Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (78)

male: 24.2 years

female: 25.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.935% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Birth rate:

17.58 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Death rate:

5.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Net migration rate:

-2.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 23.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 92 male: 27.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.96 years country comparison to the world: 123 male: 68.95 years

female: 75.15 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.95 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Nationality:

noun: Uzbekistani

adjective: Uzbekistani

Ethnic groups:

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages:

Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.3%

male: 99.6%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 12 years

female: 11 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

9.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 7

Government ::Uzbekistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan

conventional short form: Uzbekistan

local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi

local short form: Ozbekiston

former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch

Capital:

name: Tashkent (Toshkent)

geographic coordinates: 41 20 N, 69 18 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular - viloyat), 1 autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi), Qoraqalpog'iston Respublikasi [Karakalpakstan]* (Nukus), Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri**, Toshkent Viloyati, Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 8 December 1992

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Islom KARIMOV (since 24 March 1990, when he was elected president by the then Supreme Soviet)

head of government: Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (since 11 December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Rustam AZIMOV (since 2 January 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the Supreme Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term, extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister, ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president

election results: Islom KARIMOV reelected president; percent of vote - Islom KARIMOV 88.1%, Asliddin RUSTAMOV 3.2%, Dilorom T0SHMUHAMEDOVA 2.9%, Akmal SAIDOV 2.6%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an upper house or Senate (100 seats; 84 members are elected by regional governing councils and 16 appointed by the president; to serve five-year terms) and a lower house or Legislative Chamber (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 26 December 2004 and 9 January 2005 (next to be held in December 2009)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Legislative Chamber - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDPU 41, NDP 32, Fidokorlar 17, MTP 11, Adolat 9, unaffiliated 10

note: all parties in the Supreme Assembly support President KARIMOV

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party [Dilorom TOSHMUHAMEDOVA]; Democratic National Rebirth Party (Milliy Tiklanish) or MTP [Hurshid DOSMUHAMMEDOV]; Fidokorlar National Democratic Party (Self-Sacrificers) [Ahtam TURSUNOV]; Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan or LDPU [Adham SHADMANOV; People's Democratic Party or NDP (formerly Communist Party) [Asliddin RUSTAMOV]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agrarian and Entrepreneurs' Party [Marat ZAHIDOV]; Birlik (Unity) Movement [Abdurahim POLAT, chairman]; Committee for the Protection of Human Rights [Marat ZAHIDOV]; Erk (Freedom) Democratic Party [Muhammad SOLIH, chairman] (was banned 9 December 1992); Ezgulik Human Rights Society [Vasila INOYATOVA]; Free Farmers' Party or Ozod Dehqonlar [Nigora HIDOYATOVA]; Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan [Talib YAKUBOV, chairman]; Independent Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan [Mikhail ARDZINOV, chairman]; Mazlum; Sunshine Coalition [Sanjar UMAROV, chairman]

International organization participation:

ADB, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Abdulaziz KAMILOV

chancery: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 887-5300

FAX: [1] (202) 293-6804

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND

embassy: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent 100093

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450

FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon and 12 white stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant

Economy ::Uzbekistan

Economy - overview:

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 11% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of its population lives in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it relies heavily on cotton production as the major source of export earnings and has come under increasing international criticism for the use of child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Other major export earners include gold, natural gas, and oil. Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the IMF, providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps to rejoin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in 2008, both organizations dominated by Russia. Uzbek authorities have accused US and other foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$71.84 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $65.91 billion (2007 est.)

$60.19 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$27.92 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 9.5% (2007 est.)

7.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $2,400 (2007 est.)

$2,200 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25.8%

industry: 31.4%

services: 42.8% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

15.37 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 44%

industry: 20%

services: 36% (1995)

Unemployment rate:

1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 0.8% (2007 est.)

note: officially measured by the Ministry of Labor, plus another 20% underemployed

Population below poverty line:

33% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.8%

highest 10%: 29.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

36.8 (2003) country comparison to the world: 80 44.7 (1998)

Budget:

revenues: $8.884 billion

expenditures: $8.474 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

10.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 41.5% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 12% (2007 est.)

note: official data; based on independent analysis of consumer prices, inflation reached 38% in 2008

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$715.3 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Industries:

textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Industrial production growth rate:

