE), Gloria YOUNG; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), Tomas
HERRERA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES;
Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jacinto CARDENAS; National
Renovation Movement (MORENA), Pedro VALLERINO

Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized
Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP);
Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National
Civic Crusade; Chamber of Commerce; Panamanian Industrialists
Society (SIP); Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama (CTRP)

International organization participation: AG (associate), 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, UNIDO, UPU,
WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo Alberto ARIAS
chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New
York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador William John HUGHES
embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5
mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002
telephone: [507] 227-1377
FAX: [507] 227-1964

Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are
white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and
plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and
white with a red five-pointed star in the center

Economy -------

Economic overview: Because of its key geographic location,
Panama's economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking,
commerce, and tourism. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors
have become inefficient under protectionist policies. After fast
growth during the early 1990s, the economy has slowed down in the
last two years, with GDP growth at 2.8% in 1994 and in 1995. The
slowdown has been due mostly to a reduction in construction
activities and stagnation in the Colon Free Zone and financial
services, the three fastest growing sectors early in the decade. To
counter the slowdown, the PEREZ BALLADARES administration has
launched an economic reform program designed to reverse
unemployment, attract foreign investment, cut back the size of
government, and modernize the economy. In 1995, Panama reached an
agreement in principle to reschedule its commercial debt - one of
the highest in the world in per capita terms - which will allow the
country to reenter international financial markets. Panama should
complete all requirements to join the World Trade Organization
(WTrO) in 1996.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $13.6 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $5,100 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 10%
industry: 16%
services: 74% (1995 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (1995)

Labor force: 979,000 (1994 est.)
by occupation: government and community services 31.8%, agriculture,
hunting, and fishing 26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%,
manufacturing and mining 9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and
communications 6.2%, finance, insurance, and real estate 4.3%
note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor

Unemployment rate: 13.8% (1995)

Budget:
revenues: $1.86 billion
expenditures: $1.86 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995)

Industries: construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and
other construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate: 0.4% (1995 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 960,000 kW
production: 2.8 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 1,047 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables;
livestock; fishing (shrimp)

Illicit drugs: major cocaine transshipment point and major drug
money laundering center; minor producer of coca leaf; active
eradication program

Exports: $548 million (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee
2%
partners: US 39%, EU, Central America and Caribbean

Imports: $2.45 billion (c.i.f., 1995)
commodities: capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%,
consumer goods, chemicals
partners: US 40%, EU, Central America and Caribbean, Japan

External debt: $6.7 billion (yearend 1993 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $58 million (1993)

Currency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos

Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 355 km
broad gauge: 76 km 1.524-m gauge
narrow gauge: 279 km 0.914-m gauge

Highways:
total: 10,103 km
paved: 3,233 km
unpaved: 6,870 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama
Canal

Pipelines: crude oil 130 km

Ports: Balboa, Cristobal, Coco Solo North, Vacamonte

Merchant marine:
total: 3,758 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 69,960,500
GRT/107,632,713 DWT
ships by type: bulk 902, cargo 1,050, chemical tanker 168,
combination bulk 40, combination ore/oil 19, container 307,
liquefied gas tanker 155, livestock carrier 7, multifunction
large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 488, passenger 31, passenger-cargo
5, refrigerated cargo 295, roll-on/roll-off cargo 93, short-sea
passenger 34, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 150
note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 83
countries among which are Japan 1,212, Greece 360, Hong Kong 263,
Taiwan 203, South Korea 198, US 160, China 152, Singapore 118, UK
79, Switzerland 67, and Norway 58 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 99
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: 5
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14
with paved runways under 914 m: 60
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 18 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 273,000 (1991 est.)

