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Chapter XXI: Front Matter (21)

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Economy - overview: Well endowed with natural resources, Ghana has twice the per capita output of the poorer countries in West Africa. Even so, Ghana remains heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber, and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange. The domestic economy continues to revolve around subsistence agriculture, which accounts for 36% of GDP and employs 60% of the work force, mainly small landholders. In 1995-97, Ghana made mixed progress under a three-year structural adjustment program in cooperation with the IMF. On the minus side, public sector wage increases and regional peacekeeping commitments have led to continued inflationary deficit financing, depreciation of the cedi, and rising public discontent with Ghana's austerity measures. Political uncertainty and a depressed cocoa market led to disappointing growth in 2000. A rebound in the cocoa market should push growth over 4% in 2001-02.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $37.4 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 3% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 36%

industry: 25%

services: 39% (2000 est.)

Population below poverty line: 31.4% (1992 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 26.1% (1997)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22.8% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 9 million (2000 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 60%, industry 15%, services 25% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate: 20% (1997 est.)

Budget: revenues: $1.39 billion

expenditures: $1.47 billion, including capital expenditures of $370 million (1996 est.)

Industries: mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing

Industrial production growth rate: 4.2% (1996 est.)

Electricity - production: 5.466 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 26.82%

hydro: 73.18%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 5.573 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 400 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 890 million kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Exports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 2000)

Exports - commodities: gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds

Exports - partners: Togo, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, US, France (1998)

Imports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000)

Imports - commodities: capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Imports - partners: UK, Nigeria, US, Germany, Italy, Spain (1998)

Debt - external: $7 billion (1999 est.)

Economic aid - recipient: $477.3 million (1995)

Currency: cedi (GHC)

Currency code: GHC

Exchange rates: cedis per US dollar - 6,895.77 (January 2001), 5,321.68 (2000), 2,647.32 (1999), 2,314.15 (1998), 2,050.17 (1997), 1,637.23 (1996)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Ghana Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 200,000 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 30,000 (yearend 1998)

Telephone system: general assessment: poor to fair system; Internet accessible; many rural communities not yet connected; expansion of services is underway

domestic: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has been installed

international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors

Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 18, shortwave 3 (1999)

Radios: 4.4 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 11 (1999)

Televisions: 1.73 million (1997)

Internet country code: .gh

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000)

Internet users: 20,000 (2000)

Ghana Transportation

Railways: total: 953 km (undergoing major rehabilitation)

narrow gauge: 953 km 1.067-m gauge (32 km double track) (1997 est.)

Highways: total: 39,409 km

paved: 11,653 km (including 30 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,756 km (1997)

Waterways: 1,293 km

note: Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers provide 168 km of perennial navigation for launches and lighters; Lake Volta provides 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways

Pipelines: 0 km

Ports and harbors: Takoradi, Tema

Merchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 13,484 GRT/18,583 DWT

ships by type: petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 4 (2000 est.)

Airports: 12 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2000 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2000 est.)

Ghana Military

Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, Palace Guard, Civil Defense

Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 4,890,483 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,713,584 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 213,237 (2001 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $53 million (FY99)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.7% (FY99)

Ghana Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: none

Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US

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@Gibraltar

Gibraltar Introduction

Background: Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a 1967 referendum, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure and voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency.

Gibraltar Geography

Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain

Geographic coordinates: 36 11 N, 5 22 W

Map references: Europe

Area: total: 6.5 sq km

land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative: about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 1.2 km

border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline: 12 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain: a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources: NEGL

Land use: arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 0%

forests and woodland: 0%

other: 100% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: NA

Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater

Geography - note: strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Gibraltar People

Population: 27,649 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.73% (male 2,652; female 2,528)

15-64 years: 66.33% (male 9,473; female 8,866)

65 years and over: 14.94% (male 1,733; female 2,397) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.24% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 11.25 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 8.82 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: NEGL migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.09 years

male: 76.23 years

female: 82.1 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.64 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Ethnic groups: Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese

Religions: Roman Catholic 76.9%, Church of England 6.9%, Muslim 6.9%, Jewish 2.3%, none or other 7% (1991)

Languages: English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian

Literacy: definition: NA

total population: above 80%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Gibraltar Government

Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gibraltar

Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK

Government type: NA

Capital: Gibraltar

Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday: Commonwealth Day, second Monday of March

Constitution: 30 May 1969

Legal system: English law

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects who have been residents six months or more

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor and Commander-in-Chief David DURIE (since 5 April 2000); note - DURIE was appointed in February 2000 but took office in April 2000

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 15 elected members of the House of Assembly by the governor in consultation with the chief minister; note - there is also a Gibraltar Council that advises the governor

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister appointed by the governor

Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (18 seats - 15 elected by popular vote, one appointed for the Speaker, and two ex officio members; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 10 February 2000 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 58%, GSLP 41%; seats by party - GSD 8, GSLP 7

Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders: Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Political pressure groups and leaders: Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization; Housewives Association

International organization participation: Interpol (subbureau)

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description: two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band

Gibraltar Economy

Economy - overview: Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 11% to the local economy. The financial sector accounts for 20% of GDP; tourism (almost 6 million visitors in 1998), shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $500 million (1997 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: NA%

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $17,500 (1997 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1998)

Labor force: 14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers)

Labor force - by occupation: services 60%, industry 40%, agriculture NEGL%

Unemployment rate: 13.5% (1996)

Budget: revenues: $307 million

expenditures: $284 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY00/01 est.)

Industries: tourism, banking and finance, ship-building and repairing; support to large UK naval and air bases; tobacco, mineral water, beer, canned fish

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity - production: 95 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 88.4 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: none

Exports: $81.1 million (f.o.b., 1997)

Exports - commodities: (principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%, other 8%

Exports - partners: UK, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, US, Germany

Imports: $492 million (c.i.f., 1997)

Imports - commodities: fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Imports - partners: UK, Spain, Japan, Netherlands

Debt - external: $NA

Economic aid - recipient: $NA

Currency: Gibraltar pound (GIP)

Currency code: GIP

Exchange rates: Gibraltar pounds per US dollar - 0.6764 (January 2001), 0.6596 (2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998), 0.6106 (1997), 0.6403 (1996); note - the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Gibraltar Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 19,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,620 (1997)

Telephone system: general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities

domestic: automatic exchange facilities

international: radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios: 37,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 1 (plus three low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions: 10,000 (1997)

Internet country code: .gi

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000)

Internet users: NA

Gibraltar Transportation

Railways: total: NA km; 1.000-m gauge system in dockyard area only

Highways: total: 46.25 km

paved: 46.25 km

unpaved: 0 km (2001)

Waterways: none

Pipelines: 0 km

Ports and harbors: Gibraltar

Merchant marine: total: 49 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 669,056 GRT/1,003,809 DWT

ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 15, chemical tanker 6, container 7, multi-functional large-load carrier 3, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 14, roll on/roll off 1 (2000 est.)

Airports: 1 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2000 est.)

Gibraltar Military

Military branches: British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Gibraltar Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: source of friction between Spain and the UK

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@Glorioso Islands

Glorioso Islands Introduction

Background: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Glorioso Islands Geography

Location: Southern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates: 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Map references: Africa

Area: total: 5 sq km

land: 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock

Area - comparative: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 35.2 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate: tropical

Terrain: low and flat

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 12 m

Natural resources: guano, coconuts

Land use: arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 0%

forests and woodland: 0%

other: 100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms)

Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1993)

Natural hazards: periodic cyclones

Environment - current issues: NA

Glorioso Islands People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants

note: there is a small French military garrison (July 2001 est.)

Glorioso Islands Government

Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Glorioso Islands

local long form: none

local short form: Iles Glorieuses

Dependency status: possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion

Legal system: the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (possession of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US: none (possession of France)

Flag description: the flag of France is used

Glorioso Islands Economy

Economy - overview: no economic activity

Glorioso Islands Communications

Communications - note: 1 meteorological station

Glorioso Islands Transportation

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only

Airports: 1 (2000 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2000 est.)

Glorioso Islands Military

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France

Glorioso Islands Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar

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@Greece

Greece Introduction

Background: Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories with Greek-speaking populations. Following the defeat of communist rebels in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. Democratic elections in 1974 and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy; Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992).

Greece Geography

Location: Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Geographic coordinates: 39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references: Europe

Area: total: 131,940 sq km

land: 130,800 sq km

water: 1,140 sq km

Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries: total: 1,210 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 228 km

Coastline: 13,676 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

territorial sea: 6 NM

Climate: temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain: mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Natural resources: bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marble, hydropower potential

Land use: arable land: 19%

permanent crops: 8%

permanent pastures: 41%

forests and woodland: 20%

other: 12% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: 13,140 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: severe earthquakes

Environment - current issues: air pollution; water pollution

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Geography - note: strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands

Greece People

Population: 10,623,835 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.98% (male 820,219; female 771,466)

15-64 years: 67.3% (male 3,580,535; female 3,569,755)

65 years and over: 17.72% (male 834,234; female 1,047,626) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.21% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 9.83 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 9.73 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: 1.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 6.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.59 years

male: 76.03 years

female: 81.32 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.33 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.16% (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 8,000 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (1999 est.)

Nationality: noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic groups: Greek 98%, other 2%

note: the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece

Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 95%

male: 98%

female: 93% (1991 est.)

Greece Government

Country name: conventional long form: Hellenic Republic

conventional short form: Greece

local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

local short form: Ellas or Ellada

former: Kingdom of Greece

Government type: parliamentary republic; monarchy rejected by referendum 8 December 1974

Capital: Athens

Administrative divisions: 51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos)and 1 autonomous region*; Ayion Oros* (Mt. Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania, Akhaia, Argolis, Arkadhia, Arta, Attiki, Dhodhekanisos, Drama, Evritania, Evros, Evvoia, Florina, Fokis, Fthiotis, Grevena, Ilia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Kardhitsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Khalkidhiki, Khania, Khios, Kikladhes, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lesvos, Levkas, Magnisia, Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethimni, Rodhopi, Samos, Serrai, Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakinthos

Independence: 1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Constitution: 11 June 1975; amended March 1986

Legal system: based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch: chief of state: President Konstandinos (Kostis) STEPHANOPOULOS (since 10 March 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Konstandinos SIMITIS (since 19 January 1996)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term; election last held 8 February 2000 (next to be held by NA March 2005); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Konstandinos STEPHANOPOULOS reelected president; percent of Parliament vote - 90%

Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: elections last held 9 April 2000 (next to be held by NA April 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.8%, ND 42.7%, KKE 5.5%, Coalition of the Left and Progress 3.2%; seats by party - PASOK 158, ND 125, KKE 11, Coalition of the Left and Progress 6

Judicial branch: Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council

Political parties and leaders: Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) [Nikolaos KONSTANDOPOULOS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA]; New Democracy or ND (conservative) [Konstandinos KARAMANLIS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Konstandinos SIMITIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, G- 6, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNOMIG, UPU, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alexandros PHILON

chancery: 2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 939-5824

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco

consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, and New Orleans

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador R. Nicholas BURNS

embassy: 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, 10160 Athens

mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108

telephone: [30] (1) 721-2951

FAX: [30] (1) 645-6282

consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Flag description: nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country

Greece Economy

Economy - overview: Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about half of GDP. Tourism is a key industry, providing a large portion of GDP and foreign exchange earnings. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 4% of GDP. The economy has improved steadily over the last few years, as the government has tightened policy in the run-up to Greece's entry into the EU's Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) on 1 January 2001. In particular, Greece has cut its budget deficit to below 1% of GDP and tightened monetary policy, with the result that inflation fell from 20% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2000. Major challenges remaining include the reduction of unemployment and further restructuring of the economy, including the privatization of some leading state enterprises. Growth, 3.8% in 2000, may fall off to 3%-3.5% in 2001.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $181.9 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 3.8% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $17,200 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.3%

industry: 27.3%

services: 64.4% (1998)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 25.3% (1993 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.1% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 4.32 million (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation: industry 21%, agriculture 20%, services 59% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate: 11.3% (2000 est.)

Budget: revenues: $45 billion

expenditures: $47.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1998 est.)

Industries: tourism; food and tobacco processing, textiles; chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate: 7% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production: 46.432 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 89.6%

hydro: 9.72%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0.68% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 43.343 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 1.65 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 1.811 billion kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Exports: $15.8 billion (f.o.b., 2000)

Exports - commodities: manufactured goods, food and beverages, petroleum products

Exports - partners: EU 49% (Germany 15%, Italy 13%, UK 6%), US 6% (1999)

Imports: $33.9 billion (c.i.f., 2000)

Imports - commodities: manufactured goods, foodstuffs, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners: EU 66% (Italy 15%, Germany 15%, France 9%, UK 6%) (1999)

Debt - external: $57 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient: $5.4 billion from EU (1997 est.)

Currency: drachma (GRD); euro (EUR)

note: on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Greece (which entered the European Monetary Union on 1 January 2001) at a fixed rate of 340.750 drachmae per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002

Currency code: GRD; EUR

Exchange rates: drachmae per US dollar - 380.21 (December 2000), 365.40 (2000), 305.65 (1999), 295.53 (1998), 273.06 (1997), 240.71 (1996)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Greece Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 5.431 million (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 937,700 (1997)

Telephone system: general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all areas; good mobile telephone and international service

domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open wire connections; submarine cable to offshore islands

international: tropospheric scatter; 8 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 26, FM 88, shortwave 4 (1998)

Radios: 5.02 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 36 (plus 1,341 low-power repeaters); also two stations in the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (1995)

Televisions: 2.54 million (1997)

Internet country code: .gr

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 27 (2000)

Internet users: 1.33 million (1999)

Greece Transportation

Railways: total: 2,548 km

standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (36 km electrified; 23 km double track)

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (a rack-type railway for steep grades)

Highways: total: 117,000 km

paved: 107,406 km (including 470 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,594 km (1996)

Waterways: 80 km

note: system consists of three coastal canals including the Corinth Canal (6 km) which crosses the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and shortens the sea voyage from the Adriatic to Peiraiefs (Piraeus) by 325 km; there are also three unconnected rivers

Pipelines: crude oil 26 km; petroleum products 547 km

Ports and harbors: Alexandroupolis, Elefsis, Irakleion (Crete), Kavala, Kerkyra, Chalkis, Igoumenitsa, Lavrion, Patrai, Peiraiefs (Piraeus), Thessaloniki, Volos

Merchant marine: total: 780 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 25,564,988 GRT/44,761,916 DWT

ships by type: bulk 272, cargo 55, chemical tanker 22, combination bulk 5, combination ore/oil 6, container 51, liquefied gas 5, multi-functional large-load carrier 1, passenger 14, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 255, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 20, short-sea passenger 63, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 1

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: South Korea 1, UK 4 (2000 est.)

Airports: 81 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 65

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 15

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 9 (2000 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 10 (2000 est.)

Heliports: 2 (2000 est.)

Greece Military

Military branches: Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, National Guard, Police

Military manpower - military age: 21 years of age

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,673,539 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,040,227 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 77,976 (2001 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $6.12 billion (FY99/00 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 4.91% (FY99/00 est.)

Greece Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Turkey in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; dispute with The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over its name

Illicit drugs: a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is consumed in Greece

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

@Greenland

Greenland Introduction

Background: The world's largest island, about 84% ice-capped, Greenland was granted self-government in 1978 by the Danish parliament. The law went into effect the following year. Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.

Greenland Geography

Location: Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Geographic coordinates: 72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references: Arctic Region

Area: total: 2,175,600 sq km

land: 2,175,600 sq km (341,700 sq km ice-free, 1,833,900 sq km ice-covered) (est.)

Area - comparative: slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 44,087 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea: 3 NM

Climate: arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain: flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunnbjorn 3,700 m

Natural resources: zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use: arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

permanent pastures: 1%

forests and woodland: 0%

other: 99% (1998 est.)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Environment - current issues: protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Geography - note: dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast, but close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap

Greenland People

Population: 56,352 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.69% (male 7,649; female 7,392)

15-64 years: 67.87% (male 20,868; female 17,376)

65 years and over: 5.44% (male 1,385; female 1,682) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.06% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 16.52 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 7.58 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: -8.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.2 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 17.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.37 years

male: 64.82 years

female: 72.01 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.44 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 100 (1999)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic groups: Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (January 2000)

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran

Languages: Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English

Literacy: definition: NA

total population: NA%

male: NA%

female: NA%

note: similar to Denmark proper

Greenland Government

Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Greenland

local long form: none

local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Dependency status: part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Government type: parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Capital: Nuuk (Godthab)