12.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Electricity - production:

46.33 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - consumption:

41.94 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Electricity - exports:

11.44 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

83,820 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - consumption:

148,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Oil - exports:

6,104 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Oil - imports:

35,810 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - proved reserves:

594 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas - production:

67.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - consumption:

52.6 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - exports:

15 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 15

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - proved reserves:

1.841 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Current account balance:

$6.257 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $4.267 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$10.37 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $8.026 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cotton, gold, energy products, mineral fertilizers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, textiles, food products, machinery, automobiles

Exports - partners:

Ukraine 27.3%, Russia 19.6%, Turkey 7.5%, Kazakhstan 5.9%, Bangladesh 5%, China 4.3%, Japan 4.1% (2008)

Imports:

$7.07 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $5.73 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Imports - partners:

Russia 24.7%, China 15.4%, South Korea 13.6%, Ukraine 7.2%, Germany 5.5%, Kazakhstan 4.9%, Turkey 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$10.15 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $7.413 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.022 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 111 $3.927 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Uzbekistani soum (UZS) per US dollar - 1,317 (2008 est.), 1,263.8 (2007), 1,219.8 (2006), 1,020 (2005), 971.265 (2004)

Communications ::Uzbekistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.85 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12.734 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephone system:

general assessment: antiquated and inadequate; in serious need of modernization

domestic: the main line telecommunications system is dilapidated and telephone density is low; the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbektelecom, is using loans from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to improve mainline services; completion of conversion to digital exchanges planned for 2010; mobile services are growing rapidly, with the subscriber base reaching 12.7 million in 2008

international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; after the completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan plans to establish a fiber-optic connection to Afghanistan (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 4, FM 12, shortwave 3 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

28 (includes 1 cable rebroadcaster in Tashkent and approximately 20 stations in regional capitals) (2006)

Internet country code:

.uz

Internet hosts:

50,228 (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Internet users:

2.469 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 65

Transportation ::Uzbekistan

Airports:

54 (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 33

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 4 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

under 914 m: 19 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 9,706 km; oil 868 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 3,645 km country comparison to the world: 47 broad gauge: 3,645 km 1.520-m gauge (620 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 86,496 km country comparison to the world: 55 paved: 75,511 km

unpaved: 10,985 km (2000)

Waterways:

1,100 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 63

Ports and terminals:

Termiz (Amu Darya)

Military ::Uzbekistan

Military branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year conscript service obligation; moving toward a professional military, but conscription will continue; the military cannot accommodate everyone who wishes to enlist, and competition for entrance into the military is similar to the competition for admission to universities (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,480,484

females age 16-49: 7,542,017 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,340,446

females age 16-49: 6,559,769 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 313,131

female: 310,442 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Transnational Issues ::Uzbekistan

Disputes - international:

prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of border with Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan); 1,060 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages near Tajikistan border) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not amend its criminal code to increase penalties for convicted traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on minimum age of employment and on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the government also demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive anti-trafficking law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Vanuatu (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Vanuatu

Background:

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Geography ::Vanuatu

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Geographic coordinates:

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 12,189 sq km country comparison to the world: 163 land: 12,189 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,528 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Terrain:

mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Natural resources:

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 6.97%

other: 91.39% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

People ::Vanuatu

Population:

218,519 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.7% (male 34,263/female 32,833)

15-64 years: 65.3% (male 72,670/female 69,970)

65 years and over: 4% (male 4,516/female 4,267) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.2 years

male: 24.2 years

female: 24.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.398% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Birth rate:

21.53 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Death rate:

7.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 25% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 51 male: 51.97 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 63.98 years country comparison to the world: 169 male: 62.37 years

female: 65.66 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.5 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Ethnic groups:

Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Religions:

Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Languages:

local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 74%

male: NA

female: NA (1999 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

9.5% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 6

Government ::Vanuatu

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form: Vanuatu

local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu

local short form: Vanuatu

former: New Hebrides

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

name: Port-Vila (on Efate)

geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Independence:

30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Constitution:

30 July 1980

Legal system:

unified system being created from former dual French and British systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABIL (since 3 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Edward NATAPEI (since 22 September 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Ham LINI (since 22 September 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament

elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held 22 September 2008 (next to be held following general elections in 2012)

election results: Iolu Johnson ABIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid

note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum Movement or JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE]; Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or NA [Paul TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]; People's Action Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA]; Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanuatu Family First Party or VFFP [Eta RORI]; Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU]; Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]; Vanuatu Republican Farmers Party or VPRFP [Jean RAVOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACCT, ACP, ADB, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow

Economy ::Vanuatu

Economy - overview:

This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for over 70% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with more than 167,000 visitors in 2007 are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$990.8 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 $929.5 million (2007 est.)