Telephone system: domestic and international facilities well
developed
domestic: NA
international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth stations -
2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American
Microwave System

Radio broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 0, shortwave 0

Radios: 564,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 23

Televisions: 420,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Panamanian Public Forces (PPF; includes the National
Police, National Maritime Service, National Air Service, and
Institutional Protective Service); Judicial Technical Police

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 705,427
males fit for military service: 484,571 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $78 million, NA%
of GDP (1995); note - for police and security forces

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

@Papua New Guinea ----------------

Map ---

Location: 6 00 S, 147 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, group of islands
including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the
Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Flag ----

Description: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the
upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise
centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed
stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Geography ---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the
eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and
the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total area: 461,690 sq km
land area: 451,710 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:
total: 820 km
border country: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline: 5,152 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March),
southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature
variation

Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling
foothills
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil
potential

Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 1%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 71%
other: 28%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of
growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining
projects
natural hazards: active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Rim
of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe
earthquakes; mud slides
international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification,
Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified -
Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94

Geographic note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one
of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

People ------

Population: 4,394,537 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 40% (male 906,709; female 860,534)
15-64 years: 57% (male 1,303,084; female 1,195,245)
65 years and over: 3% (male 59,513; female 69,452) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.29% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 32.93 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 10.01 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: 1.09 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.07 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 60.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 57.25 years
male: 56.4 years
female: 58.15 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.45 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Papua New Guinean(s)
adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic divisions: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian,
Polynesian

Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%,
Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%,
Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant
sects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34%

Languages: English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread,
Motu spoken in Papua region
note: 715 indigenous languages

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 72.2%
male: 81%
female: 62.7%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea
conventional short form: Papua New Guinea
abbreviation: PNG

Data code: PP

Type of government: parliamentary democracy

Capital: Port Moresby

Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern
Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus,
Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North
Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands,
West New Britain

Independence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered
UN trusteeship)

National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution: 16 September 1975

Legal system: based on English common law

Suffrage: 19 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a
hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI
(since 11 November 1991), who was appointed by the National
Executive Council
head of government: Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since 30 August
1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (since 7 September
1994) were appointed by the governor general
cabinet: National Executive Council was appointed by the governor
general on recommendation of the prime minister

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of A:
elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997);
results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu
Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18; note -
association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by
the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive
Council after consultation with the minister responsible for
justice, other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal
Services Commission

Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party
(Pangu Party), Chris HAIVETA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM),
Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's
Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul
TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul
PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS

International organization participation: ACP, APEC, AsDB, C, CP,
ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,
NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,
WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Kepas Isimel WATANGIA
chancery: 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20009
telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680
FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. TEARE
embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby
mailing address: P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby
telephone: [675] 321-1455
FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper
triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the
lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the
Southern Cross constellation centered

Economy -------

Economic overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural
resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain
and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture
provides a subsistence livelihood for the bulk of the population.
Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for
about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and
development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the
economy. In 1995, Port Moresby reached agreement with the IMF and
World Bank on a structural adjustment program. PNG will receive
loans totaling $350 million over the next two years from a variety
of lenders including the Fund, the Bank, the Australian Government,
and the Japanese Export-Import Bank. The loans will be provided only
if Port Moresby implements significant reforms to liberalize trade
and investment policies, reduce the public sector, and promote
sustainable development of the forestry sector. At the start of
1996, Port Moresby is looking primarily to the exploitation of
mineral and petroleum resources to drive economic development but
new prospecting in Papua New Guinea has slumped as other
mineral-rich countries have stepped up their competition for
international investment. Output from current projects will probably
begin to taper off in 1996, but no new large ventures are being
developed to succeed them.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $10.2 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: -3% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $2,400 (1995 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1995)

Labor force: 1.941 million
by occupation: agriculture 64% (1993 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $1.86 billion
expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995 est.)

Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood
production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and
copper; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 490,000 kW
production: 1.8 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 390 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, tea, rubber,
sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables; poultry, pork

Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
commodities: gold, copper ore, oil, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa,
lobster
partners: Australia, Japan, US, Singapore, New Zealand

Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.)
commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods,
food, fuels, chemicals
partners: Australia, Japan, UK, New Zealand, Netherlands

External debt: $3.2 billion (1995)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $291 million (1993)

Currency: 1 kina (K) = 100 toea

Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 0.7552 (October 1995), 0.9950
(1994), 1.0221 (1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991); note - the
government floated the kina on 10 October 1994

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 19,088 km
paved: 640 km
unpaved: 18,448 km (1988 est.)

Waterways: 10,940 km

Ports: Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul

Merchant marine:
total: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,565 GRT/27,114 DWT
ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, combination ore/oil 5, container 1,
roll-on/roll-off 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 451
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 12
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5
with paved runways under 914 m: 371
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 11
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 51 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 63,212 (1986 est.)

Telephone system: services are adequate and being improved;
facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio,
aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services
domestic: mostly radiotelephone
international: submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite
earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio
communication service

Radio broadcast stations: AM 31, FM 2, shortwave 0

Radios: 298,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)

Televisions: 10,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, Air
Force, and Special Operations Unit)

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,143,015
males fit for military service: 635,923 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 0.9%
of GDP (1995)

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

@Paracel Islands ---------------

Map ---

Location: 16 30 N, 112 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, group of small
islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way
from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Geography ---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in
the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam
to the northern Philippines

Geographic coordinates: 16 30 N, 112 00 E

Map references: Southeast Asia

Area:
total area: NA sq km
land area: NA sq km
comparative area: NA

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 518 km

Maritime claims: NA

International disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan
and Vietnam

Climate: tropical

Terrain: NA
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Natural resources: none

Land use:
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 100%

Irrigated land: 0 sq km

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

People ------

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered
Chinese garrisons

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Data code: PF

Economy -------

Economic overview: no economic activity

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

Ports: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan
Island being expanded

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

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

Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: NA

Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: NA

Televisions: NA

Defense -------

Defense note: occupied by China

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

@Paraguay --------

Map ---

Location: 23 00 S, 58 00 W -- Central South America, northeast of
Argentina

Flag ----

Description: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white,
and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in
that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side
at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed
star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL
PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the
right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap
of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped
by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

Geography ---------

Location: Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Geographic coordinates: 23 00 S, 58 00 W

Map references: South America

Area:
total area: 406,750 sq km
land area: 397,300 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:
total: 3,920 km
border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

International disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil,
just west of Salto del Guaira (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, has
not been determined

Climate: subtropical; substantial rainfall in the eastern
portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran
Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the
river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere
lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m
highest point: Cerro San Rafael 850 m

Natural resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese,
limestone

Land use:
arable land: 20%
permanent crops: 1%
meadows and pastures: 39%
forest and woodland: 35%
other: 5%

Irrigated land: 670 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: deforestation (an estimated 2 million hectares of
forest land have been lost from 1958-85); water pollution;
inadequate means for waste disposal present health risks for many
urban residents
natural hazards: local flooding in southeast (early September to
June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed,
but not ratified - Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test
Ban, Wetlands

Geographic note: landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and
Brazil

People ------

Population: 5,504,146 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 41% (male 1,144,644; female 1,096,430)
15-64 years: 55% (male 1,518,661; female 1,513,577)
65 years and over: 4% (male 106,121; female 124,713) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.67% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 30.97 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 4.31 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 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 23.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 73.84 years
male: 72.33 years
female: 75.43 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.15 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Paraguayan(s)
adjective: Paraguayan

Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indian) 95%, whites
plus Amerindians 5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestant
denominations

Languages: Spanish (official), Guarani

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 92.1%
male: 93.5%
female: 90.6%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
conventional short form: Paraguay
local long form: Republica del Paraguay
local short form: Paraguay

Data code: PA

Type of government: republic

Capital: Asuncion

Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular
- departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron,
Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera,
Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San
Pedro

Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811)