Administrative divisions: 3 districts (landsdele); Avannaa (Nordgronland), Tunu (Ostgronland), Kitaa (Vestgronland)

note: there are 18 municipalities in Greenland

Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979)

note: foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland

National holiday: June 21 (longest day)

Constitution: 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system: Danish

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Gunnar MARTENS (since NA 1995)

head of government: Prime Minister Jonathan MOTZFELDT (since 19 September 1997)

cabinet: Home Rule Government is elected by the Parliament (Landstinget) on the basis of the strength of parties

elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; prime minister is elected by Parliament (usually the leader of the majority party); election last held 16 February 1999 (next to be held NA February 2003)

election results: Jonathan MOTZFELDT reelected prime minister following the 16 February 1999 elections; percent of parliamentary vote - 57.3%

note: government coalition - Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA)

Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Landstinget (31 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 February 1999 (next to be held by NA February 2003)

election results: percent of vote by party - Siumut 35.2%, Inuit Ataqatigiit 22.1%, Atassut Party 25.2%, Candidate's League 12.3%, independent 5.2%; seats by party - Siumut 11, Atassut 8, Inuit Ataqatigiit 7, Candidate List 4, independent 1

note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 11 March 1998 (next to be held by not later than March 2002); percent of vote by party - Siumut 35.6%, Atassut 35.2%; seats by party - Siumut 1, Atassut 1; Greenlandic representatives are affiliated with Danish political parties (Siamut with Social Democratic Party and Atassut with Liberal Party)

Judicial branch: High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)

Political parties and leaders: Akulliit Party [Bjarne KREUTZMANN]; Atassut Party (Solidarity, a conservative party favoring continuing close relations with Denmark) [Daniel SKIFTE]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood, a leftist party favoring complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule) [Josef MOTZFELDT]; Issituup (Polar Party) [Nicolai HEINRICH]; Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List, an independent right-of-center party with no official platform [leader NA]; Siumut (Forward Party, a social democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark) [Jonathan MOTZFELDT]

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: ICC, NC, NIB

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white

Greenland Economy

Economy - overview: The economy remains critically dependent on exports of fish and substantial support from the Danish Government, which supplies about half of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in the economy. Despite several interesting hydrocarbon and minerals exploration activities, it will take several years before production can materialize. Tourism is the only sector offering any near-term potential, and even this is limited due to a short season and high costs.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.1 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: NA%

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $20,000 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1999 est.)

Labor force: 24,500 (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate: 7% (1999 est.)

Budget: revenues: $646 million

expenditures: $629 million, including capital expenditures of $85 million (1999)

Industries: fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut), handicrafts, furs, small shipyards

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity - production: 250 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 41%

hydro: 59%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0%

note: Greenland is shifting its electricity production from fossil fuel to hydroelectric power production (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 232.5 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Exports: $276 million (f.o.b., 1999)

Exports - commodities: fish and fish products 94%

Exports - partners: EU (mainly Denmark) 85%, Japan 8%, US 2% (1999)

Imports: $400 million (c.i.f., 1999)

Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, petroleum products

Imports - partners: EU (mostly Denmark), Norway, US, Canada

Debt - external: $25 million (1999)

Economic aid - recipient: $380 million subsidy from Denmark (1999)

Currency: Danish krone (DKK)

Currency code: DKK

Exchange rates: Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.951 (January 2001), 8.083 (2000), 6.976 (1999), 6.701 (1998), 6.604 (1997), 5.799 (1996)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Greenland Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 25,617 (end 1999)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 12,676 (end 1999)

Telephone system: general assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally digitalized in 1995

domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite

international: satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios: 30,000 (1998 est.)

Television broadcast stations: 1 publicly-owned station, some local low-power stations, and three AFRTS (US Air Force) stations (1997)

Televisions: 30,000 (1998 est.)

Internet country code: .gl

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000)

Internet users: 4,008 (1999)

Greenland Transportation

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 150 km

paved: 60 km

unpaved: 90 km

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Kangerlussuaq, Nanortalik, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk (Godthab), Qaqortoq (Julianehab), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Tasiilaq (March 2001)

Merchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,289 GRT/1,500 DWT

ships by type: cargo 1, passenger 1 (2000 est.)

Airports: 13 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 8

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 4 (2000 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2000 est.)

Greenland Military

Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Greenland Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: none

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

@Grenada

Grenada Introduction

Background: One of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year.

Grenada Geography

Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates: 12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total: 340 sq km

land: 340 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative: twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 121 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate: tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain: volcanic in origin with central mountains

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources: timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use: arable land: 15%

permanent crops: 18%

permanent pastures: 3%

forests and woodland: 9%

other: 55% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Environment - current issues: NA

Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada

Grenada People

Population: 89,227 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 37.05% (male 16,739; female 16,318)

15-64 years: 59.03% (male 27,850; female 24,820)

65 years and over: 3.92% (male 1,592; female 1,908) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: -0.06% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 23.12 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 7.82 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: -15.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female

total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 14.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.52 years

male: 62.74 years

female: 66.31 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.54 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic groups: black 82% some South Asians (East Indians) and Europeans, trace Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Religions: Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Languages: English (official), French patois

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1970 est.)

Grenada Government

Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Grenada

Government type: constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament

Capital: Saint George's

Administrative divisions: 6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Independence: 7 February 1974 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution: 19 December 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), represented by Governor General Daniel WILLIAMS (since 9 August 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 22 June 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; prime minister appointed by the governor general from among the members of the House of Assembly

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (a 13-member body, 10 appointed by the government and three by the leader of the opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 January 1999 (next to be held by NA October 2004)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NNP 14, GULP 1

Judicial branch: West Indies Associate States Supreme Court (an associate judge resides in Grenada)

Political parties and leaders: Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Herbert PREUDHOMME]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [leader vacant]; New National Party or NNP [George McGUIRE]

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Denis G. ANTOINE

chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: the ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada

embassy: Point Salines, Saint George's

mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, West Indies

telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1176

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Flag description: a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars represent the seven administrative divisions

Grenada Economy

Economy - overview: In this island economy progress in fiscal reforms and prudent macroeconomic management have kept annual growth steady since 1998. The increase in economic activity has been led by construction and trade. Tourist facilities are being expanded; tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner. Major short-term concerns are the rising fiscal deficit and the deterioration in the external account balance. Grenada shares a common central bank and a common currency with seven other members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

GDP: purchasing power parity - $394 million (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 7% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,400 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9.7%

industry: 15%

services: 75.3% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 42,300 (1996)

Labor force - by occupation: services 62%, agriculture 24%, industry 14% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate: 15% (1997)

Budget: revenues: $85.8 million

expenditures: $102.1 million, including capital expenditures of $28 million (1997)

Industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction

Industrial production growth rate: 0.7% (1997 est.)

Electricity - production: 120 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 111.6 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Exports: $62.3 million (2000 est.)

Exports - commodities: bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Exports - partners: Caricom 32.3%, UK 20%, US 13%, Netherlands 8.8% (1991)

Imports: $217.5 million (2000 est.)

Imports - commodities: food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel (1989)

Imports - partners: US 31.2%, Caricom 23.6%, UK 13.8%, Japan 7.1% (1991)

Debt - external: $182.8 million (1998)

Economic aid - recipient: $8.3 million (1995)

Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Currency code: XCD

Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7000 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Grenada Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 27,000 (1997)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 976 (1997)

Telephone system: general assessment: automatic, islandwide telephone system

domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links

international: new SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Radios: 57,000 (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997)

Televisions: 33,000 (1997)

Internet country code: .gd

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 14 (2000)

Internet users: 2,000 (2000)

Grenada Transportation

Railways: 0 km

Highways: total: 1,040 km

paved: 638 km

unpaved: 402 km (1996)

Waterways: none

Ports and harbors: Grenville, Saint George's

Merchant marine: none (2000 est.)

Airports: 3 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2000 est.)

Grenada Military

Military branches: Royal Grenada Police Force (includes Special Service Unit), Coast Guard

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA%

Grenada Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: none

Illicit drugs: small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for marijuana and cocaine to US

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

@Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe Introduction

Background: Guadeloupe has been a French possession since 1635. The island of Saint-Martin is divided with the Netherlands (whose southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles).

