Chapter V (39)

Currency: 1 New Taiwan dollar (NT$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: New Taiwan dollars per US$1 - 27.4 (1995), 26.2
(1994), 26.6 (1993), 25.4 (1992), 25.748 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways:
total: 4,600 km; note - 1,075 km in common carrier service and about
3,525 km is dedicated to industrial use
narrow gauge: 4,600 km 1.067-m

Highways:
total: 19,860 km
paved: 17,119 km (including 382 km of expressways)
unpaved: 2,741 km (1990 est.)

Pipelines: petroleum products 615 km; natural gas 97 km

Ports: Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Kao-hsiung, Su-ao, T'ai-chung

Merchant marine:
total: 198 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,812,534
GRT/8,885,092 DWT
ships by type: bulk 50, cargo 29, combination bulk 3, combination
ore/oil 1, container 83, oil tanker 19, refrigerated cargo 11,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 38
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 8
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 12
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 6
with paved runways under 914 m: 7
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 1 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 10,253,773 (1993 est.)

Telephone system: best developed system in Asia outside of Japan
domestic: extensive microwave radio relay trunk system on east and
west coasts
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Pacific
Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); submarine cables to Japan (Okinawa),
Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia,
Middle East, and Western Europe

Radio broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 23, shortwave 0

Radios: 8.62 million

Television broadcast stations: 15 (repeaters 13)

Televisions: 6.66 million (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, Coastal Patrol
and Defense Command, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Combined Service
Forces

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 6,278,159
males fit for military service: 4,849,057
males reach military age (19) annually: 204,313 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion,
3.6% of GDP (FY96/97)

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

@Tajikistan ----------

Tajikistan has experienced three changes of government since it gained independence in September 1991. The current president, Emomali RAHMONOV, was elected in November 1994, yet has been in power since 1992. The country is suffering through its third year of a civil conflict, with no clear end in sight. Underlying the conflict are deeply rooted regional and clan-based animosities that pit a government consisting of people primarily from the Kulob (Kulyab), Khujand (Leninabad), and Hisor (Hissar) regions against a secular and Islamic-led opposition from the Gharm, Gorno-Badakhshan, and Qurghonteppa (Kurgan-Tyube) regions. Government and opposition representatives have held periodic rounds of UN-mediated peace talks and agreed in September 1994 to a cease-fire which has been periodically extended. Russian-led peacekeeping troops are deployed throughout the country, and Russian-commanded border guards are stationed along the Tajik-Afghan border.

Map ---

Location: 39 00 N, 71 00 E -- Central Asia, west of China

Flag ----

Description: three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe
of white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven five-pointed
gold stars is located in the center of the white stripe

Geography ---------

Location: Central Asia, west of China

Geographic coordinates: 39 00 N, 71 00 E

Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States

Area:
total area: 143,100 sq km
land area: 142,700 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:
total: 3,651 km
border countries: Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870
km, Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

International disputes: boundary with China in dispute;
territorial dispute with Kyrgyzstan on northern boundary in Isfara
Valley area; Afghanistan's and other foreign support to Islamic
fighters in Tajikistan's civil war based in northern Afghanistan

Climate: midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters;
semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Terrain: Pamir and Altai Mountains dominate landscape; western
Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwest
lowest point: Syrdariya 300 m
highest point: Qullai Kommunizm 7,495 m

Natural resources: significant hydropower potential, some
petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony,
tungsten

Land use:
arable land: 6%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 23%
forest and woodland: 0%
other: 71%

Irrigated land: 6,940 sq km (1990)

Environment:
current issues: inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels
of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides; part
of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea suffers from severe
overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated
pollution
natural hazards: NA
international agreements: NA

Geographic note: landlocked

People ------

Population: 5,916,373 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 43% (male 1,282,846; female 1,258,302)
15-64 years: 53% (male 1,546,264; female 1,566,365)
65 years and over: 4% (male 110,705; female 151,891) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.54% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 33.78 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 8.43 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -9.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.99 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 113.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 64.45 years
male: 60.84 years
female: 68.24 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 4.38 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Tajik(s)
adjective: Tajik

Ethnic divisions: Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining
because of emigration), other 6.6%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 5%

Languages: Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and
business

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.)
total population: 98%
male: 99%
female: 97%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan
conventional short form: Tajikistan
local long form: Jumhurii Tojikistan
local short form: none
former: Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Data code: TI

Type of government: republic

Capital: Dushanbe

Administrative divisions: 2 oblasts (viloyatho, singular -
viloyat) and one autonomous oblast* (viloyati avtonomii); Viloyati
Avtonomii Badakhshoni Kuni* (Khorugh - formerly Khorog), Viloyati
Khatlon (Qurghonteppa - formerly Kurgan-Tyube), Viloyati Leninobod
(Khujand - formerly Leninabad)
note: the administrative center names are in parentheses

Independence: 9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday: National Day, 9 September (1991)

Constitution: new constitution adopted 6 November 1994

Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of
legislative acts

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6 November 1994;
was Head of State and Assembly Chairman since NA November 1992) was
elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last
held 6 November 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - Emomali
RAHMONOV 58%, Abdumalik ABDULLAJANOV 40%
head of government: Prime Minister Yahyo AZIMOV (since 8 February
1996) was appointed by the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president who
proposes them to the Supreme Assembly for approval

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly (Majlisi Oli): elections last held 26 February and
12 March 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); results - percent of vote
by party NA; estimated seats - (181 total) Communist Party and
affiliates 100, People's Party 10, Party of People's Unity 6, Party
of Economic and Political Renewal 1, other 64

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the
president

Political parties and leaders: People's Party of Tajikistan,
Abdumajid DOSTIYEV; Party of People's Unity, Abdumalik ABDULLOJONOR;
Tajik Communist Party, Shodi SHABDOLOV; Democratic Party, Jumaboy
NIYAZOV, chairman; Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), Mohammed Sharif
HIMMATZODA, chairman; Rebirth (Rastokhez), Takhir ABDUZHABOROV; Lali
Badakhshan Society, Atobek AMIRBEK; Tajikistan Party of Economic and
Political Renewal (TPEPR); Citizenship, Patriotism, Unity Party,
Bobokhon MAHMADOV; Adolatho "Justices" Party, Abdurahmon KARIMOV,
chairman

Other political or pressure groups: Tajikistan Opposition Movement
based in northern Afghanistan, Seyed Abdullah NURI, chairman

International organization participation: CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO,
ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, Intelsat
(nonsignatory user), IOC, IOM, ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in US: Tajikistan does not have an
embassy in the US, but has a mission at the UN: address - 136 East
67th Street, New York, NY 10021, telephone - [1] (212) 472-7645, FAX
- [1] (212) 628-0252

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador R. Grant SMITH
embassy: interim chancery, Oktyabrskaya Hotel, 105A Prospect Rudaki,
Dushanbe 734001
mailing address: Octyabrskaya Hotel, 105A Prospect Rudaki, Dushanbe,
Tajikistan 734001
telephone: [7] (3772) 21-03-56
FAX: Telex (787) 20116

Flag: three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of
white, and green; a gold crown surmounted by seven five-pointed gold
stars is located in the center of the white stripe

Economy -------

Economic overview: Tajikistan had the next-to-lowest per capita
GDP in the former USSR, the highest rate of population growth, and
an extremely low standard of living. Agriculture dominates the
economy, with cotton being the most important crop. Mineral
resources, varied but limited in amount, include silver, gold,
uranium, and tungsten. Industry is limited to a large aluminum
plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in
light industry and food processing. The Tajik economy has been
gravely weakened by four years of civil conflict and by the loss of
subsidies and markets for its products, which has left Tajikistan
dependent on Russia and Uzbekistan and on international humanitarian
assistance for much of its basic subsistence needs. Moreover,
constant political turmoil and the continued dominance by former
communist officials have impeded the introduction of meaningful
economic reforms. The regime has made only halfhearted efforts to
stabilize the economy and promote reform.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $6.4 billion (1995 estimate as
extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994)

GDP real growth rate: -12.4% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,040 (1995 est.)

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 28% monthly average (1995 est.)

Labor force: 1.95 million (1992)
by occupation: agriculture and forestry 43%, government and services
24%, industry 14%, trade and communications 11%, construction 8%
(1990)

Unemployment rate: 3.3% includes only officially registered
unemployed; also large numbers of underemployed workers and
unregistered unemployed people (December 1995)

Budget:
revenues: $NA
expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Industries: aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers,
cement, vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators
and freezers

Industrial production growth rate: -5% (1995)

Electricity:
capacity: 3,800,000 kW
production: 14.8 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 2,400 kWh (1995)

Agriculture: cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle,
sheep, goats

Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy;
mostly for CIS consumption; used as transshipment point for illicit
drugs from Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America

Exports: $707 million (1995)
commodities: cotton, aluminum, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles
partners: Russia, Kazakstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

Imports: $690 million (1995)
commodities: fuel, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment,
textiles, foodstuffs
partners: Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan

External debt: $635 million (of which $250 million to Russia)
(1995 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $22 million (1993)
note: commitments, $885 million (disbursements $115 million)
(1992-95)

Currency: introduced its own currency, the Tajik ruble, in May 1995

Exchange rates: Tajik rubles per US$1 - 284 (January 1996)

Fiscal year: calendar year

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

Railways:
total: 480 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial
lines (1990)

Highways:
total: 32,752 km
paved: 21,119 km
unpaved: 11,633 km (1992 est.)

Pipelines: natural gas 400 km (1992)

Ports: none

Airports:
total: 59
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 5
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 7
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 9
with unpaved runways under 914 m: 36 (1994 est.)