Constitution: promulgated 20 June 1992

Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French
codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of
Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Juan Carlos WASMOSY
(since 15 August 1993) and Vice President Roberto Angel SEIFART
(since 15 August 1993) were elected for five-year terms by popular
vote; election last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held NA May 1998);
results - Juan Carlos WASMOSY 40.09%, Domingo LAINO 32.06%,
Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS 23.04%
cabinet: Council of Ministers was nominated by the president

Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso)
Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 9 May
1993 (next to be held NA May 1998); results - percent of vote by
party NA; seats - (45 total) Colorado Party 20, PLRA 17, EN 8
Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held 9 May
1993 (next to be held by May 1998); results - percent of vote by
party NA; seats - (80 total) Colorado Party 38, PLRA 33, EN 9

Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de
Justicia), judges appointed on the proposal of the Counsel of
Magistrates (Consejo de la Magistratura)

Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Luis Maria ARGANA,
president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Domingo LAINO;
National Encounter (EN), Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS; Christian
Democratic Party (PDC), Miguel MONTANER; Febrerista Revolutionary
Party (PRF), Euclides ACEVEDO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Hugo
RICHER

Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers
(CUT); Roman Catholic Church

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

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge PRIETO CONTI
chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962
FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508
consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Robert E. SERVICE
embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion
mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001
telephone: [595] (21) 213-715
FAX: [595] (21) 213-728

Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue
with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the
emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the
left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star
within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY,
all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears
the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty
and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words
REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

Economy -------

Economic overview: Paraguay has a market economy marked by a large
informal sector. The formal economy is largely oriented toward
services, but 45% of the population derive their living from
agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. The economy has
grown an average of 3% to 4% over the past five years. Population
has increased at 3% a year over the same period leaving per capita
income nearly stagnant. The informal sector is marked by both
reexport of imported consumer goods (electronics, whiskeys,
perfumes, cigarettes and office equipment) to neighboring countries
as well as by the activities of thousands of microenterprises and
urban street vendors. The Paraguayan Government has stated publicly
that it will continue its economic reform agenda in close
coordination with its Mercosur (Southern Cone Common Market)
partners. In 1995, the government also promised to undertake efforts
to formalize the financial sector, after a financial shock forced
the bail-out of the second and third largest banks. Paraguay's
continued integration into Mercosur also offers potential for
growth; it is closely linked with the success of foreign investment
promotion. Non-traditional exports, such as finished agricultural
products, light manufactures, and small consumer items, are growing
rapidly. Government reform efforts, including privatization, have
continued, but with little success in 1995.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $17 billion (1995 est.)

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

GDP per capita: $3,200 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 25.7%
industry: 25.8%
services: 48.5% (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.5% (1995)

Labor force: 1.692 million (1993 est.)
by occupation: agriculture 45%

Unemployment rate: 12% (1995)

Budget:
revenues: $1.25 billion (1995 est.)
expenditures: $1.66 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995 est.)

Industries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing,
textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, construction

Industrial production growth rate: 1.3% (1995 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 6,530,000 kW
production: 26.5 billion kWh (1992)
consumption per capita: NA
note: much of the electricity produced in Paraguay is exported to
Brazil and domestic consumption cannot be determined

Agriculture: cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco,
cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international
drug trade; transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for
Europe and the US

Exports: $819.5 million (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: cotton, soybeans, timber, vegetable oils, meat
products, coffee, tung oil
partners: EU 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6%

Imports: $2.871 billion (c.i.f., 1995)
commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, raw
materials, fuels
partners: Brazil 30%, EU 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7%

External debt: $1.38 billion (yearend 1995)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $38 million (1993)

Currency: 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos

Exchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 2,003.8 (January 1996),
1,970.4 (1995), 1,911.5 (1994), 1,744.3 (1993), 1,500.3 (1992),
1,325.2 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 971 km
standard gauge: 441 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 60 km 1.000-m gauge
other: 470 km various gauges (privately owned)

Highways:
total: 21,834 km
paved: 1,778 km
unpaved: 20,056 km (1987 est.)

Waterways: 3,100 km

Ports: Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Merchant marine:
total: 16 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,323 GRT/23,907 DWT
ships by type: cargo 13, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 739
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4
with paved runways under 914 m: 438
with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 25
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 266 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 88,730 (1985 est.)

Telephone system: meager telephone service; principal switching
center is Asuncion
domestic: fair microwave radio relay network
international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 40, FM 0, shortwave 7

Radios: 775,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 5

Televisions: 370,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Air and Marines), Air Force

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,334,638
males fit for military service: 968,297
males reach military age (17) annually: 58,398 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $94 million, 0.6%
of GDP (1994)

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

@Peru ----

Map ---

Location: 10 00 S, 76 00 W -- Western South America, bordering the
South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador

Flag ----

Description: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side),
white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the
coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the
source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins,
all framed by a green wreath

Geography ---------

Location: Western South America, bordering the South Pacific
Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador

Geographic coordinates: 10 00 S, 76 00 W

Map references: South America

Area:
total area: 1,285,220 sq km
land area: 1.28 million sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:
total: 6,940 km
border countries: Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km,
Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline: 2,414 km

Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200 nm
territorial sea: 200 nm

International disputes: three sections of the boundary with
Ecuador are in dispute

Climate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west

Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in
center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish,
iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash

Land use:
arable land: 3%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 21%
forest and woodland: 55%
other: 21%

Irrigated land: 12,500 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of the slopes of the
costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air
pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from
municipal and mining wastes
natural hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild
volcanic activity
international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental
Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test
Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83,
Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

Geographic note: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest
navigable lake, with Bolivia

People ------

Population: 24,523,408 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 35% (male 4,360,379; female 4,214,970)
15-64 years: 61% (male 7,480,747; female 7,375,825)
65 years and over: 4% (male 497,775; female 593,712) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.74% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 24.33 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.13 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -0.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female
all ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 52.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 69.13 years
male: 66.97 years
female: 71.39 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.04 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Peruvian(s)
adjective: Peruvian

Ethnic divisions: Indian 45%, mestizo (mixed Indian and European
ancestry) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions: Roman Catholic

Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 88.7%
male: 94.5%
female: 83%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Peru
conventional short form: Peru
local long form: Republica del Peru
local short form: Peru

Data code: PE

Type of government: republic

Capital: Lima

Administrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular
- departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia
constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho,
Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La
Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco,
Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali
note: the 1979 constitution mandated the creation of regions
(regiones, singular - region) to function eventually as autonomous
economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been
constituted from 23 of the 24 departments - Amazonas (from Loreto),
Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from
Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca
(from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La
Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho,
Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental
del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from
San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has
been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of
Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate
funding from the central government and organizational and political
difficulties, the regions have yet to assume major responsibilities;
the 1993 constitution retains the regions but limits their
authority; the 1993 constitution also reaffirms the roles of
departmental and municipal governments

Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution: 31 December 1993

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

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Alberto Kenyo
FUJIMORI Fujimori (since 28 July 1990) was elected for a five-year
term by universal suffrage; election last held 9 April 1995 (next to
be held NA 2000); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 64.42%, Javier PEREZ de
CUELLAR 21.80%, Mercedes CABANILLAS 4.11%, other 9.67%
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president
note: Prime Minister Alberto PANDOLFI Arbulu (since 3 April 1996)
does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the
president

Legislative branch: unicameral
Congress: elections last held 9 April 1995 (next to be held NA April
2000); results - C90/NM 52.1%, UPP 14%, 11 other parties 33.9%;
seats - (120 total, when installed on 28 July 1995) C90/NM 67, UPP
17, APRA 8, FIM 6, (CODE)-Pais Posible 5, AP 4, PPC 3, Renovacion 3,
IU 2, OBRAS 2, MIA 1, FRENATRACA 1, FREPAP 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de
Justicia), judges are appointed by the National Council of the
Judiciary

Political parties and leaders: Change 90-New Majority (C90/NM),
Alberto FUJIMORI; Union for Peru (UPP), Javier PEREZ de CUELLAR;
American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Agustin MANTILLA
Campos; Independent Moralizing Front (FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega;
Democratic Coordinator (CODE) - Pais Posible, Jose BARBA Caballero
and Alejandro TOLEDO; Popular Action Party (AP), Raul DIEZ CANSECO;
Popular Christian Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Renovacion, Rafael
REY Rey; Civic Works Movement (OBRAS), Ricardo BELMONT; United Left
(IU), Agustin HAYA de la TORRE; Independent Agrarian Movement (MIA),
Rolando SALVATERRIE; Peru 2000-National Front of Workers and
Peasants (FRENATRACA), Roger CACARES; Popular Agricultural Front
(FREPAP), Ezequiel ATAUCUSI

Other political or pressure groups: leftist guerrilla groups
include Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned); Tupac
Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY
(imprisoned)

International organization participation: AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO,
G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM,
IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM,
ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo V. LUNA MENDOZA
chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869
FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New
York, Paterson (New Jersey), and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Alvin P. ADAMS, Jr.
embassy: Avenida Encalada, Cuadra 17, Monterrico, Lima
mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima),
APO AA 34031
telephone: [51] (12) 21-1202
FAX: [51] (12) 21-3543

Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and
red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of
arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of
quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all
framed by a green wreath

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Peruvian economy has become increasingly
market-oriented, with major privatizations completed since 1990 in
the mining, electricity, and telecommunications industries. In the
1980s, the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per
capita output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from
IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt
arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI
government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third
consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity, but the slide
came to a halt late that year, and in 1991 output rose 2.4%. After a
burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government
price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit
level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since
mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral
lenders in September 1991, although it faced $14 billion in arrears
on its external debt. By working with the IMF and World Bank on new
financial conditions and arrangements, the government succeeded in
ending its arrears by March 1993. In 1992, GDP fell by 2.8%, in part
because a warmer-than-usual El Nino current resulted in a 30% drop
in the fish catch, but the economy rebounded as strong foreign
investment helped push growth to 6% in 1993, about 13% in 1994, and
6.8% in 1995.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $87 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 6.8% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $3,600 (1995 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.2% (1995 est.)

Labor force: 8 million (1992)
by occupation: agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing,
construction, transport, services

Unemployment rate: 15%; extensive underemployment (1992 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $8.5 billion
expenditures: $9.3 billion including capital expenditures of $NA
(1996 est.)

Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles,
clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel,
shipbuilding, metal fabrication

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 4,190,000 kW
production: 11.2 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 448 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, potatoes,
plantains, coca; poultry, red meats, dairy products, wool; fish
catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990)

Illicit drugs: world's largest coca leaf producer with about
115,300 hectares under cultivation in 1995; source of supply for
most of the world's coca paste and cocaine base; at least 85% of
coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of cocaine base is
shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into cocaine for
the international drug market, but exports of finished cocaine are
increasing

Exports: $5.6 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
commodities: copper, zinc, fishmeal, crude petroleum and byproducts,
lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton
partners: US 19%, Japan 9%, Italy, Germany

Imports: $7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.)
commodities: machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum,
iron and steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals
partners: US 21%, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Brazil

External debt: $22.4 billion (1994 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $363 million (1993)

Currency: 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centimos

Exchange rates: nuevo sol (S/.) per US$1 - 2.350 (January 1996),
2.253 (1995), 2.195 (1994), 1.988 (1993), 1.246 (1992), 0.773 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 2,041 km
standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 315 km 0.914-m gauge (1994)

Highways:
total: 69,942 km
paved: 13,538 km
unpaved: 56,404 km (1987 est.)

Waterways: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and
208 km of Lago Titicaca

Pipelines: crude oil 800 km; natural gas and natural gas liquids
64 km

Ports: Callao, Chimbote, Ilo, Matarani, Paita, Puerto Maldonado,
Salaverry, San Martin, Talara, Iquitos, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas
note: Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are all on the upper reaches
of the Amazon and its tributaries

Merchant marine:
total: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 77,584 GRT/144,030 DWT
ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 7 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 230
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 5
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 15
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 12
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 6
with paved runways under 914 m: 96
with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 22
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 71 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 779,306 (1990 est.)

Telephone system: adequate for most requirements
domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic
satellite system with 12 earth stations
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 273, FM 0, shortwave 144

Radios: 5.7 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 140

Televisions: 2 million (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del
Peru; includes Naval Air, Marines, and Coast Guard), Air Force
(Fuerza Aerea del Peru), National Police

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 6,441,513
males fit for military service: 4,347,460
males reach military age (20) annually: 255,067 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $998 million,
1.6% of GDP (1996)

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

@Philippines -----------

Map ---

Location: 13 00 N, 122 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, archipelago
between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Flag ----

Description: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with
a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center
of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each
containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle
is a small yellow five-pointed star

Geography ---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine
Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references: Southeast Asia

Area:
total area: 300,000 sq km
land area: 298,170 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 36,289 km

Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from
coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also
claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in
breadth

International disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the
Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly
Brunei; claims Malaysian state of Sabah

Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April);
southwest monsoon (May to October)

Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands
lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver,
gold, salt, copper

Land use:
arable land: 26%
permanent crops: 11%
meadows and pastures: 4%
forest and woodland: 40%
other: 19%

Irrigated land: 16,200 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil
erosion; air and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of
coastal mangrove swamps which are important fish breeding grounds
natural hazards: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and
struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides, active
volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunamis
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber
83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Tropical
Timber 94

People ------

Population: 74,480,848 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 38% (male 14,486,214; female 14,026,873)
15-64 years: 58% (male 21,403,784; female 21,968,259)
65 years and over: 4% (male 1,165,810; female 1,429,908) (July 1996
est.)

Population growth rate: 2.18% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 29.51 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 6.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.99 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 35.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 65.91 years
male: 63.14 years
female: 68.83 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.69 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Filipino(s)
adjective: Philippine

Ethnic divisions: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese
1.5%, other 3%

Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist
and other 3%

Languages: Pilipino (official, based on Tagalog), English
(official)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 94.6%
male: 95%
female: 94.3%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines
conventional short form: Philippines
local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas
local short form: Pilipinas

Data code: RP

Type of government: republic

Capital: Manila

Administrative divisions: 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*;
Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*,
Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan
City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol,
Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de
Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu,
Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City*
Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern
Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte,
Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao,
La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*,
Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao,
Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental,
Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain,
Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern
Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*,
Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*,
Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon,
Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in
Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon,
South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*,
Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*,
Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*,
Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur

Independence: 4 July 1946 (from US)

National holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898) (from Spain)

Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Fidel Valdes RAMOS
(since 30 June 1992) and Vice President Joseph Ejercito ESTRADA
(since 30 June 1992) were elected for six-year terms by popular
vote; election last held 11 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1998);
results - Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of the vote, a narrow
plurality
cabinet: Executive Secretary was appointed by the president with the
consent of the Commission of Appointments

Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Kongreso)
Senate (Senado): elections last held 8 May 1995 (next to be held NA
1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (24 total) LDP
14, Lakas/NUCD 5, NPC 2, LP 1, PRP 1, independent 1
House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan): elections
last held 8 May 1995 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percent of
vote by party NA; seats - (204 total) Lakas/NUCD 129, LDP 29, NPC
(opposition) 25, LP 6, PDP 3, KBL/NPC 1, results pending 11

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, justices are appointed for
four-year terms by the president on recommendation of the Judicial
and Bar Council

Political parties and leaders: Democratic Filipino Struggle (Laban
ng Demokratikong Pilipino, LDP), Edgardo ANGARA; People
Power-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas ng EDSA-NUCD or
Lakas-NUCD); Raul MANGLAPUS, president and Jose DE VENECIA,
secretary general; Liberal Party (LP), Raul DAZA; National People's
Coalition (NPC), Eduardo COJUANGCO; People's Reform Party (PRP),
Miriam DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO; New Society Movement (Kilusan Bagong
Lipunan, KBL), Imelda MARCOS; Nacionalista Party (NP), Salvador H.
LAUREL, president; Filipino Democratic Party (Partido Demokratikong
Philipinas or PDP), Jose COJUANGCO, is part of the ruling coalition
with the LDP

International organization participation: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC,
CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,
IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC,
IOM, ISO, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
UNMIH, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Raul Chaves RABE
chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614
consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles,
New York, San Francisco, and Seattle
consulate(s): San Diego and San Jose (Saipan)

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Thomas C. HUBBARD
embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila 1000
mailing address: APO AP 96440
telephone: [63] (2) 521-71-16
FAX: [63] (2) 522-43-61

Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a
white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of
the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each
containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle
is a small yellow five-pointed star

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Philippine economy, primarily a mixture of
agriculture and light industry, continued its third year of recovery
in 1995, led by growth in exports and investments. Officials have
targeted 5%-6% growth for 1996 after achieving 4.8% growth in 1995.
The government is continuing its economic reforms to enable the
Philippines to move closer to the development of the newly
industrialized countries of East Asia. The strategy includes
improving infrastructure and plans to overhaul the tax system to
bolster government revenues.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $179.7 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 4.8% (1995)

GDP per capita: $2,530 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 22%
industry: 30%
services: 48%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.1% (1995)

Labor force: 24.12 million
by occupation: agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services
18.5%, government 10%, other 9.5% (1989)

Unemployment rate: 9.5% (1995 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $14.1 billion
expenditures: $13.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995)

Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products,
food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing

Industrial production growth rate: 1.4% (1993)

Electricity:
capacity: 6,770,000 kW
production: 20.4 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 278 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples,
mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish catch of 2 million metric tons
annually

Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international
drug trade; growers are producing more and better quality cannabis
despite government eradication efforts; transit point for Southwest
Asian and Golden Triangle heroin bound for the US

Exports: $17.4 billion (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: electronics, textiles, coconut products, copper, fish
partners: US 39%, Japan 15%, Germany 5%, Hong Kong 5%, UK 5% (1994)

Imports: $26.5 billion (f.o.b., 1995)
commodities: raw materials 40%, capital goods 25%, petroleum
products 10%
partners: Japan 24%, US 18%, Singapore 7%, Taiwan 6%, South Korea 5%
(1994)

External debt: $41 billion (1995 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $934 million (1993)

Currency: 1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates: Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 26.206 (December
1995), 25.714 (1995), 26.417 (1994), 27.120 (1993), 25.512 (1992),
27.479 (1991)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 499 km
narrow gauge: 499 km 1.067-m gauge (1993)

Highways:
total: 160,633 km
paved: 22,489 km
unpaved: 138,144 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m)
vessels

Pipelines: petroleum products 357 km

Ports: Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras Island,
Iligan, Iloilo, Jolo, Legaspi, Manila, Masao, Puerto Princesa, San
Fernando, Subic Bay, Zamboanga

Merchant marine:
total: 535 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,033,849
GRT/13,101,188 DWT
ships by type: bulk 230, cargo 126, chemical tanker 3, combination
bulk 11, container 12, liquefied gas tanker 9, livestock carrier 12,
oil tanker 44, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 12, refrigerated cargo
19, roll-on/roll-off cargo 12, short-sea passenger 18, vehicle
carrier 25
note: a flag of convenience registry; Japan owns 22 ships, Hong Kong
4, Switzerland 1, Taiwan 1, Denmark 1, and UK 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 235
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 7
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 25
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 31
with paved runways under 914 m: 104
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 63 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 887,229 (1993 est.)