Guadeloupe Geography

Location: Caribbean, islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates: 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Map references: Central America and the Caribbean

Area: total: 1,780 sq km

land: 1,706 sq km

water: 74 sq km

note: Guadeloupe is an archipelago of nine inhabited islands, including Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Desirade, Iles des Saintes (2), Saint-Barthelemy, Iles de la Petite Terre, and Saint-Martin (French part of the island of Saint Martin

Area - comparative: 10 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: total: 10.2 km

border countries: Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten) 10.2 km

Coastline: 306 km

Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

territorial sea: 12 NM

Climate: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity

Terrain: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Soufriere 1,467 m

Natural resources: cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism

Land use: arable land: 14%

permanent crops: 4%

permanent pastures: 14%

forests and woodland: 39%

other: 29% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: hurricanes (June to October); Soufriere is an active volcano

Environment - current issues: NA

Guadeloupe People

Population: 431,170 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.99% (male 55,030; female 52,722)

15-64 years: 66.22% (male 141,294; female 144,232)

65 years and over: 8.79% (male 15,901; female 21,991) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.07% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 16.91 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 6.02 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: -0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 9.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.16 years

male: 74.01 years

female: 80.48 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.93 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Guadeloupian(s)

adjective: Guadeloupe

Ethnic groups: black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant 1%

Languages: French (official) 99%, Creole patois

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 90%

male: 90%

female: 90% (1982 est.)

Guadeloupe Government

Country name: conventional long form: Department of Guadeloupe

conventional short form: Guadeloupe

local long form: Departement de la Guadeloupe

local short form: Guadeloupe

Dependency status: overseas department of France

Government type: NA

Capital: Basse-Terre

Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)

Independence: none (overseas department of France)

National holiday: Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system: French legal system

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Jacques CHIRAC of France (since 17 May 1995), represented by Prefect Jean FEDINI (since NA 1996)

head of government: President of the General Council Marcellin LUBETH (since NA March 1998); President of the Regional Council Lucette MICHAUX-CHEVRY (since 22 March 1992)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; the presidents of the General and Regional Councils are elected by the members of those councils

election results: NA

Legislative branch: unicameral General Council or Conseil General (42 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the unicameral Regional Council or Conseil Regional (41 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: General Council - last held 22 March 1998 (next to be held by NA 2004); Regional Council - last held 15 March 1998 (next to be held NA 2004)

election results: General Council - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - diverse left parties 11, PS 8, RPR 8, PPDG 6, diverse right parties 5, PCG 3, UDF 1; Regional Council - percent of vote by party - RPR 48.03%, PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 24.49%, PCG 5.29%, diverse right parties 5.73%; seats by party - RPR 25, PS/PPDG/diverse left parties 12, PCG 2, diverse right parties 2

note: Guadeloupe elects two representatives to the French Senate; elections last held NA September 1995 (next to be held NA September 2004); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RPR 1, FGPS 1; Guadeloupe elects four representatives to the French National Assembly; elections last held 25 May - 1 June 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FGPS 2, RPR 1, PPDG 1

Judicial branch: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique

Political parties and leaders: Communist Party of Guadeloupe or PCG [Christian CELESTE]; Progressive Democratic Party or PPDG [Henri BANGOU]; Rally for the Republic or RPR [Aldo BLAISE]; Socialist Party or PS [Georges LOUISOR]; Union for French Democracy or UDF [Marcel ESDRAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for Independent Guadeloupe or MPGI

International organization participation: FZ, WCL, WFTU

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

Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas department of France)

Flag description: three horizontal bands, a narrow green band (top), a wide red band, and a narrow green band; the green bands are separated from the red band by two narrow white stripes; a gold five-pointed star is centered in the red band toward the hoist side; the flag of France is used for official occasions

Guadeloupe Economy

Economy - overview: The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. It also depends on France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism is a key industry, with most tourists from the US; an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditional sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas (which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers. Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, mainly from France. Light industry features sugar and rum production. Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young. Hurricanes periodically devastate the economy.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.7 billion (1997 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: NA%

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,000 (1997 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15%

industry: 17%

services: 68% (1997 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA

Labor force: 125,900 (1997)

Labor force - by occupation: NA

Unemployment rate: 27.8% (1998)

Budget: revenues: $225 million

expenditures: $390 million, including capital expenditures of $105 million (1996)

Industries: construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Electricity - production: 1.3 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 1.209 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1999)

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The 2001 CIA World FactbookChapter XXI: Front Matter (21)

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