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

Telephones: 303,000 (1991 est.)

Telephone system: poorly developed and not well maintained; many
towns are not reached by the national network
domestic: cable and microwave radio relay
international: linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other
CIS republics, and by leased connections to the Moscow international
gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway
switch in Ankara (Turkey); satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 2
Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA; note - there
is one state-owned radio broadcast station

Radios: NA

Television broadcast stations: 1
note: 1 Intelsat earth station provides TV receive-only service from
Turkey

Televisions: NA

Defense -------

Branches: Army (being formed), Presidential National Guard,
Security Forces (internal and border troops)

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 1,358,106
males fit for military service: 1,115,149
males reach military age (18) annually: 58,691 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: 180 billion rubles, 3.4% of GDP (1995)

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

@Tanzania --------

Map ---

Location: 6 00 S, 35 00 E -- Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian
Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique

Flag ----

Description: divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from
the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is
green and the lower triangle is blue

Geography ---------

Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between
Kenya and Mozambique

Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 35 00 E

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 945,090 sq km
land area: 886,040 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than twice the size of California
note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Land boundaries:
total: 3,402 km
border countries: Burundi 451 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km,
Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Coastline: 1,424 km

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

International disputes: boundary dispute with Malawi in Lake
Nyasa; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no
longer be indefinite since it has been informally reported that the
indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled

Climate: varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Terrain: plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north,
south
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Natural resources: hydropower potential, tin, phosphates, iron
ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickel

Land use:
arable land: 5%
permanent crops: 1%
meadows and pastures: 40%
forest and woodland: 47%
other: 7%

Irrigated land: 1,530 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: soil degradation; deforestation; desertification;
destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent
droughts affected marginal agriculture
natural hazards: the tsetse fly and lack of water limit agriculture;
flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season
international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous
Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,
Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Desertification

Geographic note: Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa

People ------

Population: 29,058,470 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 45% (male 6,536,911; female 6,576,752)
15-64 years: 52% (male 7,360,370; female 7,739,500)
65 years and over: 3% (male 396,128; female 448,809) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.15% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 41.31 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 19.47 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -10.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
note: the total number of Rwandan and Burundian refugees in Tanzania
is about 750,000

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 105.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 42.34 years
male: 40.95 years
female: 43.78 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 5.67 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Tanzanian(s)
adjective: Tanzanian

Ethnic divisions:
mainland: native African (95% Bantu, consisting of well over 100
tribes) 99%, Asian, European, and Arab 1%
Zanzibar: Arab, mixed Arab and native African, native African

Religions:
mainland: Christian 45%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 20%
Zanzibar: Muslim more than 99%

Languages: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguju (name for
Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of
commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely
spoken in Zanzibar), many local languages
note: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of Bantu people
living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili
is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety
of sources, including Arabic and English, and it has become the
lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of
most people is one of the local languages

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili (Swahili),
English, or Arabic (1995 est.)
total population: 67.8%
male: 79.4%
female: 56.8%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania
conventional short form: Tanzania
former: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Data code: TZ

Type of government: republic

Capital: Dar es Salaam
note: some government offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which
is planned as the new national capital by the end of the 1990s

Administrative divisions: 25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam,
Dodoma, Iringa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro,
Mtwara, Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma,
Shinyanga, Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar
North, Zanzibar Urban/West, Ziwa Magharibi

Independence: 26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9
December 1961 (from UK-administered UN trusteeship); Zanzibar became
independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with
Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and
Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964

National holiday: Union Day, 26 April (1964)

Constitution: 25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984

Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of
legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Benjamin MKARA (since 22 November 1995)
was elected for a five-year term by popular vote; election last held
29 October-19 November 1995 (next to be held 29 October 2000);
results - Benjamin MKARA 62%, MREMA 28%, LIPUMBA 6%, CHEYO 4%; Vice
President Omar Ali JUMA (since 22 November 1995); President of
Zanzibar Salmin AMOUR (since 27 October 1995); election last held 22
October 1995 (next to be held 22 October 2000); results - Salmin
AMOUR 50.2%, HAMAD 49.8%
head of government: Prime Minister Fredrick SUMAYE (since 27
November 1995) was appointed by the president
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president from the members of
the National Assembly

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly (Bunge): elections last held 29 October-19
November 1995 (next to be held 29 October 2000); results - percent
of total vote by party NA; seats - (274 total, 232 elected) CCM 186,
opposition parties 46; of the 42 seats which are not elected some
are filled by presidential appointment and others are designated by
law for specific officials

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal; High Court

Political parties and leaders: Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM or
Revolutionary Party), Ali Hassan MWINYI; Civic United Front (CUF),
Seif Sharif HAMAD; National Convention for Construction and Reform
(NCCR), Lyatonga (Augustine) MREMA; Union for Multiparty Democracy
(UMD), Abdullah FUNDIKIRA; Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo
(CHADEMA), Edwin I. M. MTEI, chairman; Democratic Party
(unregistered), Reverend MTIKLA; United Democratic Party (UDP), John
CHEYO

International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB,
ECA, FAO, G- 6, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, SADC,
UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mustafa Salim NYANG'ANYI
chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125
FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador J. Brady ANDERSON
embassy: 36 Laibon Road (off Bagamoyo Road), Dar es Salaam
mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam
telephone: [255] (51) 66010 through 66015
FAX: [255] (51) 66701

Flag: divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the
lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green
and the lower triangle is blue

Economy -------

Economic overview: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the
world. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which
accounts for 58% of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 90% of
the work force. Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit
cultivated crops to only 5% of the land area. Industry accounts for
8% of GDP and is mainly limited to processing agricultural products
and light consumer goods. The economic recovery program announced in
mid-1986 has generated notable increases in agricultural production
and financial support for the program by bilateral donors. The World
Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors have
provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's deteriorated economic
infrastructure. Growth in 1991-94 has featured a pickup in
industrial production and a substantial increase in output of
minerals, led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase
private sector growth and investment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $23.1 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2.7% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $800 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 58%
industry: 8%
services: 34% (1995 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 13.495 million
by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 10% (1986 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $495 million
expenditures: $631 million, including capital expenditures of $118
million (1990 est.)

Industries: primarily agricultural processing (sugar, beer,
cigarettes, sisal twine), diamond and gold mining, oil refining,
shoes, cement, textiles, wood products, fertilizer

Industrial production growth rate: 9.3% (1990)

Electricity:
capacity: 440,000 kW
production: 880 million kWh
consumption per capita: 30 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide
made from chrysanthemums), cashews, tobacco, cloves (Zanzibar),
corn, wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits, vegetables; cattle,
sheep, goats

Illicit drugs: growing role in transshipment of Southwest Asian
heroin destined for European and US markets

Exports: $462 million (f.o.b., 1994)
commodities: coffee, cotton, tobacco, tea, cashew nuts, sisal
partners: Germany, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Kenya, Hong Kong, US

Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1994)
commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transportation
equipment, cotton piece goods, crude oil, foodstuffs
partners: Germany, UK, US, Japan, Italy, Denmark

External debt: $6.7 billion (1993)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 Tanzanian shilling (TSh) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: Tanzanian shillings (TSh) per US$1 - 558.18
(December 1995), 574.76 (1995), 509.63 (1994), 405.27 (1993), 297.71
(1992), 219.16 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways:
total: 3,569 km (1995)
narrow gauge: 2,600 km 1.000-m gauge; 969 km 1.067-m gauge
note:: the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which
operates 1,860 km of 1.067-m narrow gauge track between Dar es
Salaam and New Kapiri M'poshi in Zambia is not a part of Tanzania
Railways Corporation; 969 km are in Tanzania and 891 km are in
Zambia; because of the difference in gauge, this system does not
connect to Tanzania Railways

Highways:
total: 55,600 km
paved: 20,572 km (including 50 km of expressways)
unpaved: 35,028 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa

Pipelines: crude oil 982 km

Ports: Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Lindi, Mkoani, Mtwara,
Musoma, Mwanza, Tanga, Wete, Zanzibar

Merchant marine:
total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 30,371 GRT/41,269 DWT
ships by type: cargo 3, oil tanker 2, passenger-cargo 2,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 111
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2
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: 28
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 15
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 57 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 137,000 (1989 est.)

Telephone system: fair system operating below capacity
domestic: open wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean
and 1 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 4, shortwave 0

Radios: 640,000 (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.)

Televisions: 45,000 (1992 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Tanzanian People's Defense Force (TPDF; includes Army,
Navy, and Air Force), paramilitary Police Field Force Unit, Militia

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 6,499,244
males fit for military service: 3,765,193 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $69 million, NA%
of GDP (FY94/95)

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

@Thailand --------

Map ---

Location: 15 00 N, 100 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, bordering the
Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Flag ----

Description: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue
(double width), white, and red

Geography ---------

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the
Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references: Southeast Asia

Area:
total area: 514,000 sq km
land area: 511,770 sq km
comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:
total: 4,863 km
border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km,
Malaysia 506 km

Coastline: 3,219 km

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

International disputes: boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved
maritime boundary with Vietnam; parts of border with Cambodia in
dispute; maritime boundary with Cambodia not clearly defined

Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May
to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);
southern isthmus always hot and humid

Terrain: central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains
elsewhere
lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Natural resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum,
timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite

Land use:
arable land: 34%
permanent crops: 4%
meadows and pastures: 1%
forest and woodland: 30%
other: 31%

Irrigated land: 42,300 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water
pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil
erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting
natural hazards: land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the
depletion of the water table; droughts
international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer
Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified -
Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea

Geographic note: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia
and Singapore

People ------

Population: 58,851,357 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 25% (male 7,627,916; female 7,351,264)
15-64 years: 69% (male 19,994,884; female 20,576,141)
65 years and over: 6% (male 1,468,814; female 1,832,338) (July 1996
est.)

Population growth rate: 1.03% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 17.29 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 7 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: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 33.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 68.6 years
male: 64.89 years
female: 72.49 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.89 children born/woman (1996 est.)

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

Ethnic divisions: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism
0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)

Languages: Thai, English the secondary language of the elite,
ethnic and regional dialects

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 93.8%
male: 96%
female: 91.6%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand
conventional short form: Thailand

Data code: TH

Type of government: constitutional monarchy

Capital: Bangkok

Administrative divisions: 76 provinces (changwat, singular and
plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat,
Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri,
Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi,
Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri,
Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom,
Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum
Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun,
Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae,
Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi,
Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,
Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon
Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December
(1927)

Constitution: new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended
10 June 1992

Legal system: based on civil law system, with influences of common
law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in
effect since 23 February 1991 military coup

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946) is a
constitutional monarch; Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON
(born 28 July 1952)
head of government: Prime Minister BANHAN Sinlapa-acha (since 13
July 1995); prime minister must be appointed from among the members
of the House of Representatives
cabinet: Council of Ministers
Privy Council: NA

Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Rathasapha)
Senate (Wuthisapha): consists of a 270-member appointed body
House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon): elections last
held 2 July 1995 (next to be held 2 July 1999); results - percent of
vote by party NA; seats - (391 total) TNP 93, DP 86, NAP 56, NDP 53,
PDP 23, SAP 23, NTP 18, TCP 18, LDP 10, SP 8, MP 3

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sandika), judges appointed by the
king

Political parties and leaders: Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat Thai
Party), BANHAN Sinlapa-acha; Democratic Party (DP or Prachathipat
Party), CHUAN Likphai; New Aspiration Party (NAP or Khwamwang Mai),
Gen. CHAWALIT Yongchaiyut; National Development Party (NDP or Chat
Phattana), CHATCHAI Chunhawan; Phalang Dharma Party (PDP or Phalang
Tham), THAKSIN Chinnawat; Social Action Party (SAP or Kitsangkhom
Party), MONTRI Phongphanit; Thai Leadership Party (NTP or Nam Thai),
Amnuai Wirawan; Thai Citizen's Party (TCP or Prachakon Thai), SAMAK
Sunthonwet; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), ATHIT
Urairat; Solidarity Party (SP or Ekkaphap Party), UTHAI
Phimchaichon; Mass Party (MP or Muanchon), Pol. Cpt. CHALOEM
Yubamrung

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

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador NIT Phibunsongkhram
chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600
FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador William H. ITOH
embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
mailing address: APO AP 96546
telephone: [66] (2) 252-5040
FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990
consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai
consulate(s): Udorn

Flag: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double
width), white, and red

Economy -------

Economic overview: One of the more advanced developing countries
in Asia, Thailand depends on exports of manufactures - including
high-technology goods - and the development of the service sector to
fuel the country's rapid growth, averaging 9% since 1989. Most of
Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment and raw
materials, although imports of consumer goods are beginning to rise.
Thailand's 35% domestic savings rate is a key source of capital for
the economy, and the country is also benefiting from rising
investment from abroad. Prime Minister BANHAN's government -
Thailand's sixth government in five years - undoubtedly will
continue Bangkok's probusiness policies despite some concerns that
it is relaxing Bangkok's traditional fiscal austerity. BANHAN is
beginning to address Thailand's serious infrastructure bottlenecks,
especially in the transport and telecommunications sectors. Over the
longer term, Bangkok must produce more college graduates with
technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue its rapid
economic development.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $416.7 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 8.6% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $6,900 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 10.2%
industry: 30.6%
services: 59.2% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (1995)

Labor force: 32,152,600
by occupation: agriculture 57%, industry 17%, commerce 11%, services
(including government) 15% (1993 est.)

Unemployment rate: 2.7% (1995 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $28.4 billion
expenditures: $28.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.1
billion (FY94/95)

Industries: tourism; textiles and garments, agricultural
processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as
jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits,
furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and
third-largest tin producer

Industrial production growth rate: 13.3% (1995 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 12,810,000 kW
production: 56.8 billion kWh
consumption per capita: 909 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: rice, cassava (tapioca), rubber, corn, sugarcane,
coconuts, soybeans

Illicit drugs: a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana;
major illicit transit point for heroin en route to the international
drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced
the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to
neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by
eradication efforts; also a drug money laundering center; rapidly
growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption;
increasing indigenous abuse of methamphetamine and heroin

Exports: $45.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994)
commodities: manufactures 73%, agricultural products and fisheries
21%, raw materials 5%, fuels 1%
partners: US 21.0%, Japan 17.1%, Singapore 13.6%, Hong Kong 5.3%,
Germany 3.5%, UK 3.0%, Netherlands 2.8%, Malaysia 2.4%

Imports: $53.9 billion (c.i.f., 1994)
commodities: manufactures 80%, fuels 6.9%, raw materials 6.6%,
foodstuffs 4.3%
partners: Japan 30.4%, US 11.9%, Singapore 6.3%, Germany 5.8%,
Taiwan 5.1%, Malaysia 4.9%, South Korea 3.7%, China 2.6%

External debt: $53.7 billion (1994)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $624 million (1993)

Currency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satang

Exchange rates: baht (B) per US$1 - 25.300 (January 1996), 25.000
(1995 est.), 25.150 (1994), 25.319 (1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517
(1991)

Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September

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

Railways:
total: 4,623 km
narrow gauge: 4,623 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)

Highways:
total: 54,388 km
paved: 48,786 km (including 171 km of expressways)
unpaved: 5,602 km (1992 est.)

Waterways: 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable
depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor
waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Pipelines: petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km

Ports: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha,
Songkhla

Merchant marine:
total: 259 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,559,037
GRT/2,498,812 DWT
ships by type: bulk 32, cargo 143, chemical tanker 3, container 11,
liquefied gas tanker 12, oil tanker 45, passenger 1, refrigerated
cargo 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1,
specialized tanker 2 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 98
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 9
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 12
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 22
with paved runways under 914 m: 36
with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 12 (1995 est.)

Heliports: 2 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 1,553,200 (1994 est.)

Telephone system: service to general public inadequate; bulk of
service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and
microwave radio relay network
domestic: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic
satellite system being developed
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean
and 1 Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 200 (in government-controlled
network), FM 100 (in government-controlled network), shortwave 0

Radios: 10.75 million (1992 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 11 (in government-controlled
network)

Televisions: 3.3 million (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai
Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 16,835,334
males fit for military service: 10,182,904
males reach military age (18) annually: 592,268 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion,
2.5% of GDP (FY94/95)

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

@The Bahamas -----------

Map ---

Location: 24 15 N, 76 00 W -- Caribbean, chain of islands in the
North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida

Flag ----

Description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top),
gold, and aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the
hoist side

Geography ---------

Location: Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean,
southeast of Florida

Geographic coordinates: 24 15 N, 76 00 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area:
total area: 13,940 sq km
land area: 10,070 sq km
comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 3,542 km

Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Alvernia 63 m

Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber

Land use:
arable land: 1%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 0%
forest and woodland: 32%
other: 67%

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Environment:
current issues: coral reef decay
natural hazards: hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause
extensive flood and wind damage
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test
Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

Geographic note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba;
extensive island chain

People ------

Population: 259,367 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 28% (male 36,331; female 35,771)
15-64 years: 67% (male 84,107; female 89,193)
65 years and over: 5% (male 5,449; female 8,516) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.05% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 18.73 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 5.74 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: -2.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 23.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 72.53 years
male: 67.98 years
female: 77.16 years (1996 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Bahamian(s)
adjective: Bahamian

Ethnic divisions: black 85%, white 15%

Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%,
Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or
unknown 3%, other 2%

Languages: English, Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write but definition of
literacy not available (1995 est.)
total population: 98.2%
male: 98.5%
female: 98%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
conventional short form: The Bahamas

Data code: BF

Type of government: commonwealth

Capital: Nassau

Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Acklins and Crooked
Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek,
Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock,
Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New
Providence, Nicholls Town and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock
Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay

Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK)

National holiday: National Day, 10 July (1973)

Constitution: 10 July 1973

Legal system: based on English common law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a
hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Sir Orville
TURNQUEST (since 2 January 1995) who was appointed by the queen
head of government: Prime Minister Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM (since
19 August 1992) and Deputy Prime Minister Frank WATSON (since NA)
were appointed by the governor general
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the prime
minister's recommendation

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament
Senate: a 16-member body appointed by the governor general
House of Assembly: elections last held 19 August 1992 (next to be
held by August 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -
(49 total) FNM 32, PLP 17

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP),
Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National Movement (FNM), Hubert
Alexander INGRAHAM

International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CCC,
CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS,
ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAS,
OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy Baswell DONALDSON
chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668
consulate(s) general: Miami and New York

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Sidney WILLIAMS
embassy: Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau
mailing address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; P.O. Box 9009, Miami, FL
33159; Nassau, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-3370 (pouch)
telephone: [1] (809) 322-1181, 328-2206
FAX: [1] (809) 328-7838

Flag: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and
aquamarine with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with
an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking.
Tourism alone accounts for more than 50% of GDP and directly or
indirectly employs 40% of the archipelago's labor force. A slowdown
in the expansion of the tourism sector - especially stopover travel
from Europe - led to a reduction in the country's GDP growth rate in
1995, down to an estimated 2% from 3.5% in 1994. The construction
sector benefited from hotel rehabilitation and the government's
ongoing housing development program. Earnings from exports of
vegetable and citrus production have been decreasing since 1993 but
are expected to increase in 1996 due to storm damage to crops in
Florida. The overall growth prospects through 1996 will depend
heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector and continued income
growth in the US, which accounts for the majority of tourist visits.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.8 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $18,700 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 3%
industry: 35%
services: 62% (1994)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1994)

Labor force: 136,900 (1993)
by occupation: government 30%, tourism 40%, business services 10%,
agriculture 5% (1995 est.)

Unemployment rate: 15% (1995 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $665 million
expenditures: $725 million, including capital expenditures of $94
million (FY95/96 est.)

Industries: tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and
transshipment, salt production, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals,
spiral-welded steel pipe

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 424,000 kW
production: 929 million kWh
consumption per capita: 3,200 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: citrus, vegetables; poultry

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound
for US and Europe; also a money-laundering center

Exports: $224.257 million (f.o.b., 1994)
commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish, refined
petroleum products
partners: US 51%, UK 7%, Norway 7%, France 6%, Italy 5%

Imports: $1.08 billion (c.i.f., 1994)
commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, crude oil, vehicles,
electronics
partners: US 55%, Japan 17%, Nigeria 12%, Denmark 7%, Norway 6%

External debt: $407.8 million (December 1994)

Economic aid: $NA

Currency: 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates: Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1 - 1.00 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 2,386 km
paved: 1,342 km
unpaved: 1,044 km (1986 est.)

Ports: Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau

Merchant marine:
total: 956 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,592,285
GRT/35,765,965 DWT
ships by type: bulk 176, cargo 182, chemical tanker 43, combination
bulk 9, combination ore/oil 19, container 53, liquefied gas tanker
20, oil tanker 180, passenger 53, refrigerated cargo 147,
roll-on/roll-off cargo 47, short-sea passenger 13, vehicle carrier 14
note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 48
countries among which are Norway 155, Greece 124, US 84, Denmark 63,
Netherlands 44, Sweden 36, Finland 34, France 29, Japan 29, and
Belgium 24 (1995 est.)

Airports:
total: 55
with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2
with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1
with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 16
with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 11
with paved runways under 914 m: 17
with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.)

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

Telephones: 119,000 (1987 est.)

Telephone system:
domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed
international: tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida;
3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0

Radios: 200,000 (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1 (1986 est.)

Televisions: 60,000 (1993 est.)

Defense -------

Branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal
Bahamas Police Force

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: NA
males fit for military service: NA

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $20 million, 3.8%
of GDP (FY95/96)

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

@The Gambia ----------

Map ---

Location: 13 28 N, 16 34 W -- Western Africa, bordering the North
Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Flag ----

Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with
white edges, and green

Geography ---------

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

Geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 16 34 W

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 11,300 sq km
land area: 10,000 sq km
comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:
total: 740 km
border country: Senegal 740 km

Coastline: 80 km

Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: not specified
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: short section of boundary with Senegal is
indefinite

Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler,
dry season (November to May)

Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 53 m

Natural resources: fish

Land use:
arable land: 16%
permanent crops: 0%
meadows and pastures: 9%
forest and woodland: 20%
other: 55%

Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1989 est.)

Environment:
current issues: deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases
prevalent
natural hazards: rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer
Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified -
Desertification

Geographic note: almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on
the continent of Africa

People ------

Population: 1,204,984 (July 1996 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 46% (male 276,782; female 275,683)
15-64 years: 51% (male 307,405; female 312,736)
65 years and over: 3% (male 17,278; female 15,100) (July 1996 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.55% (1996 est.)

Birth rate: 44.44 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Death rate: 13.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Net migration rate: 4.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/female
all ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 80.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 52.96 years
male: 50.74 years
female: 55.24 years (1996 est.)

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

Nationality:
noun: Gambian(s)
adjective: Gambian

Ethnic divisions: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%,
Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-Gambian 1%

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

Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other
indigenous vernaculars

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 38.6%
male: 52.8%
female: 24.9%

Government ----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
conventional short form: The Gambia

Data code: GA

Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule
note:: nominally a republic, The Gambia has had a military
government since 22 July 1994; the military authority has promised
to return control to a democratically-elected government in July 1996

Capital: Banjul

Administrative divisions: 5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Lower
River, MacCarthy Island, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Independence: 18 February 1965 (from UK; The Gambia and Senegal
signed an agreement on 12 December 1981 that called for the creation
of a loose confederation to be known as Senegambia, but the
agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)

National holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Constitution: 24 April 1970; suspended July 1994

Legal system: based on a composite of English common law, Koranic
law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with
reservations

Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Armed Forces
Provisional Ruling Council Capt. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since the
military coup of 22 July 1994); Vice Chairman of the Armed Forces
Provisional Ruling Council Capt. Edward SINGHATEH (since March
1995); last popular election held on 29 April 1992; results - Sir
Dawda JAWARA (PPP) 58.5%, Sherif Mustapha DIBBA (NCP) 22.2%, Assan
Musa CAMARA (GPP) 8.0% (prior to the 22 July 1994 coup, next
election had been scheduled for April 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet normally is appointed by the president from members
of the House of Representatives (present cabinet appointed by
Chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council)

Legislative branch: unicameral
House of Representatives: last popular election held on 29 April
1992 (next to be held NA April 1997); results - PPP won 58.1% of
votes; seats - (43 total, 36 elected) PPP 30, NCP 6
note: following the military coup on 22 July 1994, all elective
offices were dissolved; in April 1996, the military government
announced that voter registrations would begin in May and democratic
elections would be held in October 1996

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders: the following political parties
were active on 22 July 1994, after which time political activity was
banned by the military government: People's Progressive Party (PPP),
Dawda K. JAWARA (in exile), secretary general; National Convention
Party (NCP), Sheriff DIBBA (in exile); Gambian People's Party (GPP),
Hassan Musa CAMARA; United Party (UP), leader NA; People's
Democratic Organization of Independence and Socialism (PDOIS),
leader NA; People's Democratic Party (PDP), Jabel SALLAH

International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA,
ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC,
ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO

Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Counselor, Charge d'Affaires
ad interim Tombong SAIDY
chancery: Suite 1000, 1155 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399, 1379, 1425
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission: Ambassador Gerald A. SCOTT
embassy: Fajara, Kairaba Avenue, Banjul
mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul
telephone: [220] 392856, 392858, 391970, 391971
FAX: [220] 392475

Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white
edges, and green

Economy -------

Economic overview: The Gambia has no important mineral or other
natural resources and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of
the population is engaged in crop production and livestock raising.
Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of
peanuts, fish, and hides. A sustained structural adjustment program,
including a liberalized trade policy, had fostered a respectable 4%
annual rate of growth in 1990-93. Reexport trade normally
constitutes one-third of economic activity; however, border closures
associated with Senegal's monetary crisis in late 1993 led to a
halving of reexport trade, reducing government revenues in turn. The
50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 has made Senegalese
goods more competitive and apparently prompted a relaxation of
Senegalese controls, paving the way for a comeback in reexports.
But, in response to the military's takeover in July 1994, cuts in
foreign trade and a decline in tourism have undermined economic
growth.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.1 billion (1995 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,100 (1995 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 27%
industry: 15%
services: 58% (1993)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (1994)

Labor force: 400,000 (1986 est.)
by occupation: agriculture 75.0%, industry, commerce, and services
18.9%, government 6.1%

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:
revenues: $91.4 million
expenditures: $90 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(FY95/96 est.)

Industries: processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism;
beverages; agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking,
metalworking; clothing

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity:
capacity: 30,000 kW
production: 70 million kWh
consumption per capita: 64 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: peanuts, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava
(tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats; forest and fishing
resources not fully exploited

Exports: $35 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
commodities: peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm
kernels
partners: Japan 60%, Europe 29%, Africa 5%, US 1%, other 5% (1989)

Imports: $209 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.)
commodities: foodstuffs, manufactures, raw materials, fuel,
machinery and transport equipment
partners: Europe 57%, Asia 25%, USSR and Eastern Europe 9%, US 6%,
other 3% (1989)

External debt: $386 million (1993 est.)

Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA

Currency: 1 dalasi (D) = 100 butut

Exchange rates: dalasi (D) per US$1 - 9.555 (August 1996), 9.576
(1994), 9.129 (1993), 8.888 (1992), 8.803 (1991)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

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

Railways: 0 km

Highways:
total: 2,386 km
paved: 764 km
unpaved: 1,622 km (1990 est.)

Waterways: 400 km

Ports: Banjul

Merchant marine: none

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

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

Telephones: 11,000 (1991 est.)

Telephone system:
domestic: adequate network of microwave radio relay and open wire
international: microwave radio relay links to Senegal and
Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0

Radios: 180,000 (1993 est.)

Television broadcast stations: NA

Televisions: NA

Defense -------

Branches: Army, Navy, National Police

Manpower availability:
males age 15-49: 267,188
males fit for military service: 134,611 (1996 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $14 million, 3.8%
of GDP (FY93/94)

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

@Togo ----

Map ---

Location: 8 00 N, 1 10 E -- Western Africa, bordering the North
Atlantic Ocean, between Benin and Ghana

Flag ----

Description: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom)
alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red
square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African
colors of Ethiopia

Geography ---------

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean,
between Benin and Ghana

Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 1 10 E

Map references: Africa

Area:
total area: 56,790 sq km
land area: 54,390 sq km
comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:
total: 1,647 km
border countries: Benin 644 km, Burkina Faso 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Coastline: 56 km

Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 30 nm

International disputes: none

Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north