Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (58)

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.419 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 66

Telephones - mobile cellular:

73.099 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephone system:

general assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains a problem

domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations; all 36 states operate TV stations; several private TV stations operational; cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; network of federal-government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations; roughly 40 state-government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts; about 20 private radio stations also operate; transmissions of international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet hosts:

1,378 (2010) country comparison to the world: 163

Internet users:

43.989 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Transportation ::Nigeria

Airports:

54 (2010) country comparison to the world: 86

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 16

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

4 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 26 km; gas 2,565 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km; oil 3,424 km; refined products 4,090 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 3,505 km country comparison to the world: 49 narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 193,200 km country comparison to the world: 26 paved: 28,980 km

unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2009) country comparison to the world: 15

Merchant marine:

total: 98 country comparison to the world: 51 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 30, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 60, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 4 (India 1, Spain 1, UK 2)

registered in other countries: 37 (Bahamas 2, Belize 2, Bermuda 11, Comoros 1, Italy 1, Liberia 4, Malaysia 1, Malta 1, North Korea 1, Panama 7, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Nigeria

Military branches:

Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,203,921

females age 16-49: 34,409,821 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 20,298,351

females age 16-49: 19,355,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,731,734

female: 1,652,632 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 101

Transnational Issues ::Nigeria

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)

IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly short-term) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF

page last updated on January 24, 2011

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

@Niue (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Niue

Background:

Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography ::Niue

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km country comparison to the world: 212 land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 11.54%

permanent crops: 15.38%

other: 73.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

one of world's largest coral islands

People ::Niue

Population:

1,354 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 235

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.032% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%, Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints 8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), Niuean a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Niue

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee

former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

name: Alofi

geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order

Independence:

19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand)

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the power to make its laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)

head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held on 18 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held on 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20 independents

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Flag description:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand

National anthem:

name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven)

lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA

note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in FY08/09 was US$5.7 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.01 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.01 million (2003)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.5%

industry: 26.9%

services: 49.5% (2003)

Labor force:

663 (2001) country comparison to the world: 227

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001) country comparison to the world: 128

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 116

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - imports:

31 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Exports:

$201,400 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Exports - commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Imports:

$9.038 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4015 (2010), 1.6002 (2009), 1.4151 (2008), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006)

Communications ::Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 227

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600 (2004) country comparison to the world: 219

Telephone system:

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

international: country code - 683 (2001)

Broadcast media:

1 government-owned television station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2009)

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet hosts:

397,270 (2010) country comparison to the world: 52

Internet users:

1,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Transportation ::Niue

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 229

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 120 km country comparison to the world: 212 paved: 120 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Alofi

Military ::Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Niue

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Norfolk Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Norfolk Island

Background:

Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Geography ::Norfolk Island

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 36 sq km country comparison to the world: 234 land: 36 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

NA

Geography - note:

most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People ::Norfolk Island

Population:

2,155 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 231

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.006% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Birth rate:

NA

Death rate:

NA

Net migration rate:

NA

Sex ratio:

NA

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Religions:

Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Languages:

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

Literacy:

NA

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

NA

Capital:

name: Kingston

geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E

time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council made up of 4 of the 9 members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the administrator (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be given to any one candidate; members to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held on 17 March 2010 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political parties)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island

note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band

National anthem:

name: "Come Ye Blessed"

lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT

note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia), however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"

Economy ::Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

978 (2006) country comparison to the world: 226

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry and services: 90%

Agriculture - products:

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

Industries:

tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$1.5 million (FY91/92) country comparison to the world: 217

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f. (FY91/92); $17.9 million country comparison to the world: 218

Imports - commodities:

NA

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.1151 (2010), 1.2822 (2009), 1.2059 (2008), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006)

Communications ::Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital (32) circuits (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0 (2002) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: free local calls

international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Broadcast media:

1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and television stations are received via satellite (2009)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet hosts:

93 (2010) country comparison to the world: 202

Transportation ::Norfolk Island

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 228

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 80 km country comparison to the world: 215 paved: 53 km

unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kingston

Military ::Norfolk Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Norfolk Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Northern Mariana Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Geography ::Northern Mariana Islands

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 464 sq km country comparison to the world: 195 land: 464 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

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

Terrain:

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.04%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 82.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

NA

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues:

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

48,317 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26% (male 7,203/female 6,180)

15-64 years: 70.9% (male 16,751/female 19,747)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 784/female 819) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 29.9 years

female: 29.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-5.567% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 232

Birth rate:

21.05 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Death rate:

3.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

Net migration rate:

-73.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Urbanization:

urban population: 91% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.059 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.92 male(s)/female

total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 178 male: 6.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.9 years country comparison to the world: 65 male: 74.27 years

female: 79.68 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.18 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

NA

Nationality:

noun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

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

Languages:

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

NA

Government ::Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

abbreviation: CNMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status:

commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

name: Saipan

geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Legal system:

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

Suffrage:

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

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include special assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November 2009 (run-off election was held on 23 November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL reelected with 51.4% over Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER (48.6%) in the run-off election held on 23 November 2009

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011); House of Representatives - last held on 7 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3

note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

NA

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture

National anthem:

name: "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea)

lyrics/music: Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN

note: adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the United States, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)

Economy ::Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 199

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

8% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 8

Agriculture - products:

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Industries:

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

60,600 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - consumption:

48,300 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Exports:

$98.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Exports - commodities:

garments

Imports:

$214.4 million (2001) country comparison to the world: 199

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

25,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,500 (2004) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009)

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet hosts:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Transportation ::Northern Mariana Islands

Airports:

5 (2010) country comparison to the world: 181

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 536 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 192

Ports and terminals:

Saipan, Tinian, Rota

Military ::Northern Mariana Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,359

females age 16-49: 12,385 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 430

female: 346 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on December 13, 2010

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

@Norway (Europe)

Introduction ::Norway

Background:

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Geography ::Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 323,802 sq km country comparison to the world: 67 land: 304,282 sq km

water: 19,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,542 km

border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 10 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.7%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.3% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

381.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)

per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches

volcanism: Beerenberg (elev. 2,227 m, 7,306 ft) on Jan Mayen Island in the Norwegian Sea is the country's only active volcano

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world

People ::Norway

Population:

4,676,305 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.8 years

female: 40.5 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.334% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Birth rate:

10.9 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Death rate:

9.26 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Net migration rate:

1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.054 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 211 male: 3.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.08 years country comparison to the world: 25 male: 77.42 years

female: 82.89 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Religions:

Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Languages:

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.7% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 27

Government ::Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

local short form: Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

name: Oslo

geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution:

17 May 1814; amended many times

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 14 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - DNA 35.4%, FrP 22.9%, H 17.2%, SV 6.2%, Sp 6.2%, KrF 5.5%, V 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by party - DNA 64, FrP 41, H 30, SV 11, Sp 11, KrF 10, V 2

note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party (Senterpartiet or Sp) [Liv Signe NAVARSETE]; Christian People's Party (Kristelig Folkeparti or KrF) [Dagfinn HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party (Hoyre or H) [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet or DNA) [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party (Venstre or V) [Trine SKEI-GRANDE]; Progress Party (Framstegspartiet or FrP) [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti or SV) [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer advocacy group)

other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barry B. WHITE

embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will move to Huseby in the near future

mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50

FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63, 22 56 27 51

Flag description:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)

National anthem:

name: "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" (Yes, We Love This Country)

lyrics/music: Bjornstjerne BJORNSON/Rikard NORDRAAK

note: adopted 1864; in addition to the national anthem, "Kongesangen" (Song of the King), which uses the tune of "God Save the Queen," serves as the royal anthem

Economy ::Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state-majority-owned enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's second-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to ninth-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in the world's second largest sovereign wealth fund, valued at over $500 billion in 2010. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 1.8% in 2008, and the economy contracted by 1.4% in 2009 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$276.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $272.3 billion (2009 est.)

$276.2 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$413.5 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 -1.4% (2009 est.)

1.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$59,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $58,400 (2009 est.)

$59,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 40.1%

services: 57.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.59 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 21.1%

services: 76% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 3.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (2008) country comparison to the world: 133 25.8 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Public debt:

47.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 49.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 2.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 72 6.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

4.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 7.28% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 27 $118.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$256.3 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $243.3 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$414.5 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $379.6 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$227.2 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 31 $125.9 billion (31 December 2008)

$357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

0.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - production:

142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - consumption:

128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - exports:

17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.35 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Oil - consumption:

204,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Oil - exports:

2.061 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - imports:

107,500 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - proved reserves:

6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - production:

103.5 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - consumption:

4.62 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas - exports:

98.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Current account balance:

$60.23 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $53.53 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$137 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $122 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 24.28%, Germany 13.4%, Netherlands 10.87%, France 8.55%, Sweden 5.76%, US 4.82% (2009)

Imports:

$74.02 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $66.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 13.86%, Germany 12.89%, China 7.8%, Denmark 6.78%, US 6.16%, UK 6.01% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$48.86 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.232 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 7 $475.9 billion (31 December 2008)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$132.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 $128.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$226.6 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $206 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 6.1533 (2010), 6.2883 (2009), 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006)

Communications ::Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.9 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.336 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems

international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Broadcast media:

state-owned public radio-TV broadcaster operates 3 nationwide television stations, 3 nationwide radio stations, and 16 regional radio stations; roughly a dozen privately-owned television stations broadcast nationally and roughly another 25 local TV stations are available; nearly 75% of households have access to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; 2 privately-owned radio stations broadcast nationwide and another 240 stations operate locally (2008)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet hosts:

3.352 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 27

Internet users:

4.431 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 53

Transportation ::Norway

Airports:

98 (2010) country comparison to the world: 61

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 25 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 4,114 km country comparison to the world: 40 standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 92,946 km country comparison to the world: 52 paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Waterways:

1,577 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Merchant marine:

total: 632 country comparison to the world: 19 by type: bulk carrier 43, cargo 133, carrier 5, chemical tanker 139, combination ore/oil 12, container 1, liquefied gas 53, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 58, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 46

foreign-owned: 104 (Bermuda 5, Canada 1, China 25, Cyprus 1, Denmark 11, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 4, Iceland 3, Italy 3, Lithuania 1, Monaco 1, Poland 2, Saudi Arabia 3, Sweden 33, US 9)

registered in other countries: 940 (Antigua and Barbuda 9, Australia 1, Bahamas 198, Barbados 41, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 3, Canada 4, Chile 1, Comoros 2, Cook Islands 6, Croatia 2, Cyprus 12, Denmark 2, Dominica 1, Equatorial Guinea 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 6, Finland 2, France 1, Gibraltar 42, Hong Kong 49, Indonesia 4, Ireland 3, Isle of Man 26, Italy 6, Japan 1, Liberia 42, Libya 1, Malta 84, Marshall Islands 57, Netherlands 18, former Netherlands Antilles 2, Panama 89, Portugal 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12, Singapore 132, Spain 10, Sweden 3, UK 39, US 10, Vanuatu 1, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bergen, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Sture

Military ::Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard (Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2010)

Military service age and obligation: