Data code: MG
Government type: republic
National capital: Ulaanbaatar
Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (aymguud, singular – aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud, singular – hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs
Independence: 13 March 1921 (from China)
National holiday: National Day, 11 July (1921)
Constitution: 12 February 1992
Legal system: blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state : President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990)
head of government: Prime Minister Mendsaihan ENHSAIHAN (since 18 July 1996)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the State Great Hural elections: president nominated by parties in the State Great Hural and elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held 19 May 1997); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the State Great Hural election results: Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (MNDP and MSDP) reelected president; percent of vote – Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT 57.8%, Lodongiyn TUDEV (MPRP) NA%; Mendsaihan ENHSAIHAN elected prime minister; percent of State Great Hural vote – NA
Legislative branch: unicameral State Great Hural (76 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 30 June 1996 (next to be held NA June 2000) election results: percent of vote by party – DUC 66%, MPRP 33%, MCP 1%; seats by party – DUC 50 (MNDP 34, MSDP 13, independents 3), MPRP 25, MCP 1
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, serves as appeals court for people’s and provincial courts, but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts, judges are nominated by the General Council of Courts for approval by the Great Hural
Political parties and leaders: Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP), N. ENHBAYAR, general secretary; Democratic Union Coalition (DUC), Mendsaihan ENHSAIHAN, general secretary (includes Mongolian National Democratic Party or MNDP, M. ENHSAIHAN, chairman; Mongolian Social Democratic Party or MSDP, Radnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJI, chairman; Green Party, leader NA; and Mongolian Democratic Party of Believers or MDPB, leader NA); Mongolian Conservative Party (MCP), leader NA; Democratic Power Coalition, D. BYAMBASUREN, chairman (includes Mongolian Democratic Renaissance Party or MDRP, BYAMBASUREN, chairman, and Mongolian People’s Party or MPP, leader NA); Mongolian National Solidarity Party (MNSP), leader NA; Bourgeois Party/Capitalist Party, VARGALSAIHAN, chairman; United Heritage Party (UHP), B. JAMTSAI (includes United Party of Herdsman and Farmers, leader NA; Independence Party, leader NA; Traditional United Conservative Party, leader NA; and Mongolian United Private Property Owners Party, leader NA); Workers’ Party, leader NA
International organization participation: AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Jalbuugiyn CHOINHOR chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117
FAX : [1] (202) 298-9227
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Llewellyn HEDGBETH
embassy: inner north side of the Big Ring, just west of the Selbe Gol, Ulaanbaatar
mailing address: c/o American Embassy Beijing, Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road; PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone : [976] (1) 329095, 329606
FAX: [976] (1) 320776
Flag description: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red, centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem (“soyombo” – a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol)
Economy
Economy – overview: The new government has embraced free-market economics, freezing spending, easing price controls, liberalizing domestic and international trade. Mongolia’s severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of unproductive land, however, have constrained economic development. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock. In past years extensive mineral resources had been developed with Soviet support; total Soviet assistance at its height amounted to 30% of GDP. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. The dramatic drop in the price of copper which accounts for half of the country’s export earnings, has held back economic growth. The Mongolian leadership also has been soliciting support from international financial agencies and foreign investors. The economy, however, has still not recovered from the loss of Soviet aid. The country continues to suffer substantial economic hardships, with one-fourth of the population below the poverty line.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $5.1 billion (1996 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: 3% (1996 est.)
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $2,060 (1996 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: 28%
industry: 35%
services: 37% (1993 est.)
Inflation rate – consumer price index: 53% (1996 est.)
Labor force:
total: 1.115 million (mid-1993 est.) by occupation : primarily herding/agricultural
Unemployment rate: 6% (1995 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $1.5 billion
expenditures : $1.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)
Industries: copper, construction materials, mining (particularly coal); food and beverage, processing of animal products
Industrial production growth rate: 6% (1995 est.)
Electricity – capacity: 900,000 kW (1995)
Electricity – production: 3.07 billion kWh (1994)
Electricity – consumption per capita: 1,215 kWh (1995 est.)
Agriculture – products: wheat, barley, potatoes, forage crops; sheep, goats, cattle, camels, horses
Exports:
total value: $400 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities : copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals partners: former CMEA countries 30%, China 15%, EU 9% (1995)
Imports:
total value: $473 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities : machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea partners: former CMEA countries 56%, China 9%, EU 8% (1995)
Debt – external: $500 million (1996 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA; US, $9.5 million (1995 est.)
Currency: 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos
Exchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1 – 709.54 (January 1997), 548.40 (1996), 448.61 (1995), 412.72 (1994), 42.56 (1992)
Fiscal year: calendar year
@Mongolia:Communications
Telephones: 89,000 (1995 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: NA
international: satellite earth station – 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: 220,000
Television broadcast stations: 1 (provincial repeaters 18)
Televisions: 120,000 (1993 est.)
@Mongolia:Transportation
Railways:
total: 1,928 km
broad gauge: 1,928 km 1.524-m gauge (1994)
Highways:
total : 49,200 km
paved: 1,120 km
unpaved: 48,080 km (1995 est.)
note: much of the unpaved rural road system consists of rough cross-country tracks
Waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1988)
Ports and harbors: none
Airports: 34 (1994 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total: 8
2,438 to 3,047 m: 7
under 914 m : 1 (1994 est.)
Airports – with unpaved runways:
total: 26
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 10
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m : 5 (1994 est.)
Military
Military branches: Mongolian People’s Army (includes Internal Security Forces and Frontier Guards), Air Force
Military manpower – military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower – availability:
males age 15-49: 659,173 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – fit for military service: males: 430,482 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – reaching military age annually: males: 27,723 (1997 est.)
Military expenditures – dollar figure: $22.8 million (1992)
Military expenditures – percent of GDP: 1% (1992)
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: none
______________________________________________________________________
MONTSERRAT
(dependent territory of the UK)
@Montserrat:Geography
Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates: 16 45 N, 62 12 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total : 100 sq km
land: 100 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area – comparative: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 40 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 3 nm
Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland
Elevation extremes:
lowest point : Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Chances Peak 914 m
Natural resources: NEGL
Land use:
arable land : 20%
permanent crops: 0%
permanent pastures : 10%
forests and woodland: 40%
other: 30% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (full-scale eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano occurred during 1996)
Environment – current issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
Environment – international agreements: party to: NA
signed, but not ratified : NA
@Montserrat:People
Population: 12,800 (July 1997 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years : NA
65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 0.23% (1997 est.)
Birth rate: 14.47 births/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Death rate: 9.85 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years : NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female total population: NA male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate: 11.87 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 75.62 years
male: 73.85 years
female : 77.42 years (1997 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.86 children born/woman (1997 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Montserratian(s)
adjective: Montserratian
Ethnic groups: black, white
Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations
Languages: English
Literacy:
definition : age 15 and over has ever attended school total population: 97%
male: 97%
female: 97% (1970 est.)
@Montserrat:Government
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Montserrat
Data code: MH
Dependency status: dependent territory of the UK
Government type: NA
National capital: Plymouth
Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter’s
Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)
Constitution: present constitution came into force 19 December 1989
Legal system: English common law and statute law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank J. SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) head of government : Chief Minister Bertrand OSBORNE (since 13 November 1996)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney general, and the finance secretary
elections: the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor appointed by the queen; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes chief minister; note: as a result of the last election, a coalition party was formed between NPP, NDP, and one of the independent candidates
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (11 seats, 7 popularly elected; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 11 November 1996 (next to be held by NA 2001) election results: percent of vote by party – NA; seats by party – PPA 2, MNR 2, NPP 1, independent 2
Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia); one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court
Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP), Reuben T. MEADE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MNR), Percival Austin BRAMBLE; People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA), Bertrand OSBORNE
International organization participation: Caricom, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, WCL
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (dependent territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (dependent territory of the UK)
Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross
Economy
Economy – overview: The economy of this volcanic island is small and open, with economic activity centered on tourism and related services. Tourism accounts for roughly one-quarter of Montserrat’s national income. The island’s main export is electronic components which are mainly shipped to the US. The agriculture sector is small; cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, and onions are grown for the domestic market; additionally, some hot peppers and live plants are exported to the US and Europe. Volcanic activity in late 1995 led to the repeated evacuation of Montserrat’s capital, Plymouth, and deep ash from the volcano destroyed much of the yearend crops. These disruptions, compounded by hurricanes, caused production in 1995 to drop precipitously. The likely slow recovery of tourism and the continued danger of an eruption dimmed the prospects for rapid recovery in 1996.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $55.3 million (1995 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: -2.9% (1995 est.)
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $4,360 (1995 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: 4.8%
industry: 18.4%
services: 76.8% (1990 est.)
Inflation rate – consumer price index: 4% (1995 est.)
Labor force:
total: 4,521 (1992)
by occupation : community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6% (1995)
Budget:
revenues: NA
expenditures : NA
Industries: tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity – capacity: NA kW
Electricity – production: NA kWh
Electricity – consumption per capita: NA kWh
Agriculture – products: cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products
Exports:
total value: $12.1 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities : electronic components, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle
partners: US, Ireland
Imports:
total value: $29.9 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities : machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials partners: NA
Debt – external: $10.2 million (December 1994)
Economic aid: $NA
Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 – 2.70 (February 1997; fixed rate since 1976)
Fiscal year: 1 April – 31 March
@Montserrat:Communications
Telephones: 3,000
Telephone system:
domestic : NA
international: NA
Radio broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 4, shortwave 0
Radios: 6,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: 2,000 (1992 est.)
@Montserrat:Transportation
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total : 269 km
paved: 203 km
unpaved: 66 km (1995)
Ports and harbors: Plymouth
Merchant marine: none
Airports: 1 (1996 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1996 est.)
Military
Military branches: Police Force
Military – note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: none
______________________________________________________________________
MOROCCO
@Morocco:Geography
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
Geographic coordinates: 32 00 N, 5 00 W
Map references: Africa
Area:
total: 446,550 sq km
land: 446,300 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Area – comparative: slightly larger than California
Land boundaries:
total: 2,017.9 km
border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km
Coastline: 1,835 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone : 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior
Terrain: northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains
Elevation extremes:
lowest point : Sebkha Tah -55 m
highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m
Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt
Land use:
arable land: 21%
permanent crops: 1%
permanent pastures: 47%
forests and woodland: 20%
other : 11% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 12,580 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts
Environment – current issues: land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters
Environment – international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea
Geography – note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar
@Morocco:People
Population: 30,391,423 (July 1997 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years : 37% (male 5,730,322; female 5,552,490) 15-64 years: 59% (male 8,832,635; female 8,949,126) 65 years and over: 4% (male 629,816; female 697,034) (July 1997 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.02% (1997 est.)
Birth rate: 26.83 births/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Death rate: 5.58 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (1997 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 40.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 70.08 years
male : 68.04 years
female: 72.21 years (1997 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.47 children born/woman (1997 est.)
Nationality:
noun : Moroccan(s)
adjective: Moroccan
Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 43.7%
male : 56.6%
female: 31% (1995 est.)
@Morocco:Government
Country name:
conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco conventional short form : Morocco
local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah local short form: Al Maghrib
Data code: MO
Government type: constitutional monarchy
National capital: Rabat
Administrative divisions: 36 provinces and 5 wilayas*; Agadir, Al Hoceima, Assa-Zag, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Es Smara, Fes*, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache, Marrakech*, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit
note : decentralization/regionalization law passed by the legislature in March 1997 creating many new provinces/regions; specific details and scope of the reorganization not yet available
Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France)
National holiday: National Day, 3 March (1961) (anniversary of King HASSAN II’s accession to the throne)
Constitution: 10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create bicameral legislature) September 1996
Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961) head of government: Prime Minister Abdellatif FILALI (since 29 May 1994)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the king elections: none; the king is a hereditary monarch; prime minister appointed by the king
Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives or Majlis Nawab (333 seats; 222 elected by popular vote, 111 indirectly elected by an electoral college made up of government, professional, and labor representatives; members serve six-year terms); note – bicameral legislature to be introduced in September 1997; members of the upper house will be indirectly elected to serve nine-year terms, with one-third of the members renewed every three years; members of the lower house will be directly elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms
elections: popular elections last held 15 June 1993; indirect elections last held 17 September 1993 (next election will be for the new bicameral legislature with both indirect and popular elections scheduled to be held in September 1997)
election results: popular elections – percent of vote by party – NA; seats by party – USFP 48, IP 43, MP 33, RNI 28, UC 27, PND 14, MNP 14, PPS 6, PDI 3, SAP 2, PA 2, OADP 2; indirect elections – percent of vote by party – NA; seats by party – UC 27, MP 18, RNI 13, MNP 11, PND 10, IP 7, Party of Shura and Istiqlal 6, USFP 4, PPS 4, CDT 4, UTM 3, UGTM 2, SAP 2
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the king
Political parties and leaders:
opposition : Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), Abderrahman YOUSSFI; Istiqlal Party (IP), M’Hamed BOUCETTA; Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Ali YATA; Organization of Democratic and Popular Action (OADP), Mohamed Ben SAID; Democratic Socialist Party, Issa al-OUARDIGHI
pro-government: Constitutional Union (UC), Abdelatif SEMLALI; Popular Movement (MP), Mohamed LAENSER; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; National Popular Movement (MNP), Mahjoubi AHARDANE; National Democratic Movement, Mohamed AARCHANE independents: National Rally of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN; Democracy and Istiqlal Party (PDI), leader NA; Action Party (PA), Abdullah SENHAJI; Non-Obedience Candidates (SAP), leader NA labor unions and community organizations (indirect elections only) : Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), Nabir AMAOUI; General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), Abderrazzak AFILAL; Moroccan Union of Workers (UTM), Mahjoub BENSEDIQ; Party of Shura and Istiqlal, Abdelwaheb MAASH; Labor Union Commissions, leader NA
International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed BENAISSA chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone : [1] (202) 462-7979 through 7982 FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc C. GINSBERG embassy : 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat
mailing address: PSC 74, Box 003, APO AE 09718 telephone: [212] (7) 76 22 65
FAX: [212] (7) 76 56 61
consulate(s) general: Casablanca
Flag description: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon’s seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam
Economy
Economy – overview: Morocco faces the typical problems of developing countries – restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade, and keeping inflation within manageable bounds. Since the early 1980s the government has pursued an economic program toward these objectives with the support of the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club of creditors. The dirham is now fully convertible for current account transactions; reforms of the financial sector have been implemented; and 43 state enterprises have been privatized. Drought conditions in three of the last four years have depressed activity in the key agricultural sector, holding down exports and contributing to a 7.5% contraction in real GDP in 1995. Favorable rainfall in 1996 nurtured a record wheat crop and contributed to the 9% overall growth. Servicing the large external debt, preparing the economy for freer trade with the European Union, and finding jobs for Morocco’s youthful population remain long-term problems.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $97.6 billion (1996 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: 9% (1996 est.)
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $3,260 (1996 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: 21%
industry: 30%
services: 49% (1994)
Inflation rate – consumer price index: 5% (1996 est.)
Labor force:
total: 7.4 million
by occupation: agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985)
Unemployment rate: 20% (1995 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $10.4 billion
expenditures: $10.75 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.)
Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: 4.5% (1996 est.)
Electricity – capacity: 3.79 million kW (1994)
Electricity – production: 10.17 billion kWh (1994)
Electricity – consumption per capita: 385 kWh (1995 est.)
Agriculture – products: barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock
Exports:
total value: $7.7 billion (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities : food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17% (1995 est.) partners : EU 63%, Japan 7.7%, India 6.6%, US 3.4%, Libya 3.4% (1996 est.)
Imports:
total value: $9.8 billion (c.i.f., 1996 est.) commodities: capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9% (1995 est.)
partners: EU 57%, US 6.6%, Saudi Arabia 5.3%, Brazil 2.8% (1996 est.)
Debt – external: $23.4 billion (1996 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $297 million (1993) note : $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991)
Currency: 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 – 9.018 (January 1997), 8.716 (1996), 8.540 (1995), 9.203 (1994), 9.299 (1993), 8.538 (1992)
Fiscal year: July 1-June 30
@Morocco:Communications
Telephones: 270,100 (1987 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan
international : 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations – 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel
Radio broadcast stations: AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 0
Radios: 5.527 million (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 26 (repeaters 26)
Televisions: 1.21 million (1993 est.)
@Morocco:Transportation
Railways:
total: 1,907 km
standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1003 km electrified; 246 km double track) (1994)
Highways:
total : 60,513 km
paved: 30,438 km (including 113 km of expressways) unpaved: 30,075 km (1995 est.)
Pipelines: crude oil 362 km; petroleum products 491 km (abandoned); natural gas 241 km
Ports and harbors: Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla
Merchant marine:
total: 36 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 180,172 GRT/261,213 DWT ships by type: cargo 7, chemical tanker 7, container 2, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 1 (1996 est.)
Airports: 62 (1996 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total : 35
over 3,047 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m : 11 (1996 est.)
Airports – with unpaved runways:
total: 27
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
914 to 1,523 m : 15 (1996 est.)
Heliports: 1 (1996 est.)
Military
Military branches: Royal Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force)
Military manpower – military age: 18 years of age
Military manpower – availability:
males age 15-49: 7,779,077 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – fit for military service: males: 4,927,589 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – reaching military age annually: males: 336,969 (1997 est.)
Military expenditures – dollar figure: $1.38 billion (1995)
Military expenditures – percent of GDP: 4.1% (1995)
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved and the UN is attempting to hold a referendum on the issue; the UN-administered cease-fire has been in effect since September 1991; Spain controls five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco – the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as the islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas Chafarinas
Illicit drugs: illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe ______________________________________________________________________
MOZAMBIQUE
@Mozambique:Geography
Location: Southern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania
Geographic coordinates: 18 15 S, 35 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:
total: 801,590 sq km
land : 784,090 sq km
water: 17,500 sq km
Area – comparative: slightly less than twice the size of California
Land boundaries:
total: 4,571 km
border countries: Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km
Coastline: 2,470 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive economic zone : 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: tropical to subtropical
Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m
Natural resources: coal, titanium, natural gas
Land use:
arable land: 4%
permanent crops : 0%
permanent pastures: 56%
forests and woodland: 18%
other: 22% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 1,180 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: severe droughts and floods occur in central and southern provinces; devastating cyclones
Environment – current issues: a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters
Environment – international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Desertification, Law of the Sea
@Mozambique:People
Population: 18,165,476 (July 1997 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 45% (male 4,021,791; female 4,136,853) 15-64 years: 53% (male 4,678,819; female 4,910,085) 65 years and over: 2% (male 173,177; female 244,751) (July 1997 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.6% (1997 est.)
Birth rate: 44.33 births/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Death rate: 18.31 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over : 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (1997 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 122.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 44.85 years
male: 43.71 years
female: 46.02 years (1997 est.)
Total fertility rate: 6.11 children born/woman (1997 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Mozambican(s)
adjective: Mozambican
Ethnic groups: indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%
Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%
Languages: Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population : 40.1%
male: 57.7%
female: 23.3% (1995 est.)
@Mozambique:Government
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique conventional short form: Mozambique
local long form : Republica Popular de Mocambique local short form: Mocambique
Data code: MZ
Government type: republic
National capital: Maputo
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular – provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia
Independence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal)
National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975)
Constitution: 30 November 1990
Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986); note – before being popularly elected, CHISSANO was elected president by FRELIMO’s Central Committee 4 November 1986 (reelected by the Committee 30 July 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Pascoal MOCUMBI (since NA December 1994)
cabinet : Cabinet
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 27 October 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); prime minister appointed by the president
election results: Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO elected president; percent of vote – Joaquim CHISSANO 53.3%, Afonso DHLAKAMA 33.3%
Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on a secret ballot to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 27-29 October 1994 (next to be held NA October 1999)
election results: percent of vote by party – Frelimo 44.33%, RENAMO 33.78%, Democratic Union 5.15%, other 16.74%; seats by party – Frelimo 129, RENAMO 112, Democratic Union 9
note: the presidential and legislative elections took place as called for in the 1992 peace accords; RENAMO participated in the elections
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the president and judges elected by the Assembly
Political parties and leaders: Front for the Liberation of Mozambique or FRELIMO [Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO, chairman]; Mozambique National Resistance or RENAMO [Afonso DHLAKAMA, president]; Democratic Union or DU [Antonio PALANGE, general secretary]
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Marcos Geraldo NAMASHULUA chancery: Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146
FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Peter Michael McKINLEY
embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo
telephone : [258] (1) 492797
FAX: [258] (1) 490114
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book
Economy
Economy – overview: One of Africa’s poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and transportation resources. Agricultural output is at only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20%-40% of capacity. Foreign assistance programs supply the foreign exchange required to pay for imports of goods and services. The peace accord, signed in October 1992, has improved Mozambique’s prospects. The restoration of electrical transmission lines to South Africa and the completion of a new transmission line to Zimbabwe (permitting the giant Cahora Bassa hydropower plant to export large amounts of electricity), proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline to South Africa, and reform of transportation services will greatly improve foreign exchange receipts. The Mozambique and South African governments are developing the Maputo corridor, linking the port of Maputo with Witbank, South Africa. In the past few years, more than 500 state enterprises have been privatized, including the country’s largest commercial bank and a number of sizable manufacturing firms. Other pending reform measures are the privatization of customs operations, the reform of tax collection, and the facilitation of private enterprise in the transportation, energy, and telecommunications sectors.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $12.2 billion (1995 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: 3% (1995 est.)
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $670 (1995 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: 33%
industry: 12%
services : 55% (1994 est.)
Inflation rate – consumer price index: 22% (1996 est.)
Labor force: NA
by occupation: 80% engaged in agriculture note: in 1993, 47% of the wage earners were employed in industry, 28% in transportation and communication; traditionally, a large number of Mozambicans work abroad
Unemployment rate: 50% (1989 est.)
Budget:
revenues: $252 million
expenditures : $607 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)
Industries: food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco
Industrial production growth rate: 5.8% (1993 est.)
Electricity – capacity: 2.36 million kW (1994)
Electricity – production: 490 million kWh (1994)
Electricity – consumption per capita: 45 kWh (1993)
Agriculture – products: cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (tapioca), corn, rice, tropical fruits; beef, poultry
Exports:
total value : $169 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: shrimp 40%, cashews, cotton, sugar, copra, citrus partners: Spain, South Africa, US, Portugal, Japan
Imports:
total value: $784 million (c.i.f., 1995) commodities : food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum partners: South Africa 44%, UK, France, Japan, Portugal
Debt – external: $5.5 billion (1995)
Economic aid:
recipient : ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos
Exchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1 – 11,455.0 (December 1996), 11,293.8 (1996), 9,024.3 (1995), 6,038.6 (1994), 3,874.2 (1993), 2,516.5 (1992)
Fiscal year: calendar year
@Mozambique:Communications
Telephones: 59,000 (1983 est.)
Telephone system: fair system of tropospheric scatter, open-wire lines, and microwave radio relay
domestic: microwave radio relay and tropospheric scatter international : satellite earth stations – 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 29, FM 4, shortwave 0
Radios: 700,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1
Televisions: 44,000 (1992 est.)
@Mozambique:Transportation
Railways:
total: 3,131 km
narrow gauge: 2,988 km 1.067-m gauge; 143 km 0.762-m gauge (1994)
Highways:
total: 29,810 km
paved: 5,545 km
unpaved : 24,265 km (1995 est.)
note: highway traffic impeded by land mines not removed at end of civil war
Waterways: about 3,750 km of navigable routes
Pipelines: crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 km
Ports and harbors: Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Nacala, Pemba
Merchant marine:
total : 4 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,694 GRT/9,724 DWT (1996 est.)
Airports: 129 (1996 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total: 85
over 3,047 m : 1
2,438 to 3,047 m: 4
1,524 to 2,437 m : 10
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 65 (1996 est.)
Airports – with unpaved runways:
total: 44
1,524 to 2,437 m : 12
914 to 1,523 m: 32 (1996 est.)
Military
Military branches: Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Militia
Military manpower – availability:
males age 15-49: 4,149,766 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – fit for military service: males: 2,390,791 (1997 est.)
Military expenditures – dollar figure: $84 million (1994)
Military expenditures – percent of GDP: 5.3% (1994)
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: none
Illicit drugs: Southern African transit hub for South American cocaine probably destined for the European and US markets; producer of hashish and methaqualone
______________________________________________________________________
NAMIBIA
@Namibia:Geography
Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa
Geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 17 00 E
Map references: Africa
Area:
total: 825,418 sq km
land: 825,418 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area – comparative: slightly more than half the size of Alaska
Land boundaries:
total: 3,824 km
border countries: Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 855 km, Zambia 233 km
Coastline: 1,572 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m
Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore
Land use:
arable land: 1%
permanent crops : 0%
permanent pastures: 46%
forests and woodland: 22%
other: 31% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: prolonged periods of drought
Environment – current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification
Environment – international agreements: party to: Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified : Biodiversity, Desertification
@Namibia:People
Population: 1,727,183 (July 1997 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 43% (male 379,158; female 371,008) 15-64 years: 53% (male 444,523; female 465,510) 65 years and over: 4% (male 28,743; female 38,241) (July 1997 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.94% (1997 est.)
Birth rate: 37.08 births/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Death rate: 7.72 deaths/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1997 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth : 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population : 0.97 male(s)/female (1997 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 45.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1997 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 64.91 years
male : 63.23 years
female: 66.63 years (1997 est.)
Total fertility rate: 5.05 children born/woman (1997 est.)
Nationality:
noun: Namibian(s)
adjective: Namibian
Ethnic groups: black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4% note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups are: Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%
Religions: Christian 80% to 90% (Lutheran 50% at least, other Christian denominations 30%, native religions 10% to 20%
Languages: English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, Nama
Literacy:
definition : age 15 and over can read and write total population: 38%
male: 45%
female: 31% (1960 est.)
@Namibia:Government
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Namibia conventional short form: Namibia
Data code: WA
Government type: republic
National capital: Windhoek
Administrative divisions: 13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa
Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)
National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990)
Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990
Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); note – the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); note – the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999)
election results : Sam NUJOMA elected president; percent of vote – 76%
Legislative branch: bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26 seats; two members are chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: National Council – last held 30 November-3 December 1992 (next to be held by December 1998); National Assembly – last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999) election results: National Council – percent of vote by party – NA; seats by party – SWAPO 19, DTA 6, UDF 1; National Assembly – percent of vote by party – SWAPO 73.89%, DTA 20.78%, UDF 2.72%, DCN 0.83%, MAG 0.82%; seats by party – SWAPO 53, DTA 15, UDF 2, MAG 1, DCN 1 note: the National Council is a purely advisory body
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: South West Africa People’s Organization or SWAPO [Sam NUJOMA]; National Democratic Party for Justice or NDPFJ [Nbhwete NDJOBA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia or DTA [Mishake MUYONGO, president]; United Democratic Front or UDF [Justus GAROEB]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Kosie PRETORIUS]; Democratic Coalition of Namibia or DCN [Moses K. KATJIUONGUA]
Political pressure groups and leaders: NA
International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission : Ambassador Veiccoh NGHIWETE chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540
FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission : Ambassador George F. WARD, Jr. (24 July 1996) embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek telephone: [264] (61) 221601
FAX: [264] (61) 229792
Flag description: a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders
Economy
Economy – overview: The economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world’s fifth-largest producer of uranium. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. Half of the population depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. Namibia must import some of its food.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $6.2 billion (1996 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: 1.5% (1996 est.)
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $3,700 (1996 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: 15%
industry: 20%
services: 65% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate – consumer price index: 8% (1996 est.)
Labor force:
total: 500,000
by occupation: agriculture 49%, industry and commerce 25%, services 5%, government 18%, mining 3% (1994 est.)
Unemployment rate: 21.8% (1993)
Budget:
revenues : $1.1 billion
expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $193 million (FY96/97 est.)
Industries: meat packing, fish processing, dairy products; mining (diamond, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper)
Industrial production growth rate: 10% (1994)
Electricity – capacity: 406,000 kW (1993)
Electricity – production: 994 million kWh (1993) note: imports electricity from South Africa
Electricity – consumption per capita: 925 kWh (1993)
Agriculture – products: millet, sorghum, peanuts; livestock; fish catch potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled
Exports:
total value: $1.45 billion (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, cattle, processed fish, karakul skins
partners : UK, South Africa, Spain, Japan (1994)
Imports:
total value: $1.55 billion (f.o.b., 1996 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment, chemicals
partners: South Africa 85%, Germany, US, Japan (1994 est.)
Debt – external: about $315 million (1996 est.)
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Namibian dollar (N$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Nambian dollars (N$) per US$1 – 4.64152 (January 1997), 4.29935 (1996), 3.62709 (1995), 3.55080 (1994), 3.26774 (1993), 2.85201 (1992)
Fiscal year: 1 April – 31 March
@Namibia:Communications
Telephones: 89,722 (1992 est.)
Telephone system:
domestic: good urban services; fair rural service; microwave radio relay links major towns; connections to other populated places are by open wire
international: NA
note: a fully automated digital network is to be operational by 1997
Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 40, shortwave 0
Radios: 195,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 3
Televisions: 27,000 (1993 est.)
@Namibia:Transportation
Railways:
total: 2,382 km
narrow gauge: 2,382 km 1.067-m gauge; single track (1995)
Highways:
total: 40,450 km
paved: 5,299 km
unpaved: 35,151 km (1995 est.)
Ports and harbors: Luderitz, Walvis Bay
Merchant marine:
total : 1 roll-on/roll-off ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,330 GRT/2,233 DWT
Airports: 111 (1996 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total: 32
over 3,047 m : 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 15
914 to 1,523 m: 3
under 914 m : 10 (1996 est.)
Airports – with unpaved runways:
total: 79
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 18
914 to 1,523 m: 59 (1996 est.)
Military
Military branches: National Defense Force (Army), Police
Military manpower – availability:
males age 15-49: 392,228 (1997 est.)
Military manpower – fit for military service: males: 233,336 (1997 est.)
Military expenditures – dollar figure: $64 million (FY95/96)
Military expenditures – percent of GDP: 2.1% (FY95/96)
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Kasikili (Sidudu) Island in Linyanti (Chobe) River remained unresolved in December 1995, and the parties agreed to refer the matter to the ICJ
______________________________________________________________________
NAURU
@Nauru:Geography
Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands
Geographic coordinates: 0 32 S, 166 55 E
Map references: Oceania
Area:
total: 21 sq km
land: 21 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area – comparative: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 30 km
Maritime claims:
exclusive fishing zone : 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)
Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center
Elevation extremes:
lowest point : Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location along plateau rim 61 m
Natural resources: phosphates
Land use:
arable land: NA%
permanent crops: NA%
permanent pastures: NA%
forests and woodland: NA%
other : 100% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Natural hazards: periodic droughts
Environment – current issues: limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources
Environment – international agreements: party to : Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography – note: Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean – the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator
@Nauru:People
Population: 10,390 (July 1997 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: NA
15-64 years: NA
65 years and over: NA
Sex ratio:
at birth: NA male(s)/female
under 15 years : NA male(s)/female
15-64 years: NA male(s)/female
65 years and over: NA male(s)/female total population: NA male(s)/female
Life expectancy at birth:
total population : NA years
male: NA years
female: NA years
Nationality:
noun: Nauruan(s)
adjective: Nauruan
Ethnic groups: Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%
Religions: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)
Languages: Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes
Literacy: NA
@Nauru:Government
Country name:
conventional long form : Republic of Nauru conventional short form: Nauru
former: Pleasant Island
Data code: NR
Government type: republic
National capital: no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
Administrative divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren
Independence: 31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, New Zealand-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968)
Constitution: 29 January 1968
Legal system: acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law
Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Kinza CLODUMAR (since 8 February 1997); note – the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government : President Kinza CLODUMAR (since 8 February 1997); note – the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of Parliament
elections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term; election last held 8 February 1997 (next to be held NA 2000) election results : Kinza CLODUMAR elected president; percent of Parliament vote – NA
note: President CLODUMAR is the country’s fifth president in five months
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (18 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms) elections: last held 18 November 1995 (next to be held NA November 1998)
election results : percent of vote – NA; seats – independents 18
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO
Diplomatic representation in the US: Nauru does not have an embassy in the US
consulate(s) : Agana (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru
Flag description: blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicates the country’s location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru
Economy
Economy – overview: Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which are expected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World, but incomes probably will drop sharply in the future. Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, including fresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition. However, dividends from the trusts have declined sharply since 1990 and the government has been borrowing heavily from the trusts to finance fiscal deficits. In an effort to stem further escalation of fiscal problems, the FY96/97 budget calls for a freeze on government wages for two years, a reduction of over-staffed public service departments, drastic cutbacks in hiring new government staff, privatization of numerous government agencies, and closure of some overseas consulates.
GDP: purchasing power parity – $100 million (1993 est.)
GDP – real growth rate: NA%
GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity – $10,000 (1993 est.)
GDP – composition by sector:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services : NA%
Inflation rate – consumer price index: -3.6% (1993)
Labor force:
by occupation : employed in mining phosphates, public administration, education, and transportation
Unemployment rate: 0%
Budget:
revenues : $23.4 million
expenditures: $64.8 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY95/96)
Industries: phosphate mining, financial services, coconut products
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity – capacity: 13,250 kW (1995)
Electricity – production: 48 million kWh (1995)
Electricity – consumption per capita: NA kWh
Agriculture – products: coconuts predominate
Exports:
total value: $25.3 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: phosphates
partners : Australia, NZ
Imports:
total value: $21.1 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery partners: Australia, UK, NZ, Japan
Debt – external: $33.3 million
Economic aid:
recipient: ODA, $2.25 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.)
Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 – 1.2835 (January 1997), 1.2773 (1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992)
Fiscal year: 1 July – 30 June
@Nauru:Communications
Telephones: 2,000 (1989 est.)
Telephone system: adequate local and international radiotelephone communications provided via Australian facilities domestic: NA
international: satellite earth station – 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0
Radios: 4,000 (1993 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 (1991 est.)
Televisions: NA
@Nauru:Transportation
Railways:
total: 3.9 km; note – used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing facilities on the southwest coast
Highways:
total: 28 km
paved: 22 km
unpaved: 6 km (1995 est.)
Ports and harbors: Nauru
Merchant marine: none
Airports: 1 (1996 est.)
Airports – with paved runways:
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (1996 est.)
Military
Military branches: no regular armed forces; Directorate of the Nauru Police Force
Military manpower – availability:
males age 15-49 : NA
Military manpower – fit for military service: males: NA
Military expenditures – dollar figure: $NA
Military expenditures – percent of GDP: NA%
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international: none
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