$870.3 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$573 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 6.8% (2007 est.)

7.2% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $4,400 (2007 est.)

$4,200 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 12%

services: 62% (2000 est.)

Labor force:

115,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 175

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.7% (1999) country comparison to the world: 15

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $78.7 million

expenditures: $72.23 million (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 75 6% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.29% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 104 8.16% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$101.6 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 112 $107.1 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$430 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 111 $421.8 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$274 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 120 $229.5 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish

Industries:

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Electricity - production:

42 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - consumption:

39.06 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 200

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - imports:

653.6 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Current account balance:

-$60 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Exports:

$40 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 199

Exports - commodities:

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Exports - partners:

Thailand 83%, Japan 5.9%, Belgium 1.8% (2008)

Imports:

$156 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Imports - partners:

Australia 17.6%, US 15.9%, Japan 12%, Singapore 10.8%, China 8.5%, NZ 7.5%, Fiji 6.7% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$40.54 million (2003) country comparison to the world: 154

Debt - external:

$81.2 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 188

Exchange rates:

vatu (VUV) per US dollar - NA (2007), 111.93 (2006), NA (2005), 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003)

Communications ::Vanuatu

Telephones - main lines in use:

10,400 (2008) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephones - mobile cellular:

36,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 199

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (2004)

Internet country code:

.vu

Internet hosts:

1,023 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Internet users:

17,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 192

Transportation ::Vanuatu

Airports:

31 (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 23 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 1,070 km country comparison to the world: 183 paved: 256 km

unpaved: 814 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

total: 54 country comparison to the world: 68 by type: bulk carrier 32, cargo 8, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 4, vehicle carrier 5

foreign-owned: 54 (Australia 2, Belgium 4, Canada 5, Estonia 1, Greece 1, Japan 29, Monaco 1, Poland 7, Russia 2, Switzerland 1, US 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)

Military ::Vanuatu

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 58,900 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 41,533

females age 16-49: 42,837 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,368

female: 2,272 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

NA

Transnational Issues ::Vanuatu

Disputes - international:

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Venezuela (South America)

Introduction ::Venezuela

Background:

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president since 1999, seeks to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purports to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking globalization and undermining regional stability. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Geography ::Venezuela

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 66 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 912,050 sq km country comparison to the world: 33 land: 882,050 sq km

water: 30,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 4,993 km

border countries: Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Coastline:

2,800 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 15 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna) 5,007 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

Land use:

arable land: 2.85%

permanent crops: 0.88%

other: 96.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

5,750 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,233.2 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.37 cu km/yr (6%/7%/47%)

per capita: 313 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast; threat to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed but not ratified:: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

on major sea and air routes linking North and South America; Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall

People ::Venezuela

Population:

26,814,843 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Age structure:

0-14 years: 30.5% (male 4,157,194/female 4,022,595)

15-64 years: 64.3% (male 8,480,872/female 8,754,620)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 620,657/female 778,905) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 25.5 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 26.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.508% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Birth rate:

20.61 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Death rate:

5.12 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Net migration rate:

-0.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 21.54 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 100 male: 25.1 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.61 years country comparison to the world: 103 male: 70.54 years

female: 76.83 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.48 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.7%; note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000 (1999 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93%

male: 93.3%

female: 92.7% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2003)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 124

Government ::Venezuela

Country name:

conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

conventional short form: Venezuela

local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela

local short form: Venezuela

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

name: Caracas

geographic coordinates: 10 30 N, 66 56 W

time difference: UTC-4.5 (half an hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales**, Distrito Federal*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia

note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

Independence:

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Constitution:

30 December 1999

Legal system:

open, adversarial court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Ramon Alonzo CARRIZALEZ Rengifo (since 4 January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999); Executive Vice President Ramon Alonzo CARRIZALEZ Rengifo (since 4 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 3 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)

note: in 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution that increased the presidential term to six years; an election was subsequently held on 30 July 2000 under the terms of this constitution

election results: Hugo CHAVEZ Frias reelected president; percent of vote - Hugo CHAVEZ Frias 62.9%, Manuel ROSALES 36.9%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (167 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)

elections: last held 4 December 2005 (next to be held in 2010)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - pro-government 167 (MVR 114, PODEMOS 15, PPT 11, indigenous 2, other 25), opposition 0; total seats by party as of 1 January 2008 - pro-government 152 (PSUV 114, PPT 11, indigenous 2, other 25), PODEMOS 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Tribuna Suprema de Justicia (magistrates are elected by the National Assembly for a single 12-year term)

Political parties and leaders:

A New Time or UNT [Manuel ROSALES]; Christian Democrats or COPEI [Cesar PEREZ Vivas]; Communist Party of Venezuela or PCV [Jeronimo CARRERA]; Democratic Action or AD [Henry RAMOS Allup]; Fatherland for All or PPT [Jose ALBORNOZ]; Justice First [Julio BORGES]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Hector MUJICA]; United Socialist Party of Venezuela or PSUV [Hugo CHAVEZ]; Venezuela Project or PV [Henrique SALAS Romer]; We Can or PODEMOS [Ismael GARCIA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; VECINOS groups; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers or CTV (labor organization dominated by the Democratic Action)

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), CDB, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bernardo ALVAREZ Herrera

chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214

FAX: [1] (202) 342-6820

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patrick DUDDY

embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1080

mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037

telephone: [58] (212) 975-6411, 907-8400 (after hours)

FAX: [58] (212) 907-8199

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of eight white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band

Economy ::Venezuela

Economy - overview:

Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 90% of export earnings, about 50% of the federal budget revenues, and around 30% of GDP. A nationwide strike between December 2002 and February 2003 had far-reaching economic consequences - real GDP declined by around 9% in 2002 and 8% in 2003 - but economic output since then has recovered strongly. Fueled by high oil prices, record government spending helped to boost GDP by about 10% in 2006, 8% in 2007, and nearly 5% in 2008. This spending, combined with recent minimum wage hikes and improved access to domestic credit, has created a consumption boom but has come at the cost of higher inflation - roughly 20% in 2007 and more than 30% in 2008. Imports also have jumped significantly. Declining oil prices in the latter part of 2008 are expected to undermine the govenment's ability to continue the high rate of spending. President Hugo CHAVEZ in 2008 continued efforts to increase the government's contol of the economy by nationalizing firms in the cement and steel sectors. In 2007, he nationalized firms in the petroleum, communications, and electricity sectors. In July 2008, CHAVEZ implemented by decree a number of laws that further consolidate and centralize authority over the economy through his plan for "21st Century Socialism."

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$356.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $340 billion (2007 est.)

$314.2 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$319.4 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 8.2% (2007 est.)

9.9% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$13,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 $13,100 (2007 est.)

$12,300 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 37.6%

services: 58.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

12.59 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 23%

services: 64% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 8.5% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

37.9% (end 2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 32.7% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.2 (2003) country comparison to the world: 29 49.5 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Budget:

revenues: $94.14 billion

expenditures: $97.69 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

13.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 43.1% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

30.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 18.7% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

33.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 2 28.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

22.37% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 29 17.11% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$79.91 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 16 $63.18 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$10.93 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 49 $8.889 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$62.42 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 44 $50.24 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$8.251 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish

Industries:

petroleum, construction materials, food processing, textiles; iron ore mining, steel, aluminum; motor vehicle assembly

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Electricity - production:

113.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Electricity - consumption:

83.02 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Electricity - exports:

540 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

1.651 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

2.643 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - consumption:

760,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - exports:

2.182 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

Oil - proved reserves:

99.38 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - production:

24.01 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Natural gas - consumption:

25.51 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 93

Natural gas - imports:

1.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - proved reserves:

4.84 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Current account balance:

$39.21 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 $20 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$93.54 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $69.17 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures

Exports - partners:

US 40.7%, Netherlands Antilles 7.8%, China 4.7% (2008)

Imports:

$48.1 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $45.46 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials

Imports - partners:

US 26.3%, Colombia 12.7%, Brazil 10.3%, China 7%, Mexico 4.8% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$42.3 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $33.48 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$47.03 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $43.33 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$41.38 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $43.96 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$16.62 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $13.81 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

bolivars (VEB) per US dollar - 2.147 (2008 est.), 2,147 (2007), 2,147 (2006), 2,089.8 (2005), 1,891.3 (2004)

note: on 1 January 2008 Venezuela revalued its currency with 1000 old bolivares equal to 1 new bolivar

Communications ::Venezuela

Telephones - main lines in use:

6.304 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 28

Telephones - mobile cellular:

27.084 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern and expanding

domestic: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas; substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines; installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of digital multimedia services; combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 125 per 100 persons

international: country code - 58; submarine cable systems provide connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat; participating with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia in the construction of an international fiber-optic network (2007)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 201, FM unknown, but at least 25 in Caracas, shortwave 11 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

66 (plus 45 repeaters) (1997)

Internet country code:

.ve

Internet hosts:

155,139 (2009) country comparison to the world: 68

Internet users:

7.167 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 35

Transportation ::Venezuela

Airports:

406 (2009) country comparison to the world: 20

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 131

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 35

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 19 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 275

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 16

914 to 1,523 m: 103

under 914 m: 155 (2009)

Heliports:

4 (2009)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 980 km; gas 5,036 km; oil 6,695 km; refined products 1,484 km; unknown 141 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 806 km country comparison to the world: 101 standard gauge: 806 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 96,155 km country comparison to the world: 47 paved: 32,308 km

unpaved: 63,847 km (2002)

Waterways:

7,100 km country comparison to the world: 21 note: Orinoco River (400 km) and Lake de Maracaibo navigable by oceangoing vessels (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 62 country comparison to the world: 65 by type: bulk carrier 9, cargo 16, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas 5, passenger/cargo 10, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 2

foreign-owned: 12 (Chile 1, Denmark 1, Greece 3, Mexico 5, Panama 1, Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 12 (Bahamas 1, Panama 10, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

La Guaira, Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, Punta Cardon

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Caribbean Sea as a significant risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Venezuela

Military branches:

National Bolivarian Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, FANB): National Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Nacional Bolivariano, ENB), Bolivarian National Navy (Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana (FANB); includes Naval Infantry, Coast Guard, Naval Aviation), Bolivarian National Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Nacional Bolivariana, AMNB), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia Nacional Bolivaria, GNB) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; 30-month conscript service obligation; all citizens 18-50 years old are obligated to register for military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,647,124

females age 16-49: 6,801,133 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,391,582

females age 16-49: 5,873,563 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 276,051

female: 274,162 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Transnational Issues ::Venezuela

Disputes - international:

claims all of the area west of the Essequibo River in Guyana, preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; dispute with Colombia over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics and paramilitary activities penetrate Venezuela's shared border region; in 2006, an estimated 139,000 Colombians sought protection in 150 communities along the border in Venezuela; US, France, and the Netherlands recognize Venezuela's granting full effect to Aves Island, thereby claiming a Venezuelan EEZ/continental shelf extending over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea; Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines protest Venezuela's full effect claim

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and tourist areas; child prostitution in urban areas and child sex tourism in resort destinations appear to be growing; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to Western Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Venezuela is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List, up from Tier 3, as it showed greater resolve to address trafficking through law enforcement measures and prevention efforts in 2007, although stringent punishment of offenders and victim assistance remain lacking (2008)

Illicit drugs:

small-scale illicit producer of opium and coca for the processing of opiates and coca derivatives; however, large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transit the country from Colombia bound for US and Europe; significant narcotics-related money-laundering activity, especially along the border with Colombia and on Margarita Island; active eradication program primarily targeting opium; increasing signs of drug-related activities by Colombian insurgents on border

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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@Vietnam (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Vietnam

Background:

The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under Communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies, the persecution and mass exodus of individuals - many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants - and growing international isolation. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The country continues to experience small-scale protests from various groups, the vast majority connected to land-use issues and the lack of equitable mechanisms for resolving disputes. Various ethnic minorities, such as the Montagnards of the Central Highlands and the Khmer Krom in the southern delta region, have also held protests. In January 2008, Vietnam assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term.

Geography ::Vietnam

Location: